Morotsuka Kagura

Festival highlights

One of the main highlights is the “Maiire,” in which the sacred masks proceed together in a line.

After the shrine ceremony, the group puts on the sacred masks and heads to the kagura performance space, where they perform designated dances upon arrival.

More than 200 kagura masks have been preserved for Morotsuka Kagura, and many dances are performed consecutively in Minamikawa and Toshita.

In Minamikawa, a dialogue scene featuring 3 Aragami deities standing in a row is also considered distinctive.

Source: ｢諸塚の夜神楽｣パンフレット｜戸下神楽・南川神楽・桂神楽等諸塚神楽

Kagura dances guided by sacred masks, passed down in the mountain villages of Morotsuka

What to expect

The performance begins with a shrine ceremony and the Mon-ire. In some settlements, the Maiire procession from the shrine to the mikamiya follows, before the program moves on to a variety of dances.

The mikamiya may be set up beside a community center or private home. As a kagura performance space, it is furnished with an offering shelf and a main shimenawa bamboo pole.

In the past, Minamikawa and Toshita also had a custom of welcoming guests at waki-yado lodgings.

The 2026 Toshita Kagura performance is listed as a daytime event with a reduced number of dances.

Source: 戸下神楽（諸塚神楽）｜宮崎県 東臼杵郡 諸塚村

How to take part

Kagura is a sacred festival passed down by the residents of each village. Visitors should come with the understanding that they are being allowed to attend a religious ceremony.

There are guided opportunities for visitors to take part, but some areas around the Kamikōya are restricted to local residents.

Please check in advance with the village hosting the event to find out whether general visitors can take part as dancers.

Location and access

Venue and address

In 2026, Toshita Kagura was performed at Toshita Community Center, and Minamikawa Kagura at Minamikawa Community Center (Minamikawa Community Improvement Center).

Train and bus

From Hyuga-shi Station on the JR Nippo Main Line, it takes about 90 minutes by Miyazaki Kotsu local bus to “Morotsuka,” the center of Morotsuka Village.

Buses bound for “Kamishiiba” or “Tsukabaru” are listed.

By car

Morotsuka Village is about 2 hours by car from Miyazaki Airport.

Roads around the kagura venue include narrow sections and slopes. Watch for snow and icy conditions in winter.

Parking

Parking is limited for Toshita Kagura.

There may be no large parking lot at venues in the mountains. If local traffic guidance is provided, follow the staff’s directions.

Source: 諸塚村へのアクセス／諸塚村公式ホームページ

Event venue 宮崎県諸塚村 戸下集会所

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

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Dates and season

In 2026, Toshita Kagura was scheduled to be performed at Toshita Community Center on January 31 (Saturday), with the Mon-ire at 10 a.m., the ceremony at 11 a.m., and the start of the dances at noon, continuing until around 7 p.m.

Minamikawa Kagura is scheduled to be performed at Minamikawa Community Center from February 7 (Saturday) through the 8th (Sunday). It is listed as running from 1 p.m. on Saturday until around 9 a.m. on Sunday.

The Daikagura in Katsura is held irregularly.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The kagura may be viewed outdoors, such as at a community center or in the garden of a private home.

Mountain areas can get cold in winter, and snow or icy roads are possible, so warm clothing and traction aids are needed.

Roads are narrow, and you may need a flashlight at night.

Please visit as a participant in a religious ceremony, and follow local guidance regarding offerings at the altar and any offerings customary in the area.

Origins and History of Morotsuka Kagura

Morotsuka Kagura is a folk performing art passed down in the settlements of Minamikawa, Toshita, and Katsura.

Materials related to the tradition dating back to the Edo period have been preserved, including documents recording kagura chants, kagura masks, and dance costumes.

Toshita’s “Yamamori” is noted for its connections with mountain deity worship, hunting rites, and slash-and-burn culture.

In 1993, it was selected as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property requiring measures such as the creation of records.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties provides the name, transmission locations, preservation group, and description of Morotsuka Kagura.

Dates and venues vary by settlement. The 2026 listings provide information on Toshita Kagura and Minamikawa Kagura.

For travel information to Morotsuka Village, visit the official Morotsuka Village website.

Morotsuka Kagura at a Glance

Morotsuka Kagura is performed in the Minamikawa, Toshita, and Katsura settlements of Morotsuka Village. Highlights include the Maiire, with sacred masks proceeding in a line, and the varied dances performed in the mikamiya.

In 2026, Toshita Kagura was listed for January 31, and Minamikawa Kagura was listed from February 7 through the 8th.

As a winter event in the mountains, this festival calls for preparation for the cold and road conditions, as well as narrow roads and parking arrangements.