Kanokobara Mushi-okuri Dance

The Mushi-okuri Dance, said to have been performed for over 200 years, has been passed down in Kanokobara, Yagami, Onan. Led by a Samemori effigy, the procession moves through the village to the sound of drums and the Mushi-okuri song, praying for a good harvest and the dispersal of crop pests. It is a local event.

About Kanokobara Mushi-okuri Dance

The Kanokobara Mushi-okuri Dance, passed down in Kanokobara, Yagami, Onan, is a Shimane Prefecture-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Every year July 20, the procession moves from Miho Ryō Shrine through Kanokobara village, and the dance is dedicated at Suwa Shrine at the end.

It is an event in which pests that harm rice plants are sent away to pray for a good harvest, and it is also connected with the belief in soothing the spirit of Saito Bettō Sanemori.

Festival highlights

Young people wearing flower hats, , and red sashes march with drums strapped around their waists.

The straw effigy on horseback at the head of the procession depicts Saito Bettō Sanemori, a Heike warrior.

This event preserves an old form of dancing to a distinctive Mushi-okuri song and performing at various spots along the route.

The Kanokobara Mushi-okuri Dance, entrusting hopes for a good harvest to the procession of a Samemori effigy and drums

What to expect

The event starts at Miho Ryō Shrine and proceeds through Kanokobara village, with dances performed at places such as the shopping street and public facilities.

The procession includes a Samemori effigy made of straw, tanzaku, flute, kane, singing, small drums, and large drums, and features both large and small dances.

The full program takes about 1 hour, but depending on the location and conditions, it may be arranged to last around 15–30 minutes.

The event concludes with a dedication at Suwa Shrine.

How to take part

必要人数：短冊もち3名、笛・鉦・唄各1名、小太鼓3名、大太鼓6名

Location and access

Venue and address: Miho Ryō Shrine and Kanokobara village (Yagami, Onan)
Train and bus: Get off the Hamada Expressway highway bus at “Mizuho Interchange,” then take the Onan Bus Mizuho Interchange Line and get off at “Kanokobara”
By car: About 15 minutes from “Mizuho IC” on the Hamada Expressway via Prefectural Route 327

Address Yagami, Onan, Ochi District, Shimane Prefecture

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Dates and season

Season: Every year July 20
Frequency: Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

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 Shimane Prefecture / Onan (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

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Nearby attractions

Near Kanokobara village is Kouboku no Mori Park.

The park is described as having hot springs, accommodation, a herb garden, and a restaurant showcasing the food of Onan.

It is a nearby place where you can experience Onan’s nature and food along with the festival.

Origins and History of Kanokobara Mushi-okuri Dance

The exact origins are unclear, but every household in Kanokobara village is a member, and the event is said to have continued for over 200 years.

Mushi-okuri is an agricultural event in which pests that damage rice plants are sent to the village boundary, praying for a good harvest.

At the same time, a legend says that Saito Bettō Sanemori became a pest that harmed rice plants, so the event is also described as a ritual to soothe his spirit—bringing together two beliefs.

It was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture in 1967.

Official information

Contact: Onan Tourism Association