An early example of an Edo-period Noh stage
The Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage (今宮神社御旅所能舞台, Imamiya Jinja Otabisho Nobutai) is a Noh stage of 1795 facing south next to the Shinyo Hoanden at the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/03/27. The Agency for Cultural Affairs regards it as an early example of an Edo-period Noh stage.
According to Kyoto City, the Otabisho buildings burned in the great fire of 1788, and the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage was rebuilt in 1795 together with the Gondensha. Until the Showa 40s, Noh was offered on it during the Imamiya Festival.
Pine and bamboo, bridgeway and chorus seats
The stage is 5.9 metres square under a hip-and-gable roof in metal sheet, entered at the gable end. The building area is 84 square metres.
At the back is the rear stage, and behind it the back panel is painted with pine and bamboo; Kyoto City describes pine as the backdrop and bamboo on the right. The veranda under the east eaves serves as the seat for the chorus, and from the west end of the rear stage a bridgeway runs to the Kagami-no-ma, the dressing room.
A rainbow-shaped beam spans the back of the stage, and the ceiling is a fine-gridded coffer. Main stage, rear stage, chorus seat, bridgeway and dressing room all survive together at this open-air site.
What to look for, and visiting
The Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage is viewed from outside and you cannot step onto it. Look first at the pine and bamboo on the back panel, then follow the bridgeway west to the Kagami-no-ma.
The Otabisho receives the deities during the Imamiya Festival, when the mikoshi are installed and worshippers come to pay their respects. We found no official notice on access at other times, so outside the festival check with Imamiya Shrine (075-491-0082) before going. Directions are on the Imamiya Shrine page.
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Q&A
- When was the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage built?
- In 1795, after the great fire of 1788.
- Was Noh performed on the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage?
- Yes. According to Kyoto City, Noh was offered there during the Imamiya Festival until the Showa 40s.
- What is painted on the back panel of the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage?
- Pine and bamboo.
- How big is the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage?
- The stage is 5.9 metres square, with a building area of 84 square metres.
- Can I visit the Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage?
- The Otabisho is open to worshippers during the Imamiya Festival; for other times, check with Imamiya Shrine. You cannot step onto the stage.
Basic Information
| Name | Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage (今宮神社御旅所能舞台) |
|---|---|
| Location | 136 Wakamiya-yokocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 26-560 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/03/27 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, hip-and-gable metal-sheet roof entered at the gable; stage 5.9 metres square; building area 84 square metres |
| Owner | Imamiya Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Open to worshippers during the Imamiya Festival; check with Imamiya Shrine for access at other times; interior not open |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Imamiya Shrine Otabisho Noh Stage
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012212
- Agency for Cultural Affairs — Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures), report of 2017/11/17 (Japanese)
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/pdf/r1392281_21.pdf
- Kyoto City — Imamiya Shrine Otabisho (Japanese)
- https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/tokei/cmsfiles/contents/0000305/305675/a24otabisho.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.01
