In 1881, the statesman Iwakura Tomomi summoned members of the nobility to build a Noh stage in Shiba Park, near where Tokyo Tower now stands, for the preservation and development of the unique Japanese culture of Noh drama as well as the patronage of Noh actors.
That stage was presented and moved to Yasukuni Jinja in 1903, becoming the current Noh theater.
Here, Noh drama as well as various other forms of entertainment and martial arts are performed in honor of the resident divinities on occasions such as the New Year, the annual rites in the spring and fall, and the Mitama Festival.