Oshika Kabuki

Festival highlights

A highlight is the revolving stage preserved in the village, where you can experience up close the actors’ movements and mie poses, the tayū’s narration, and the sound of the shamisen.

Around 30 plays have been passed down, mainly gidayū kyōgen, and some feature staging unique to Oshika Village.

Among its distinctive plays is “Rokusenryō Gojitsu Monogatari: The Shigetada Mansion Scene,” a performance passed down in Oshika Village.

Source: 南信州で楽しむ民俗芸能｜長野の観光でふれる地域文化 | Go! NAGANO 長野県公式観光サイト

Local theater passed down on a stage preserved by the people of Oshika Village

What to expect

Regular performances are held once each in spring and autumn, starting at noon on a shrine stage.

At the 2026 autumn performance, 2 kabuki plays will be presented, and you can secure a seat before the show begins.

After the performance, you can look back on the plays and the actors’ spirited performances while experiencing the atmosphere of local theater passed down through the community.

Source: （10月18日）大鹿歌舞伎秋の定期公演の会場について – 大鹿村

How to take part

General visitors can watch the performance from the audience seating area.

Admission to the regular autumn 2026 performance is free. Information says seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis upon entry.

When claiming seats, each person may claim seats for up to 10 people, and someone must remain in the seats until the performance begins.

For the autumn 2026 performance, seats are claimed at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis; advance registration is not required.

The doors open at 10 a.m., and seats are claimed at Ichiba Shrine Stage upon entry.

Bring a seat cushion, and someone must remain in any seat you have claimed until the performance begins.

Location and access

Venue and address

Ichiba Shrine Stage (436 Kashio, Oshika Village).

In case of rain, the performance will be held at the Oshika Junior High School gymnasium (2952 Kashio).

Train and bus

A temporary Ina Bus service departs Ina-Ōshima at 9:15 a.m.; the return bus leaves from the Kashio bus stop at around 4 p.m.

The fare is 500 yen one way.

By car

A temporary parking lot will be set up near the venue, and staff will direct you.

Parking

You can use the temporary parking lot near the venue.

As crowds are expected, visitors are advised to arrive early.

Address 436 Kashio, Oshika Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture

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Dates and season

In 2026, the regular spring performance will take place on May 3, and the regular autumn performance will be held on October 18 (Sunday).

The autumn performance begins at 12 p.m. and is scheduled to end around 4 p.m.

Typically, the spring performance is held at Ōisuna Shrine and the autumn performance at Ichiba Shrine.

Source: イベント – 大鹿村

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Tips for your visit

If you plan to claim a seat, bring a seat cushion and make sure the seat is not left unattended until the performance begins.

Crowds are expected around the venue, so arriving early is advisable, including if you plan to use the parking lot or a temporary bus.

If you feel unwell, please refrain from attending, and take any rubbish you produce home with you.

Nearby attractions

Oshika Village provides information about the Oshika Kabuki Museum, which introduces materials related to Oshika Kabuki.

Cultural and historical attractions in the village also include the local history museum Rokubenkan and the Median Tectonic Line Museum.

It is listed as a place to visit alongside an Oshika Kabuki performance, offering a chance to learn about the culture and local history passed down in Oshika Village.

Source: 文化・歴史・観光 – 大鹿村

Origins and History of Oshika Kabuki

Oshika Kabuki is a form of local theater dating back to the middle of the Edo period, with records showing that villagers performed kabuki in Meiwa 4 (1767).

From the end of the Edo period through the Meiji period, many stages were built in the village, and the theater was passed down as entertainment for local people.

In 2017, it was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property as a cultural tradition that reflects regional characteristics and the evolution of performing arts.

Source: イベントカレンダー – 大鹿村

Official information

Check the official Oshika Village website for performance announcements.

Information about the 2026 autumn regular performance includes the venue, start time, admission arrangements, transportation, and the venue in case of rain.

For inquiries, contact Oshika Village or the Oshika Kabuki Preservation Society at 0265-39-2100.

Oshika Kabuki at a Glance

Oshika Kabuki is a regular performance where visitors can watch up close, on a shrine stage, local theater preserved and passed down by the people of Oshika Village.

Performances are held twice a year, generally on May 3 in spring and the 3rd Sunday of October in autumn.

The 2026 autumn performance will be held at the Ichiba Shrine Stage on October 18 and is free to attend.