A traditional dance passed down in three districts of Takeo, with a circle of performers and the sound of festival music
Takeo no Ara Odori
The 2026 edition of Takeo no Ara Odori has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/20 〜 2026/09/23Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year, on the autumn equinox during September / Once a year
- Location
- Matsuo Shrine (Takase), Shoichii Shrine (Udote), and Nakano Iwai Hachimangu Shrine (Nakano)
- Area
- Saga Prefecture・Takeo City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 10 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property passed down in Takase, Nakano, and Udote in Takeo City, known for its powerful movements and lively festival music.
About Takeo no Ara Odori
Takeo no Ara Odori is a folk performing art passed down in the three districts of Takase, Nakano, and Udote in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture.
It is designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is dedicated at the tutelary shrine in each district.
The dance consists of the “mossho” and “kaki”; the performers form a circle around the mossho at the center.
This is a traditional performing art rooted in the local community, accompanied by flutes, bells, drums, and chanting.
Source: 武雄市の文化財－武雄の荒踊
Festival highlights
A highlight is watching the kaki form a human-ring-like circle around the mossho and dance powerfully and energetically to the songs.
In Udote and Takase, the movements are simple and powerful, reminiscent of martial arts forms; in Nakano, the hand movements are graceful.
Songs blend with festival music played on flutes, bells, a締め太鼓, and a large drum. Another distinctive feature is that performances may also include accompanying folk dances such as Sanbaso and Zenidaiko.
Source: 国指定文化財等データベース
A traditional dance passed down in three districts of Takeo, with a circle of performers and the sound of festival music
What to expect
At the dedication, preservation groups from each district perform Ara Odori at their tutelary shrines.
The saki-mossho and ato-mossho lead the dance and direct the performers, while the kaki form a circle around them.
The dance unfolds to songs sung by vocalists and accompaniment on flutes, bells, a締め太鼓, and a large taiko drum.
Each district has its own distinctive movements, making it enjoyable to compare performances at different dedications.
How to take part
Ara-odori is a sacred ritual offered to the local ujigami, and no information is provided about general public participation as dancers or hayashi musicians.
Visitors are there to watch the offering and should take care not to disrupt it, including when taking photos.
As the local preservation society is responsible for passing on the tradition, please quietly respect it as a sacred ritual and enjoy it while you are there.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Ara Odori in Takase is dedicated at Matsuo Shrine, Ara Odori in Udote at Shoichii Shrine, and Ara Odori in Nakano at Nakano Iwai Hachimangu Shrine.
The locations are Nakano, Asahi-cho; Udote, Higashikawanobori-cho; and Takase, Nishikawanobori-cho, Takeo City.
- Parking
Matsuo Shrine and Shoichii Shrine have no parking.
At Nakano Iwai Hachimangu Shrine, there is no parking or restroom provision for visitors.
Address Nakano, Asahi-cho; Udote, Higashikawanobori-cho; and Takase, Nishikawanobori-cho, Takeo City
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (The listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the event was scheduled to be dedicated in the three districts from September 20 to September 23.
Takase and Udote were scheduled for September 20, with Takase beginning at around 2 p.m. and Udote at around 10:45 a.m.
Nakano was scheduled for September 23, with the procession beginning at around 10:30 a.m. and the dedication at around 11 a.m.
The time or location may change depending on the weather or the rites.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Saga Prefecture / Takeo City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Takeo no Ara Odori is not a tourist attraction; it is performed as a Shinto rite dedicated to the local tutelary deity.
There is no parking or restroom provision for visitors, so please be aware of the facilities available at the site.
The time or location may change depending on the weather or the progress of the rites.
When taking photographs, please be considerate of those around you and avoid disrupting the dedication.
Nearby attractions
Nearby, you can visit cultural and tourist attractions in Takeo City, including Takeo Onsen Romon Gate, Takeo Shrine, and Mifuneyama Rakuen.
Takeo Onsen Romon Gate is listed as a National Important Cultural Property, and Takeo Shrine is known for its giant camphor tree.
Mifuneyama Rakuen is listed as the former garden of the Nabeshima family, lords of Takeo.
These attractions offer a chance to experience Takeo’s history and scenery alongside the festival dedication.
Source: 武雄の荒踊 | 佐賀県 | 日本の文化遺産を探す｜国宝・重要文化財データベース
御船山楽園
佐賀県武雄市にある庭園
慧洲園
佐賀県の公園・庭園のスポットです。
武雄市図書館・歴史資料館
佐賀県武雄市の文化施設
陽光美術館
佐賀県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Takeo no Ara Odori
There are several theories about the origins of Takeo no Ara Odori, and they have not been definitively established.
One account says it began when foot soldiers improvised a dance to celebrate Lord Goto Sumiaki of Takeo’s victory over the Arima clan in 1530.
Another legend says that in 1563, Goto Takaaki performed the dance and escaped danger.
On May 17, 1977, Ara Odori in Takase, Nakano, and Udote was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Official information
Check the Takeo City Tourism Association’s event calendar for event information.
An overview, history, and the dedication locations in each district are listed in Takeo City’s cultural property guide.
Registration details as a nationally designated cultural property can be checked in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties.
Takeo no Ara Odori at a Glance
Takeo no Ara Odori is a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property passed down in three districts of Takeo City.
The kaki form a circle around the mossho and dance powerfully to chanting, flutes, bells, and drums.
In 2026, the dance was scheduled to be dedicated at each shrine on September 20 and the 23rd.
Respect its nature as a religious rite, and be mindful of possible venue changes and photography guidelines when watching.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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