Photos: np&djjewell · CC BY 2.0 · matsuyuki · CC BY-SA 2.0 (2, 4, 5) · joka2000 · CC BY 2.0
Minamiza, which claims about 400 years of theatre on the same Shijō site (the current house dates from 1929), stages the annual Kichirei Kaomise "face-showing" kabuki in December. Before it opens, hinoki name boards (maneki) lettered in fat Kantei-ryū script go up over the façade.
Why it's unique
The "oldest theatre" line is hedged even by its own sources, so it is not the claim. The record is the December kaomise under the maneki: an annual face-showing run, announced by hand-lettered name boards hung across the façade.
The raising of the boards in late November is free to watch and is the Kyoto signal that the year is ending. The lettering has passed through five generations of one family of maneki-writers.
Before you go
Watching the maneki-age in late November is free and is the Kyoto signal that the year is ending; the boards are about 1.8 m single planks, and the lettering has passed through five generations of one family of maneki-writers.
Fans favour the third-floor seats for the view of the karahafu gable over the stage. The house holds 1,082, smaller than Tokyo's Kabukiza. The 2026 kaomise runs 1 to 24 December; Shochiku Kabukikai members get presale; tickets via Ticket Web Shochiku or 0570-000-489.
