Shonai Kagura

Festival highlights

Highlights of Shonai Kagura include its fast-paced dances and the powerful, lively music played on drums and flutes.

The repertoire includes pieces such as “Gohō Reishi,” “Hiwari,” “Kuniji,” “Orochi Taiji,” and “Tobiraki,” bringing myths and kagura stories to life on stage.

Each kagura troupe has its own character, and you can encounter not only vigorous dances but also humorous movements and creative activities.

Source: 庄内神楽定期公演 ６月 | 日本一の「おんせん県」大分県の観光情報公式サイト

Drums and flutes resound in Shonai, Yufu, as kagura dances are passed down through generations

What to expect

At the regular performances, kagura troupes from the Shonai area take turns presenting dances, while audiences enjoy the performances and accompanying music at the kagura hall.

Performances run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and move to Shonai Community Center in case of rain.

Each troupe has its own inherited style and repertoire, and the performance unfolds to the sounds of drums, transverse flutes, and bronze clappers.

Source: 大分県由布市｜公式ホームページ｜観光と文化

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

参加費：500円（高校生以下無料）

対象年齢：高校生以下無料

Location and access

Venue and address

Kagura Hall in Shonai General Sports Park (1400 Oryu, Shonai-machi, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture)

Train and bus

It is about 5 minutes by car from Tenjinyama Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line.

By car

You can drive to Shonai General Sports Park.

Parking

Parking is available in Shonai General Sports Park.

Source: 庄内神楽 | 日本一の「おんせん県」大分県の観光情報公式サイト

Address 1400 Oryu, Shonai-machi, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture

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Dates and season

In 2026, Shonai Kagura regular performances will be held from May to October, and are scheduled for May 16, June 20, July 18, August 8, September 19, and October 17.

Each performance runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. In August, performances are held on the 2nd Saturday; in other months, they are held on the 3rd Saturday.

The Shonai Kagura Festival and Yufu City Shonai-machi Furusato Festival are also scheduled for November 3.

Source: 大分県由布市｜公式ホームページ｜観光と文化

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Regular performances are held in the evening, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In case of rain, the venue changes to Shonai Community Center, so it is a good idea to confirm the venue before setting out.

Admission fees vary by performance; the 2026 regular performance information lists admission at 500 yen, with free entry for high school students and younger.

Origins and History of Shonai Kagura

Records show that in 1778, during the Yasunaga era, groups of shrine priests performed kagura in the Shonai area.

Its present form dates back to the early Meiji period, when kagura dance groups made up of parishioners and others are said to have been organized, based on kagura passed down from the birthplace of Bungo Kagura.

Later, kagura troupes were formed in various parts of the area. The Shonai Kagura Festival began in 1981, following the Shonai Furusato Festival, and Shonai Kagura was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Yufu City in 2007.

Official information

Information about Shonai Kagura's regular performances and annual events is available on Yufu City's official website.

Details about Shonai Kagura's activities and the performing troupes are available on the Shonai Kagura website.

The 2026 regular performance information from Yufu City lists the dates and times, venue, alternate venue in case of rain, and admission fees.

Shonai Kagura at a Glance

Shonai Kagura is a form of kagura passed down in the Shonai area of Yufu City, where two schools and multiple kagura troupes are active.

Its appeal lies in its fast-paced dances, powerful drum-and-flute music, and story-driven performances. At regular performances, you can take your time enjoying the stage at the kagura hall.

In 2026, regular performances are scheduled from May to October, along with the Shonai Kagura Festival on November 3.