Nakatsu Kakize's Iwato Kagura, passed down through the hot-water halberd and fire-walking
Kakize Kagura
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Location
- Kakize Yasaka Shrine
- Area
- Oita Prefecture・Nakatsu City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 35 min–1 h 55 min · flight time only)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.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This is a Buzen-style Iwato passed down at Yasaka Shrine in Kakize, Nakatsu City. Through its varied dances and Yudate Kagura, visitors can experience the world of kagura passed down through the community.
About Kakize Kagura
Kakize Kagura is a Buzen-style Iwato Kagura passed down at Yasaka Shrine in Kakize, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture.
A repertoire of 38 performances has been passed down: 33 regular performances and 5 extra performances.
It has been passed down by local residents since the Meiji period, and in 2016 it was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Source: 概要 | 豊前蛎瀬神楽
Festival highlights
Highlights include a varied program featuring Iwato Kagura, Kessen Kagura, and Yudate Kagura.
In Yudate Kagura, a hot-water halberd and cauldron are placed in the center of a courtyard enclosed by a bamboo fence, and the performers dance with five-colored ritual wands standing upright.
Distinctive features include Yudate Kessen, in which hot water from the cauldron is sprinkled on the audience; a movement where performers climb a halberd and descend along a rope; and a final fire-walking ritual.
Nakatsu Kakize's Iwato Kagura, passed down through the hot-water halberd and fire-walking
What to expect
The kagura features dances performed with objects such as ritual wands, fans, bells, and swords.
The program includes Kessen Kagura, depicting the dances of Sarutahiko and Ame-no-Uzume; Orochi Taiji, in which Susanoo-no-Mikoto defeats the eight-headed serpent; and Yumi Shogo, a prayer for a bountiful harvest.
In Yudate Kagura, the hot-water courtyard is purified, followed by dances with hot water and a fire-walking ritual to conclude.
Source: 蛎瀬神楽 - Wikipedia
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kakize Yasaka Shrine (436 Kakize, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture)
Address 436 Kakize, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture
Tips for your visit
Yudate kagura includes Yukakusen, in which water from the boiling cauldron is sprinkled on the audience, as well as fire-walking.
When watching, do not get too close to the Yuniwa, the cauldron, or the fire-walking area, and follow local guidance and staff instructions.
Details of the 2026 program and viewing conditions should be checked before the event.
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 Oita Prefecture / Nakatsu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
中津城
大分県中津市にあった城
中津市歴史博物館
大分県中津市にある博物館
大江医家史料館
大分県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
村上医家史料館
大分県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
耶馬渓風物館
大分県中津市にある展示館
Official information
Official Guide to Buzen Kakize Kagura
Kakize Kagura at a Glance
Kakize Kagura is a Buzen-style Iwato Kagura passed down at Yasaka Shrine in Kakize, Nakatsu City.
The repertoire includes 33 regular performances and 5 extra performances, as well as Iwato Kagura, Kessen Kagura, and Yudate Kagura, which uses water from a cauldron.
Its distinctive movements, including the hot-water halberd, cauldron, water sprinkling, and fire-walking, offer a sense of local tradition.
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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