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The folk performing art "Takachiho Night Kagura," which is passed down in Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, is an event held to pray for a bountiful harvest. It originated in the late Heian period and continued through the Kamakura period, consolidating the Kagura offerings made by the priests of Takachiho Shrine into 33 performances, which are now inherited by various communities.
Today, from mid-November to early February of the following year, about 20 villages in the town conduct all-night offerings. This precious tradition that continues to pass down Japanese culture has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of the country.
At the Kagura Hall within Takachiho Shrine, "Takachiho Kagura" opens to the public every night starting at 8 PM. Dancers from each village take turns performing four representative dances from the 33, including "Tachikue no Mai" (Dance of the Mighty), "Tsunukime no Mai" (Dance of the Goddess), and others within an hour. The performances include spectacular displays such as the majestic dance that splits the Amano Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave) to attract the elegant dance of Amaterasu, the sun goddess residing within.
The performance venue in the Kagura Hall can accommodate about 150 people, with 80 spots available for advance online reservations. The remaining 70 seats are arranged on-site starting at 7 PM on the day of the performance.
