New Year Kyogen Performance

On the second day of 2014 I went to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and was lucky enough to see a traditional kyogen performance. The shrine's theater had doors all around that were raised with ropes so that the stage was open on three sides. There were no props except the fans the actors carried, and the play was lit by golden winter afternoon sunlight. My Japanese friend did his best to explain the story, but to be honest I was just fascinated by the visual spectacle. I think the kyogen performance is a regular event, so visit Kitano Tenmangu during the New Year period if you get the chance!