Sado Island

Shoboji Temple is the place where Zeami, who was exiled to Sado Island, once resided. Every June, the "Shoboji Rosoku Noh" is performed under the candlelight of the main hall. If you visit during this time, you can see the oldest mask in the prefecture, the "Shinjimen Beshimi", which is believed to have been used by Zeami in his rain dance.

Just a 15-minute drive from Shoboji Temple, the "Sado History and Legend Museum" offers exhibits on the history of Noh in Sado and features a life-sized robot reenactment of Zeami's rain dance.

At Daizen Shrine, both Hino Suketomo, who was exiled to Sado, and Daisenbo, who aided in the escape of Suketomo's son, are enshrined. The shrine also sets the scene for the Noh play "Danpuu," which is based on their story. It stands as one of the eminent Noh stages on Sado Island, where the tradition of performances persists.

Every year, on April 18th, dedicatory Noh performances take place, and in June, the "Takigi Noh" showcases Sado's traditional repertoire.

In the early Edo period, the Honma family, appointed by the magistrate's office as "Noh Dayu", established a school known as the Hosho-za and began dedicating Noh performances to the shrine. From the middle Edo period onward, the Hosho-za played a central role in Noh activities on Sado Island. The existing stage was rebuilt in 1885, with large jars embedded beneath its floor to enhance acoustics. A particular highlight is the beautiful mirror board at the back of the stage, depicting the mountain ranges of Sado Island. Every year, on the last Sunday of July, a Noh performance known as "Honmake-Teirei-Noh" is held on this stage owned by the Honma family.

*Note: 'Noh Dayu' refers to a role in Noh that serves in religious ceremonies."

Shiizaki Suwa Shrine, located on a hill overlooking Lake Kamo, boasts a Noh stage built in 1902. From May to early October, the "Tenryo Sado Ryotsu Takigi Noh" is performed on Saturdays. "Takigi Noh" refers to an outdoor Noh performance illuminated by bonfires, creating a captivating atmosphere where islanders dance passionately amidst the flames.