Kagura of central Shizuoka Prefecture

Festival highlights

Highlights include torimono-mai performed with ritual objects such as streamers, fans, bells, bows and arrows, and swords, alongside dances performed wearing masks.

The torimono-mai follows the basic sequence “oroshi,” “ōbyōshi,” “kuzushi,” and “oroshi,” with dancers performing steps toward the four sides and corners of the dance area and its center.

Some districts also pass down distinctive parts of the program, such as yudate, henbai, and misaki-mai.

A visit to the kagura of central Shizuoka: dances and drums passed down in mountain villages

What to expect

A dance area of about two ken square is set up in a shrine’s worship hall or a community center, and decorations are hung from the ceiling for the kagura performance.

After the deities are welcomed, dances are dedicated. Dancers perform with ritual objects in hand, interspersed with masked dances such as Daisuke and Ebisu.

The dances proceed to the accompaniment of a nail-fastened drum and flute, and typically conclude with the deities being sent off in a ritual called kamigaeshi.

How to take part

The 2026 Daikagura Festival at the dance hall of Shizuoka Sengen Shrine was advertised as an event open to everyone.

Performers are members of kagura preservation societies from various areas; this is not an event where members of the public can take part as dancers.

If you wish to watch kagura dedicated at district shrine festivals, follow the information for each festival.

For the 2026 Daikagura Festival, no advance application was required. All 300 seats were unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those wishing to watch can go directly to the venue during the event hours.

Arrangements for taking part in or watching kagura dedicated at district shrine festivals vary by festival, so please follow the relevant event information.

Source: 大神楽祭2026：静岡市公式ホームページ

Location and access

Venue and address

Dance hall of Shizuoka Sengen Shrine (102-1 Miyagasakicho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City)

Train and bus

From bus stop 9 at the north exit bus terminal of JR Shizuoka Station, take the Shizutetsu Bus Abe Line or Miwa-Ōya Line and get off at Akatorii Sengen Jinja Iriguchi, about 10 minutes away.

Address 102-1 Miyagasakicho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

Kagura in central Shizuoka Prefecture is dedicated at different times depending on the district.

In Kiyosawa, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, performances are held in succession at shrine festivals within the district from mid to late October, while in Utogi they are performed at spring and autumn festivals.

The 2026 Daikagura Festival was held at the dance hall of Shizuoka Sengen Shrine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 28 (Saturday).

Tips for your visit

At the 2026 Daikagura Festival, all 300 seats were unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating was limited.

The end time may vary, and performers may be changed or the event canceled due to weather or other circumstances.

When visiting a district shrine festival, check the information for the specific district, as dates and venues vary by shrine.

Nearby attractions

The venue for the 2026 Daikagura Festival is the dance hall of Shizuoka Sengen Shrine.

On the same day, a special public viewing of the restored ceiling paintings in the Main Worship Hall of Shizuoka Sengen Shrine was announced, along with a Sawayaka Walking route that included Sengen Shrine.

The Heisei Abe Market was also held around the shrine grounds, selling food and general goods.

Origins and History of Kagura of central Shizuoka Prefecture

Records confirm that kagura has been performed in this region since at least the 17th century.

At Ōi Shrine in Ikawa, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, a record notes that kagura was dedicated in 1617 when the shrine was rebuilt, and the ritual procedures for kagura performers from 1635 are said to have been preserved in Yagusa.

In March 2014, it was selected by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as an “Intangible Folk Cultural Property for which measures such as the creation of records should be undertaken.”

Official information

Information about the 2026 public event, including the date, venue, transportation, admission fee, and performing groups, is available on Shizuoka City’s official website under “Daikagura Festival 2026.”

An overview of kagura in central Shizuoka Prefecture as a cultural property and its areas of transmission can be found in the Database of National Cultural Properties.

Kagura of central Shizuoka Prefecture at a Glance

Kagura in central Shizuoka Prefecture is a shrine-festival performing art passed down in the mountain areas along the Abe, Seto, and Ōi River basins.

Torimono-mai and masked dances are dedicated to the sounds of drums and flutes. Some districts also pass down yudate and henbai.

In 2026, the Daikagura Festival was held at the dance hall of Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, showcasing kagura from various areas.