ROHM Theatre Kyoto — Attraction in Kyoto

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Gilberto Gil concert at the ROHM Theater Kyoto, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Gilberto Gil, a legendary Brazilian artist, filled the room with his vibrant energy and soulful music, transporting the audience straight to the heart of Brazil. Even from the third floor, I was amazed by how well I could see and hear everything – the acoustics are fantastic!

The sound quality was impressive; every note, every strum of the guitar came through beautifully, allowing me to enjoy the performance as if I were right up front. The theater’s thoughtful design really lets you feel connected to the performance, no matter where you’re seated.

To top it all off, the atmosphere at ROHM Theater is warm and inviting, making it a perfect venue for a night of great music. This was more than just a concert; it was an experience that stayed with me long after I left the theater....

今はおしゃれな「ロームシアター」という名前ですが、以前は「京都会館」と呼んでいました。1960年3月に竣工しました。 旧京都会館 竣工：1960年3月31日 設計：前川國男 ／ 前川國男建築設計事務所 構造：鉄筋コンクリート造、一部鉄骨造り 規模：地下1階、地上3階建 受賞：日本建築学会賞、日本建築年鑑賞、照明普及賞、BCS賞受賞 1960年4月29日、全国に先駆けた多目的な公立文化ホールとして、京都・岡崎の地に京都会館は誕生しました。当時の京都市は、財政的に非常に厳しい状況にありましたが、市民会館建設に対する市民の強い要望もあり、市民や企業からの多額の寄付金を財源の一部として建設が実現しました。 設計を担ったのは、日本を代表する建築家である故前川國男氏です。同氏は、京都会館を京都市民の、あるいは京都の青少年の一つの「生活道場」として活用していくという、当時の市長をはじめとした京都市の熱意に打たれたと述べておられます。こうして出来上がった京都会館は、岡崎地域の周辺環境との調和を考慮し、水平線を強く意識した意匠で設計されており、日本建築学会賞を受賞するなど、「モダニズム建築の傑作」として高い評価を受けています。 「ロームシアター」のこと 京都会館は施設の老朽化に伴い、2012年3月限りで閉鎖して改修工事に入り、2016年1月10日に新装開場した。また、改修工事費用の捻出のため、地元の電子部品メーカー・ロームに命名権を売却しました。契約期間は50年で総額52億5000万円という破格の契約となっています。

It is now called the fashionable "ROHM Theatre", but it was previously called "Kyoto Kaikan". It was completed in March 1960.

Old Kyoto Kaikan Completed: March 31, 1960 Designed by: Maekawa Kunio / Maekawa Kunio Architectural Design Office Structure: Reinforced concrete, partially steel frame Size: 1 basement floor, 3 floors above ground Awards: Architectural Institute of Japan Award, Japan Architecture Year Appreciation, Lighting Popularization Award, BCS Award On April 29, 1960, Kyoto Kaikan was born in Okazaki, Kyoto, as a multi-purpose public cultural hall, the first of its kind in the country. At the time, Kyoto City was in a very difficult financial situation, but there was a strong demand from citizens for the construction of a civic hall, and the construction was realized partly with large donations from citizens and companies. The design was done by the late Maekawa Kunio, one of Japan's leading architects. He said he was touched by the enthusiasm of the city of Kyoto, including the mayor at the time, to use Kyoto Kaikan as a "living dojo" for the citizens and the youth of Kyoto. The Kyoto Kaikan that was completed in this way was designed with a strong sense of the horizon, taking into consideration harmony with the surrounding environment of the Okazaki area, and has been highly praised as a "masterpiece of modernist architecture," including receiving the Architectural Institute of Japan Award.

About the "ROHM Theatre" Due to the deterioration of the facility, Kyoto Kaikan was closed at the end of March 2012 and underwent renovation work, and was reopened on January 10, 2016. In order to raise funds for the renovation work, the naming rights were sold to local electronic parts manufacturer ROHM. The contract period is 50 years, and the total amount is an extraordinary contract of 5.25...

An absolutely unforgettable experience. The orchestra delivered a stunning performance — precise, emotional, and beautifully paced from beginning to end. Every note felt alive in the space, thanks to the theater’s exceptional acoustics and design.

ROHM Theatre itself is gorgeous — clean, modern, and spacious with excellent sightlines from almost every seat. The staff were kind and efficient, and the audience was respectful and fully immersed in the music.

The sound quality in the main hall is easily among the best in Japan. Whether it was the delicate solos or the full force of the ensemble, the balance and clarity were perfect.

If you're in Kyoto and have a chance to see a live performance here, don't hesitate — it's one of the best cultural experiences the city...