Even though I couldn't understand the story of the Kagura performance, it was great to experience this famous Japanese tradition. I could really feel the atmosphere of Japanese mythology, and the vibe at the end was fantastic!
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Takachiho Kagura
A valuable Kagura, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, showcasing its four representative dances every night.
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Takachiho Kagura is a folk performance passed down in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture. It's known as the "Night Kagura of Takachiho" and is dedicated in hopes for a bountiful harvest. Established from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period, it was performed and dedicated by the priests of the Takachiho Shrine until the end of the Edo period. It was then organized into 33 Kagura performances and has been passed down from one community to the next.
Even now, from mid-November to early February of the following year, it is performed overnight in approximately 20 communities within the town. It's a precious component of Japanese culture that continues to be conveyed in modern times and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government.
At the Kagura Hall, located within the precincts of Takachiho Shrine, the "Takachiho Kagura" is open to the public every evening from 8 pm. Performers from various communities take turns every day, presenting four representative dances out of the 33 Kagura performances, such as "Tajikarao's Dance" and "Uzume," over the course of about an hour. These dances are compelling to watch, with graceful dances to lure out Amaterasu Omikami, who hid in the Amano-Iwato, and a spirited dance to open the Amano-Iwato.
The Kagura Hall can accommodate about 150 people, and 80 of those spots can be reserved online. The remaining 70 spots can be registered for in-person from 7 pm on the day.
Highlights
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Kagura dedicated to the deity in about 20 communities within Takachiho Town.
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Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government.
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Four representative dances out of the 33 Kagura performances are showcased every night.
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The venue is the Kagura Hall located within the precincts of Takachiho Shrine.
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Reservations for viewing can also be made online.
Photos
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Tajikarao's Dance
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Sacred Dance
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Uzume's Dance
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The large tatami-matted hall where Kagura is performed
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The Kagura Hall located within the precincts of Takachiho Shrine.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
Yes.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No free Wi-Fi available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
Reviews
3
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 高千穂神楽
- Postal Code
- 882-1101
- Address
- Takachiho shrine Kagura Hall, 1037 Mitai, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki
- Telephone
- 0982-73-1213 （Takachiho Tourist Association）
- Closed
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December 31 - January 1
*Closed on 11/22 & 23 due to the Mythical Takachiho Kagura Festival. - Business Hours
- 8:00pm - 9:00pm
- Admission
- 1,000yen ※Elementary School Students and under: FREE
- Access
- Take the Miyako bus to Takachiho from JR Nobeoka Station. It's an 80-minute ride. Get off at the "Takachiho Bus Center" stop and walk for 10 minutes.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)