Kagura MeguriKagura guide for first-timers
Getting there, etiquette and what to bring
Kagura is performed in shrines, community halls and theatres all over Japan. This page covers the practical side for visitors from abroad: how to find a performance, how to get there, how to behave and what to bring.
How to find a performance
- 1SearchUse this site's calendar, map and 'This weekend' pages (in Japanese)
- 2TranslateTurn on your browser's translation (Chrome, Edge, Safari)
- 3CheckDates, venues and prices can change, so follow the official link on each page
- 4PlanMany venues are rural and shows go on late, so plan your last train, bus or taxi
Calendar (Japanese) Map (Japanese) This weekend (Japanese)
Shrine festival or theatre?
| Shrine festival or all-night kagura | Theatre or festival stage | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An offering to the local deity, often held at night (sometimes all night long) in a shrine, a private home or a community hall.[1] | A performance staged for an audience, often with an MC or a printed synopsis of the story.[2] |
| Atmosphere | Ritual and community. You are a guest of the village. | Relaxed. Some people eat, drink and cheer during the show. |
| Planning | Dates and venues can change from year to year, so contact the local tourist office about two weeks in advance. | Fixed dates. Some shows require a reservation. |
Reading the stage
Getting there and booking
- Shrine kagura often takes place at night, so a taxi or car is recommended. Shrines in town often have little or no parking.[3]
- Some shows require a reservation. The nightly show at Takachiho Shrine, for example, opens online booking 30 days in advance and also sells a limited number of tickets at the door on the day.[1]
- Village kagura schedules can change from year to year. Check with the local tourist association about two weeks before you go.
- Some regular shows require advance tickets, so check the official page for each event.
Etiquette
| Do | Don't | |
|---|---|---|
| Photos | Ask the troupe or shrine officials first. If photography is allowed, stay out of other people's way. | Don't use a flash, tripod, selfie stick or stool, and never step in front of the dancers. |
| The stage | Check with the organiser (often a member of the shrine committee) before going near or onto the performance area. | Don't walk onto the dance floor (in Takachiho, this is strictly forbidden). |
| Rubbish | Take your rubbish home with you, even where eating and drinking are allowed. | Don't leave anything behind. |
| Offerings | In some regions, it is customary to give the troupe a small cash tip (called ohana). It is always optional. | Don't feel obliged. At some shrine kagura, a small offering is expected at the reception desk, so ask if you are unsure. |
The rules vary from place to place and from one performance to another. If in doubt, ask the organiser or a local.[3][4]
What to bring
| When | Useful items |
|---|---|
| Winter nights | Blanket, warm clothing, hand warmers |
| Summer nights | Insect repellent, towel |
| All-night kagura | Warm clothing (especially for your feet), drinks and snacks |
| Any time of year | Food and drinks, a folding chair, a lap blanket, some cash |
Some rituals involve fire and flying sparks, which can burn small holes in synthetic jackets, and the smell of smoke will cling to your clothes.[5]
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Sources
- 高千穂の夜神楽 (高千穂町観光協会; Japanese) ↩
- ひろしま安芸高田神楽 (安芸高田市観光協会(あきたかたNAVI); Japanese) ↩
- 石見神楽 Q&A (浜田市観光協会(石見神楽公式サイト); Japanese) ↩
- 高千穂の夜神楽(概要) (観光庁 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース; Japanese) ↩
- 遠山の霜月祭 (飯田市; Japanese) ↩