Iyo Kagura

Festival highlights

Highlights include the well-structured kagura program of 35 dances and the dances and gestures that vary with each piece.

It proceeds through pieces such as “Tenchi Hiraki,” “Omiki Matsuri,” “Shikisanban,” and “Kiyome,” before concluding with “Kamiokuri.”

Other pieces, including the Serpent Dance, Demon-Repelling Dance, and Bow Dance, draw on myths and prayers, lending the performance a bright and humorous quality amid its solemnity.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース / 国指定 伊予神楽 - 宇和島市ホームページ ｜ 四国・愛媛 伊達十万石の城下町

Ancient kagura of Nanyo, conveyed through 35 dances and their music

What to expect

The offering proceeds with priests dancing before the deities, combining performances, gestures, and instrumental music.

Some pieces use sakaki branches, gohei streamers, bells, swords, or bows, accompanied by music played on a large taiko drum, a shime-daiko drum, a shō, and a transverse flute.

When the full program is performed, it lasts through the night; at spring festivals and similar events, selected pieces are also performed during the day.

How to take part

Only shrine priests perform the offerings; this is not a format in which general visitors join the dance or musical performance.

Whether visitors can watch, and how they may do so at each shrine, may vary depending on the festival at which the offering is made.

In general, visitors should quietly observe as part of the shrine festival where kagura is performed.

Location and access

Venue and address

Performances are offered at shrines in Uwajima City, Kihoku Town, and elsewhere.

Rather than taking place at one specific venue, performances are held in shrine worship halls or kagura halls.

Event venue 愛媛県宇和島市、鬼北町 宇和島市

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

Spring festivals and spring or autumn festivals

Frequency

Offered at shrine festivals

Tips for your visit

Iyo Kagura is a ritual offered by priests, and quiet viewing is expected during the performances.

When all 35 dances are performed, the offering lasts through the night; at spring festivals, however, selected pieces may be performed during the day.

Offering times and arrangements for viewing vary by shrine, so please follow the festival guidance when visiting.

Origins and History of Iyo Kagura

The exact date when Iyo Kagura began cannot be determined, but a kagura script dating to Genbun 3 (1738) remains at Ibuki Hachiman Shrine in Uwajima City.

Since its contents are almost the same as those of kagura performed today, it is thought that its current form had taken shape by at least the middle of the Edo period.

In Showa 56 (1981), it was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and its techniques continue to be passed down from priests to younger generations.

Official information

You can check the features and designation status of Iyo Kagura through Uwajima City's cultural property information, Ehime Prefecture's cultural property information, and Kihoku Town's introduction to Omoto Shrine.

The pages for Uwajima City and Kihoku Town provide information about locations, performance venues, and the kagura program.

Iyo Kagura at a Glance

Iyo Kagura is a traditional form of kagura offered by priests at shrines in the Nanyo region, including Uwajima City and Kihoku Town.

Highlights include its 35-part program, music played on taiko drums, a shō, and a transverse flute, and a variety of dances using ritual objects.

A script dating to Genbun 3 (1738) remains, and this cultural property, which preserves an ancient form, is still offered at shrine festivals today.