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  • Kagura and Gagaku Performances with Nighttime Yokagura at Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine

Updated: December 2, 2024

Kagura and Gagaku Performances with Nighttime Yokagura at Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine 武蔵御嶽神社 神楽と雅楽の一般公開と夜神楽

176 Mitakesan, Ome City, Tokyo

2024-10-13 - 2024-11-24

Your current location:

Tama Area

Okutama & Around

Note: The 2024 installment of this event has already taken place.

Daidai Kagura, a traditional performance of music and dance offered to Japan’s Shinto deities, was introduced to Musashi Mitake-jinja Shrine twice during the Edo period, in 1749 and 1780. Since then, it has been passed down through the generations here by 31 families of hereditary priests. In 1957, Daidai Kagura became an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tokyo.

There are two types of Daidai Kagura: sumen-kagura (in which the dancers are maskless) and men-kagura (in which the dancers wear masks). These aren't mere dances; they are rites performed before the Shinto deities, and they are considered to be an extremely formal method of worship.

Public performances of kagura and gagaku offer a special chance to view music and dance that is ordinarily presented only before the Shinto deities. Nighttime shows include enchanting Yokagura performances, as well as Takigi (firewood) Kagura dancing performed by firelight in front of the shrine’s torii gates. Come enjoy Daidai Kagura both during the day and at night.

How to Get There

  • Mitakesan Station | 25 min on foot
    Mitake Tozan Railway

Keywords

Opening Hours
  • Public performances of kagura and gagaku music and dance: from 11:00 (3rd Sunday of June each year, 2nd Sunday of October each year)
    Night kagura performance: from 20:00 (4th Sunday of the month, June through November each year)

Please check the official event website for the latest updates on opening dates and times, prices, and other information.