Watch a Kagura Shinto Ritual Dance at Sunset in Izumo

Overview

Watch Izumo kagura, one of Japan's most colorful forms of 'kagura' (Shinto ritual dance), as the sun sets at Hinomisaki-jinja Shrine, famed for its gorgeous sunset views! Be awed by the spiritual energy at Izumo, the sacred land of the Shinto gods.

Highlights

Key Information

Description

'Kagura' is an ancient Shinto song-and-dance performance that is staged to entertain, worship, and honor the gods. These ritual performances use rhythmic music and dance moves, as well as elaborate and colorful costumes, to tell local legends. Many regions across Japan specialize in their own versions of kagura, and Shimane Prefecture's Izumo kagura is considered one of Japan's most significant and flamboyant. The town of Izumo is known as the "land of the gods" and the "land of the sunset" because of its deep connections to Japanese mythology. It's said to be the domain of one of Shinto's main deities. It's also home to Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of Shinto's holiest shrines, where various deities gather once a year. Additionally, the beautiful sunset view at Izumo is considered a sacred phenomenon, and people in ancient times lived in awe of it. Feel an intense connection to the spiritual on this activity — watch Izumo kagura at Hinomisaki-jinja Shrine at sunset! Izumo kagura is staged only a few times a year, so this is a rare opportunity. Hinomisaki-jinja Shrine is dedicated to two major Shinto deities: Amaterasu the sun goddess and Susano-o the storm god. A National Important Cultural Property, this beautiful vermillion-lacquered shrine faces the sunset, giving it a reputation as the area's protector at night, as well as one of Shimane's best places to see the sunset. The shrine is also next to Hinomisaki Lighthouse, the tallest in East Asia. This activity lasts for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and roughly follows this schedule: 16:50 — Gather at Hinomisaki-jinja Shrine 17:00 — Watch Izumo kagura at Hinomisaki-jinja Shrine's 'haiden' (hall of worship) 18:00 — Performance ends After the performance, there will be a shuttle bus back to Izumo Station for 1,000 JPY (500 JPY for children aged 6–12). Please pay on-site. Available pick-up points are Hinomisaki-jinja Shrine and Hinomisaki Lighthouse, and guests will be dropped off at the North Exit of Izumo Station. .