What it is
Miyazaki Prefecture, the land of Japan’s founding myths, is famous for kagura, sacred dances performed for the kami through long winter nights. Shiromi, a village deep in the mountains, keeps one of the most remarkable forms.
The festival of Shiromi Shrine runs for five days in mid-December. Thirty-three kagura are performed, most of them through the night of December 14 into the morning of the 15th. The heads of wild boar are laid on the altar as offerings, and some dances, such as the comic Shishitogiri, tell of boar hunting, reflecting the hunting life of these mountains.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Dec 13, evening | Hoshi no Kagura: The first dance, welcoming the kami of the land |
| Dec 14 night – Dec 15 morning | All-night kagura: Most of the 33 dances are performed through the night |
| Dec 15, afternoon | Shishitogiri: A comic play about boar hunting, one of the last dances |
Which day should you go?
Night of Dec 14
Come for the all-night kagura. Bring warm clothes and stay as long as you can.
What to look for
Boar heads
Heads of wild boar are offered on the altar, a sign of the village's hunting traditions.
Shishitogiri
A humorous play about tracking and hunting a boar, rarely seen anywhere else.
Masks
Many dances use carved masks of the kami of the mountains.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Miyazaki | Car to Shiromi, via Saito | about 1 h 30 min |
On the day. Shiromi is a remote mountain village with very little public transport. Rent a car in Miyazaki.
Crowds. The all-night kagura on December 14 is held in a small space. Be quiet and respectful, and bring warm clothes.
Where to stay
Miyazaki
Rent a car here and drive in for the night of kagura.
Saito
A small city on the way, with a few hotels.
When to book. Book rental cars and hotels 1 month ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Getting there. Rent a car or join a tour from Miyazaki. Check accommodation in Saito in advance.
- Manners. This is a religious ritual in a small community. Keep quiet and do not block the dancers.
Glossary
Kagura神楽
Sacred music and dance performed for the kami. Many forms retell myths, above all the story of Amaterasu and the rock cave.
Kami神
A Shinto deity or sacred presence. Kami can be gods from myth, spirits of nature, or deified people.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Saito City Tourism Association: Shiromi Kagura, https://www.saito-kanko.jp/tourisms/%E9%8A%80%E9%8F%A1%E7%A5%9E%E6%A5%BD/
- Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism: Mera kagura report, https://www.kanko-miyazaki.jp/shinwanofurusato/kagura/mera/report1
- Matsuri Stream (Nippon Matsuri Network): Shiromi Jinja Taisai.
Last checked 2026-10-13.