Kashima Odori in the Higashi-Izu region

Festival highlights

One highlight is the scene in which the dancers first form a circle, then change from a line into a square formation as they dance.

Dancers holding gohei wands decorated with the sun, moon, ladles, and other ornaments stand at the center and lead the songs and dance.

Small pieces of colored paper flutter from gohei wands topped with ladles, blending with the light movements of fans and uchiwa fans and the sounds of drums and gongs.

A dedication performance from Higashi-Izu, brought together by gohei wands, fans, song, and drums

What to expect

The dance begins when a leader, such as the person playing the role of the sun, recites verses and moves into song.

The dancers repeat circular and square formations, sometimes raising gohei wands as they wave fans and uchiwa fans.

The musical arrangement also varies by community, with singers or dancers chanting verses and drums and gongs joining in.

How to take part

必要人数：10〜20数名程度

Location and access

Address

Atami City, Ito City, and Higashi-Izu Town

Host municipality 静岡県熱海市、伊東市、東伊豆町

This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.

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Dates and season

Season

From summer through autumn

Origins and History of Kashima Odori in the Higashi-Izu region

Kashima Odori has been passed down widely along the Sagami Bay coast north of Higashi-Izu Town, with its form changing slightly from community to community.

Within Ito City, it has been passed down in places including Usami Hachiman, Usami Hatsutsu, Yukawa, Arai, Futo, and Kawana, and is still maintained in several districts.

In 2005, it was selected as an intangible folk cultural property requiring measures such as the creation of a record, as a folk performing art found across multiple cities and towns.

Source: 東伊豆地方に伝わる伝統芸能「鹿島踊」／伊東市

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties” provides information on the name, distribution, and content of Kashima Odori in the Higashi-Izu region.

Ito City also introduces it as a traditional performing art passed down in the Higashi-Izu region.

Kashima Odori in the Higashi-Izu region at a Glance

Kashima Odori in the Higashi-Izu region is a folk performing art dedicated at shrines in places such as Atami City, Ito City, and Higashi-Izu Town.

Circular and square formations, movements with gohei wands and fans, and the sounds of singing, drums, and gongs come together to shape each community’s tradition.

It has been passed down in connection with the beliefs of coastal settlements, including prayers for safety at sea and memorial services.

Source: 伊東の鹿島踊り(市指定無形民俗文化財)／伊東市