Be Enchanted by Mythical Ritual Dances: Discover Two Monthly Kagura Performances

2026.05.26

In Yufu City , Oita Oita Prefecture , a traditional " Kagura" (a stage play depicting mythology) with a history of over 240 years is held monthly. Characterized by its fast-paced music and energetic dance, this performance captivates people of all ages, from adults to children, even if they don't understand the language. Here are two of the performances we'll introduce.

What is Kagura?—The Pinnacle of Local Performing Arts Proudly Presented by Yufu City

Oita Prefecture is known as a region in Kyushu where "Kagura" is particularly popular. Kagura is a traditional "stage drama of Kagura and dance" with a history of over 240 years, which originated as an offering to the gods that appear in Japanese mythology.

Known as the "Village of Kagura,"Yufu City, blessed with abundant nature and famous hot springs, is home to more than a dozen different Kagura troupes, where vibrant dances rooted in the local community are still carefully passed down through generations.

To allow tourists and local residents to easily enjoy the charm of this traditional performing art that dynamically portrays the stories of Japanese mythology, Yufu City holds regular performances every month as "Monthly Kagura."

The performance is characterized by energetic dancing to the fast-paced music of drums and flutes that resonate deep in your stomach, so even those who are worried about not being able to understand the dialogue need not worry. The breathtaking performances of the dancers, clad in dazzling costumes, transcend language barriers and instantly draw the audience into a world of mythology, entertaining them from beginning to end without getting bored.

This time, we'll introduce two fascinating regular performances that differ in their characteristics and schedules.

1. Complimentary & Convenient! Experience "Yufuin Onsen Kagura: The Monthly Offering"

"Yufuin Onsen Kagura ~Tsukiichi no Matsuri~" is held in a superb location, just a 3-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station.

A major draw is that it's easily accessible for those staying in Yufuin Onsen or those just dropping by during a day trip. Dancers in dazzling costumes dynamically portray Japanese mythology to the powerful beat of drums. You can enjoy this vibrant, locally rooted folk art, which is quite different from theater, Noh, or Kabuki, completely free of charge.

Dates for 2026: June 14th (Sun), July 12th (Sun), August 23rd (Sun), September 6th (Sun), October 18th (Sun), November 15th (Sun), December 13th (Sun)
Event time: 13:00~
Venue: Otomaru Community Center (covered outdoor seating)
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station. *Please use nearby paid parking lots.
Admission fee: Free / No reservation required
*No Group Space Available. Seating is limited, so please visit individually or in small groups.

2. Energetic & Powerful Nights! Experience the "Shonai Kagura Monthly Performance" in the Home of Kagura

In Shonai Town Yufu City , renowned as the "Village of Kagura ," regular performances of " Shonai Kagura " are held every year on the third Saturday evening from May to October.

Having been passed down since the late Edo period, this kagura (sacred dance) has two schools: the "Aso district style (Miyama style)" and the "Shonai district style (Inuyama style)," and has been loved as a form of "Kagura" for the common people. Characterized by its fast-paced musical rhythms, powerful drumming, and dances that are sometimes humorous and sometimes fiercely courageous, it attracts many enthusiastic fans from both within and outside the prefecture. With 10 different Kagura troupes performing each month, you can enjoy a different charm no matter how many times you visit.

Dates for 2026: June 20th (Sat), July 18th (Sat), August 8th (Sat), September 19th (Sat), October 17th (Sat)
Event time: 18:00 - 21:00
Venue: Shonai General Sports Park "Kagura den" (outdoors) *In case of rain, the event will be held at "Shonai Community Center" Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Yufuin Admission fee: 500 yen (free for high school students and younger) / No reservation required

Enrich Your Journey: Unforgettable Passion and Emotion Await You in Yufu

The "Monthly Kagura " performances, which have been carefully passed down in Yufu City , are appealing because, while preserving their dignified traditions. It also has a friendly atmosphere that warmly welcomes visitors at any time.

Enjoy a casual visit to the Yufuin Onsen Kagura during your daytime sightseeing, or be enveloped in the vibrant energy and overwhelming power of the Shonai Kagura at night. These regular performances each offer a different kind of charm, so why not spend a special moment that you can only experience here?

Experience the vibrant sound of the drums and the breathtakingly beautiful dance live!