<World Heritage Site – Daigoji Temple Sanbōin>Recreating Hideyoshi’s Historic “Boating” ExperienceNoh × Shō: Nighttime Special Performance in the Illuminated Autumn Garden
- louloucojp
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
In the Sanboin Gardens, dyed in autumn leaves, a boating activity reminiscent of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's "Daigo Cherry Blossom Viewing" is recreated.
Classical performing arts dance on the water surface at Kyoto's Daigoji Temple, a World Heritage Site that has inherited a thousand years of prayer.
Daigoji Sanboin Temple (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City), a World Heritage Site in Fushimi, Kyoto, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi once personally landscaped the gardens and held spring banquets, will be hosting a special evening performance (Noh x Sho) alongside illuminated autumn leaves.
This event will be held on a boat floating on Sanboin Temple's pond, creating a unique cultural space where live Noh and Sho music will reverberate through the garden on an autumn night.
This is an attempt to recreate the "boating" that was once practiced at Sanboin Temple in modern times, and you can experience the mysterious world that is unique to the World Heritage Site, Kyoto's Daigoji Temple, where history, nature, and performing arts blend together.
■ Event Overview
【schedule】
•Saturday, November 29, 2025 Doors open at 18:30 Performance begins at 19:00 (half moon) Shimai "Fujito" and "Funabenkei"
•November 30, 2025 (Sunday) Doors open at 18:30 Performance starts at 19:00 - (half moon) Hosho performance
• Saturday, December 6, 2025 Doors open at 6:30 PM Performance begins at 7:00 PM (full moon) Hosho performance
•Sunday, December 7th, 2025 Doors open at 18:30 Performance begins at 19:00 (full moon) Dances "Toru" and "Funabenkei" *Entry will not be permitted before 18:30, so please arrive after 18:30.
*The Shimai performance this time will feature the highlight of Noh, performed in crested kimono, without the use of Noh masks, costumes, or musical accompaniment. You can enjoy the structure of the performance, like a sketch in a painting.
■ Program introduction
● "Fujito"
The "hidden sin" that Sasaki Moritsuna committed behind his military achievements. A story of conflict and salvation for a warlord who faces the ghosts of others.
● "Toru"
The ghost of Minamoto no Toru appears at Rokujo Kawara-in Temple and dances in the moonlight, creating a mysterious world. This work is in perfect harmony with the moonlight, pond, and garden scenery.
● "Funabenkei"
This is the story of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who is attacked by the vengeful spirits of the Heike clan at sea as he flees the capital. Storms, vengeful spirits, prayers... A masterpiece with dramatic developments and powerful dances.
● Hosho performance
The sho, one of the instruments used in gagaku music, produces a particularly mystical tone. Its complex overtones resonate over the water and resonate with the night air of the garden.
■ Performers
Noh actor (Kanze school) Haruhisa Kawamura
Hosho player Tokiko Ihara (performs depending on schedule each day)
■ Admission Fee: Regular admission fee is 1,000 yen ( please pay on -site or online )
【venue】
Sanboin Garden, Daigoji Temple (Omote Shoin in case of rain) 22 Daigo Higashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City
<Access>
・Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line "Daigo Station" ・Keihan Bus "Daigoji" and "Daigoji-mae"
■ Highlights of this event
● 1) Modern-day recreation of boating at Sanboin Garden, associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Sanboin Garden is a famous garden that was personally designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1598 for the Daigo Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival.
The historically unique "boating" activity will be recreated on a floating stage on a pond on an autumn night.
● 2) Autumn leaves illumination × floating stage × classical performing arts miraculous collaboration
The sounds of Noh and Sho music blend with the autumn leaves reflected on the water and the moonlight, creating a fantastical space. The performance schedule, which is timed to coincide with the phases of the moon, is also appealing.
● 3) Set in a World Heritage Site. A thousand-year-old tradition of prayer and performing arts come together in "Kyoto Night"
This is a rare opportunity to experience the World Heritage temple at night, coinciding with its special autumn opening. This experience, which combines history, faith, and art, is attracting attention from both within Japan and overseas.
■ Organizer
Daigoji Temple (Head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism, World Heritage Site)
■ Planning
Cultural and Educational Tourism Council
The thoughts behind this project
This project is the first step in ensuring that the national treasures and important cultural properties that Daigoji Temple has protected and passed down are passed on to future generations.
We want to keep the prayers and culture that have been passed down for over a thousand years alive and well into the future. With this strong desire, we hope that as many people as possible will learn about the charm and value of Daigoji Temple and provide support.
We sincerely ask for your kind attendance and cooperation so that we can continue to protect and nurture this cultural heritage that continues to shine through the ages.
*This project is being carried out using the Kyoto Morning and Night Tourism Promotion Project Subsidy from Kyoto Prefecture and the Kyoto Tourism Federation (public corporation).
[Kyoto Tourism Navi]
[Advance booking site (linked from "Kyoto Tourism Navi")]
