A prayerful Sōmai adorned with lion dances and acrobatics passed down in Kuwana
Ise Daikagura
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/12/24Scheduled
- Season / frequency
- Every year on December 24 / Every year
- Location
- Masuda Shrine
- Area
- Mie Prefecture・Kuwana City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train + connecting train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Ise Daikagura is a tradition of and hōka performing arts passed down by performers who traveled throughout Japan from their base in Kuwana. At the Sōmai held at Masuda Shrine, a diverse program is performed, ranging from purification dances to acrobatics using various props.
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Ｓ20400343 File:増田神社での伊勢大神楽.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Ｓ20400343 File:12月24日 三重県桑名市増田神社での総舞.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Ｓ20400343 File:伊勢大神楽.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.About Ise Daikagura
Ise Daikagura is the collective name for the kagura performers who have traveled throughout Japan performing lion dances and distributing sacred talismans, and for their performing arts.
They perform lion dances while carrying out hearth purification at individual homes, and dedicate performances known as Sōmai at guardian shrines and other places.
Based at Masuda Shrine in Daifu, Kuwana, the tradition has been passed down while maintaining ties with local festivals and shrines.
Source: 伊勢大神楽 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A highlight is the combination of dances featuring two lions and hōka performing arts, in which performers skillfully manipulate various props.
The varied program includes “sara no kyoku,” in which plates are spun on a pole; acrobatics with sticks and balls; and dances using swords to ward off evil spirits.
Performances also feature comic characters known as chari and manzai by hōkashi performers, offering a blend of sacred ritual and entertainment.
Source: 伊勢大神楽（２） | 写真ギャラリー | 観光三重(かんこうみえ) | 三重県の観光・旅行情報公式サイト
A prayerful Sōmai adorned with lion dances and acrobatics passed down in Kuwana
What to expect
The full program begins with the “Dance of the Bell,” performed with bells and in hand. It then moves on to dances in which the shishi purifies the heavens, earth, and four directions, and a piece featuring a playful exchange between Sarutahiko and the shishi.
Afterward, hōka performances using items such as rods, plates, balls, umbrellas, and swords are presented, and some pieces are accompanied by and kagura songs.
The program concludes with “Kaikyoku,” featuring a shishi dressed as an oiran and an Okame character.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Masuda Shrine (1155 Daifu, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture).
Address 1155 Daifu, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture
Dates and season
In 2026, the heads of the Ise Daikagura schools are scheduled to return to their home base on December 24 and dedicate a Sōmai performance.
Masuda Shrine holds annual events centered on its grand annual festival, and worshippers from across Japan are said to gather for the Sōmai on December 24.
Source: お祭りサイトtitle | 観光三重(かんこうみえ)
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Mie Prefecture / Kuwana City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
ナガシマスパーランド
三重県桑名市にある娯楽施設
写真：Hideyuki KAMON from Takarazuka / 宝塚市, Hyogo / 兵庫県, Japan / 日本 / CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo source ·
Tado Taisha Shrine
三重県桑名市にある神社
写真：Ohaguro / おはぐろ蜻蛉 at Japanese Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
桑名宗社
三重県桑名市にある神社
Origins and History of Ise Daikagura
There are several theories about the origins of Ise Daikagura, which is said to have a history of 450 to 600 years.
During the Edo period, performers were recognized as clergy by the shogunate and Ise Grand Shrine, and traveled throughout Japan while maintaining ties with daimyo lords.
It was designated a Mie Prefecture Cultural Property in 1954 and a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1981. This tradition, based in Kuwana, continues to this day.
Official information
The Ise Daikagura Kōsha, a general incorporated association, is active as an organization devoted to Ise Daikagura.
Mie Prefecture’s information introduces Kuwana’s Ise Daikagura as a participating group in a folk performing arts festival.
In 2026, a special exhibition at the Mie Prefectural Museum featured video and archival displays as well as a performance by the Ise Daikagura Kōsha.
Source: 三重県｜文化総合：各地のおまつりが三重に集結 第68回 近畿 · Tokai · 北陸ブロック民俗芸能大会 三重大会を開催します / MIieMu(三重県総合博物館) 第４３回企画展”まつりを旅する 受け継いできた三重の宝もの”出展のお知らせ | 一般社団法人 伊勢大神楽講社
Ise Daikagura at a Glance
Ise Daikagura is a kagura tradition based at Masuda Shrine in Daifu, Kuwana, combining lion dances with hōka performing arts.
Information indicates that the heads of the schools will gather on December 24 in 2026 to dedicate a Sōmai performance.
Experience a tradition that brings faith and performing arts together through purification dances by lions, acrobatics with plates and swords, and performances featuring comic characters.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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