There are four main types of traditional theater in Japan. Each of them can be seen during a trip to Japan. But the tickets can be expensive.

Nô (能)

Photo: Nô actor coming back from stage at Miyajima temple, Hiroshima Ken, Seto Inland Sea, Japan by Alex_Saurel

Nô is a plain, restrained and intense theatre which was created from Shinto Rituals. Kan'ami Kiyotsugu (観阿弥 清次, 1333 - 1384) presented it for the first time, the Daimyo changed it to a ritual ceremony afterwards. Parts of Nô are bare trilateral stages made of cypress wood with a ramp at the side. The actors wear masks and perform a Kata (cheography) which is accompanied by music. All traditional Japnese theatre types are only performed by men. 

Kyogen (狂言)

Photo: Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen by Teruhide Tomori (◠‿◠)

Kyogen was created from the farcical elements and interludes of Nô performances. Kyogen is a comic theatre with uncomplicated sketches and colloquial language. It’s mainly about human preferences and weaknesses. The main actors wear masks, all other characters are played without masks. Kyogen uses plain costumes which are decorated and heavy and Tabi socks. A lot of layer should make the actors taller and more impressive.

Kabuki (歌舞伎)

Photo: Kabuki Performance at SF State October 2009 by mabeljmnz

Kabuki was founded by Izumo no Okuni (出雲の阿国) in Kyoto in early the 17th century. She could have been a Miko of the Izumo Taisha which used a new style of drama dance. In the beginning Kabuki was only performed by women. Since many actresses were also prostitutes Kabuki became a famous entertainment in red-light-districts. In 1629 women Kabuki was banned in Japan since it was too erotic. Afterwards all men Kabuki was born. The female parts of a Kabuki play are also played by men which are called Onnagata (女形).

Japanese people really liked Kabuki, because they wanted to see carefree entertainment. Everything about Kabuki is avant-garde, lush and colorful. They use big stages and ensembles and a curtain for change of scenes. Instead of wearing masks Kabuki actors wear very opulent make-up. They are still very famous in Japan and can be compared to popular celebrities. Most of them were born in an actor dynasty. 

Bunraku (文楽)

Photo: bunraku by appow

Like Kabuki Bunraku also aims for a large audience and is a Japanese puppet theatre. The Bunraku puppets got a height of 120cm, carved wooden heads, movable hands and extravagant clothes. On the other hand the puppeteers wear traditional formal robes. Supporter on the right and left side of the puppeteers wear black clothes. As for the story, it will be told by a storyteller.