HOME Back

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

Shonai Kagura 庄内神楽

Shonai Kagura Shonai Kagura
Shonai Kagura Shonai Kagura

Demons, maidens, and a traditional local dance with lively music to give thanks to the gods

The Shonai Kagura is a traditional dance performed regularly in the town of Shonai, Oita . The yearly Shonai Festival began in 1990 and is held on November 3.

Don't Miss

  • The sound of whistles and drums played in fast, lively rhythm by 12 groups
  • Sacred dances called Fukayama-ryu kagura and Inuyama-ryu kagura, performed by one of two kagura schools, Shonai and Asono
  • Experiencing the local culture with people taking part in the festival

How to Get There

You can get to the festival by train and then a short taxi ride.

The festival is held at Kagura-den, about five minutes by taxi from Onoya Station. Onoya Station is accessible on the JR Kyudai main line from Oita , Yufuin , and other major cities.

Demons, maidens, flutes, and drums

This festive dance has been practiced for more than 200 years. It is thought to have begun in 1778 as an offering from the local shrine priests to the gods. There are many performances by the 12 kagura groups, and schoolchildren also participate.

Kagura is a dance that tells stories. There are many different kinds of kagura throughout Japan, with Shonai Kagura being one of its most famous.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

Recommended for You

Usuki-Takeyoi tikuraku& Sen'nen-Akari
Usuki Takeyoi
Keichiku Kagura
Keichiku Kagura

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages