Numata no Yudate Kagura

Festival highlights

A highlight is the “Kama-meguri” segment, which uses a large cauldron with a capacity of 2 to.

The performer calms the water with a sacred wand, stirs it vigorously three times with two bundles of bamboo leaves, then scatters hot-water flowers in all four directions to purify the people.

Water purification and the act of cleansing crossroads with salt mixed with sand are also distinctive scenes in this kagura.

A kagura tradition from Gotemba in which a lion calms and purifies the hot water

What to expect

The kagura is performed by young people who have undergone water purification at Fudo Pond.

The salt-sprinkling performer offers all the dances while purifying the route with salt mixed with sand.

The following day, a kagura performance for the post-ceremony gathering is held in the garden of the ward chief’s home, featuring the Hir舞 and Eight-Sword dances.

Location and access

Venue and address

Ne Shrine (Numata, Gotemba City).

Event venue 静岡県御殿場市 子之神社

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

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Dates and season

It is usually held on the Saturday and Sunday of the final week of October.

As arrangements vary by year, check the latest event information before visiting.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Origins and History of Numata no Yudate Kagura

The colophon of a secret text suggests that Numata no Yudate Kagura was brought to the area in Yasunaga 2 (1773) by the ascetic Kay anuma Gihei from Shimo-Yoshida in Koshu.

According to oral tradition, it began as an offering to the local guardian deity to ward off an epidemic that had spread in Numata.

It continues to be passed down as a performing art in which a lion performs the yudate ritual.

Official information

Numata no Yudate Kagura is listed as an intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as documentation should be undertaken by the national government.

In addition, Numata and Osaka Yudate Kagura is registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, located in the Numata and Osaka districts of Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The preservation group is the Numata no Yudate Kagura Preservation Society.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース / 国指定文化財等データベース

Numata no Yudate Kagura at a Glance

Numata no Yudate Kagura is a kagura passed down in Numata, Gotemba City, in which a lion performs a yudate ritual.

Highlights include practices associated with warding off evil and purification, such as water purification, cleansing the route with salt, and hot-water flowers from the large cauldron.

例年は10月最終週の土・日曜日に行われます。