Haraigawa no Kamimai

Festival highlights

One highlight is Jūnin-ken, in which 12 dancers with live swords change formation as they dance.

A performance called “Ken” is also passed down, in which a boy of around 7 is accompanied by 2 adults and dances while gripping the tip of a sword.

Toward the end, dancers whirl long glaives with great force, conveying the intensity of kagura performed throughout the night.

Source: 世代を越えて繋がる「神楽」～それぞれの想い～祓川神楽編～ | 神話のふるさと特集 | 宮崎県公式観光サイト「みやざき観光ナビ」 / 高原の神舞（祓川神楽・はらいがわかぐら）の写真 - 宮崎の神楽

An all-night kagura of swords and sacred songs at the foot of Mount Kirishima

What to expect

Before the kagura, observances such as “Miya-ire,” in which Amaterasu Ōmikami is welcomed from Haraigawa Shrine, take place. The dances then proceed according to the program at the Kōko-ya.

Dancers, both children and adults, perform with swords, shakujō staffs, gohei wands, bows and arrows, accompanied by sacred songs and music.

The dances continue through the night until the following morning, with several performances presented in sequence.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Haraigawa Kagura Hall (Kamumuta, Takaharu Town, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture)

By car

The surrounding roads are narrow, so please be considerate of other traffic when arriving.

Parking

There is reportedly almost no parking near the Kōniwa, and the surrounding roads are narrow.

Source: イベント情報｜宮崎神社めぐり

Address Kamumuta, Takaharu Town, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture

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Dates and season

In 2026, it will be held at Haraigawa Kagura Hall from December 12 (Saturday) to December 13 (Sunday).

It is usually held from the 2nd Saturday of December through Sunday, with kagura continuing from evening until the following morning.

As this is a long nighttime event, it is a good idea to decide in advance how long you plan to stay.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The event takes place throughout the night, so be sure to dress warmly enough for a long stay outdoors on a winter night.

The roads around the venue are narrow and parking is limited, so if you come by car, please be considerate of traffic and nearby residents.

When approaching the performance area, watch quietly so as not to disrupt the proceedings of the dedication.

Origins and History of Haraigawa no Kamimai

Haraigawa no Kamimai has been passed down in the Haraigawa district as an annual observance of the priestly family of Kirishima Higashi Shrine.

It was once performed on the 16th day of the 11th month of the old lunar calendar, with parishioners’ homes serving as kagura lodgings. Today, it is dedicated at community halls and kagura halls on the 2nd Saturday of December.

In 1974, it was selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as documentation should be undertaken by the national government. A local preservation association is responsible for passing it on.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Database of National Cultural Properties” provides the name, location, category, and description of Haraigawa no Kamimai.

The 2026 event is listed in Miyazaki Prefecture’s shrine events guide as taking place from December 12 to the 13th, at Haraigawa Kagura Hall.

Haraigawa no Kamimai at a Glance

Haraigawa no Kamimai is a kagura passed down in Kamumuta, Takaharu Town, and associated with Kirishima Higashi Shrine.

A wide range of dance sequences are performed to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. Highlights include powerful sword performances such as Jūnin-ken and the long-glaive dance.

In 2026, it will be dedicated at Haraigawa Kagura Hall from December 12 to the 13th. If viewing at night, be sure to dress warmly and be considerate of the surrounding area.