Momura’s traditional Aya Nenbutsu dance, accompanied by flutes and nenbutsu chanting
Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance
The 2026 edition of Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/04/29Ended
- Season / frequency
- April 29
- Location
- From Kotokuji Temple along the road, past Tofukuji Temple and Nishinotsuji, to Atago Shrine
- Area
- Tochigi Prefecture・Nasushiobara City(From Tokyo: approx. 50 min–1 h · bullet 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
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A folk performing art from the Momura area of Nasushiobara City, featuring dances offered along the road from Kotokuji Temple to the sounds of flutes and nenbutsu chanting.
About Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance
Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance is a folk performing art passed down in the Momura area as a type of nenbutsu dance.
Its name is said to come from the practice of visiting and making offerings at many Buddhist halls during the Bon period. Today, it is performed at the Atago Shrine festival.
This is a local traditional event in which dances are offered with flutes, nenbutsu chanting, drums, and bells.
Source: 百村の百堂念仏舞／那須塩原市
Festival highlights
The highlight is watching the dancers in colorful costumes perform to the sounds of flutes and nenbutsu chanting.
The “Aya Nenbutsu,” in which the dancers split into two groups and perform as if weaving a pattern, is considered one of the most beautiful dances in the program.
The procession led by a banner and the drummers wearing flower hats are also distinctive features of this performing art.
Momura’s traditional Aya Nenbutsu dance, accompanied by flutes and nenbutsu chanting
What to expect
The offering procession sets out from Kotokuji Temple, with a banner at its head, chanting nenbutsu as it proceeds along the road.
After performing dances in front of Tofukuji Temple and at Nishinotsuji, the procession climbs to Atago Shrine, where a dance is performed as an offering.
The roles are divided among dancers, flutists, and nenbutsu chanters, who perform pieces such as Komyo Henjo, Okazaki, Touto no Mai, and Aya Nenbutsu.
Location and access
- Venue and address
The procession proceeds from Kotokuji Temple along the road, past Tofukuji Temple and Nishinotsuji, and makes its offering at Atago Shrine.
It is located in the Momura Honda area.
Address Momura Honda area, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 event is scheduled for April 29.
The offering procession begins at Kotokuji Temple and passes Tofukuji Temple and Nishinotsuji along the road before making a dance offering at Atago Shrine.
The performance is currently said to end after about 15 minutes.
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 Tochigi Prefecture / Nasushiobara City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The offering does not take place at a single site. It moves from Kotokuji Temple along the road, past Tofukuji Temple and Nishinotsuji, and on to Atago Shrine.
If you go to watch, follow the directions given on site so you do not obstruct the procession or the dancers as they move.
The main performance is said to last about 15 minutes, so checking the locations of the starting point and offering site before you visit can make it easier to watch.
Nearby attractions
乃木神社
栃木県那須塩原市にある神社
Origins and History of Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance
The origins are unclear because repeated fires in the Momura area destroyed the records.
Meanwhile, the bell used bears an inscription dated 1746, and the costume box has an ink inscription dating to 1850.
The performing art, which had been held on day 15 of lunar month 7, was suspended after a performance in 1913, but was revived between 1959 and the following year, and later became the offering held on April 29 today.
Official information
The Nasushiobara City official website’s page on “Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance” provides information about its origins, the offering procession, performances, and location.
Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance at a Glance
Momura Hyakudo Nenbutsu Dance is a folk performing art of nenbutsu dancing passed down in the Momura area.
The procession proceeds from Kotokuji Temple along the road, with performances at various locations to the accompaniment of flutes, nenbutsu chanting, and drums, before making its final offering at Atago Shrine.
Highlights include the “Aya Nenbutsu,” performed by dancers who split into two groups and move as if weaving a pattern, and their colorful costumes.
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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