Have you ever heard of Kagura before?
In Kanji, it is written “神楽”, meaning “the gods enjoy”. Would that help
imagine what it is like? It is actually one of the Shinto rituals and is a
performance of song and dance dedicated to the gods.
Kagura is performed all over Japan, but the style differs by region.
In Hiroshima, Kagura is a festival of thanksgiving to God and nature.
When the harvest is over in autumn, Kagura is performed at many
shrines, including those in Hiroshima City.
In Kagura performances around Hiroshima, several actors and flute and
drum players perform a story like a musical.
It is quite rhythmic, and the children in the audience may even dance along
with them.
As this culture is deeply connected with agriculture, the stage is not in a
formal theater, but in a very casual one.
There are no professional Kagura troupes.
Normally, people who work in agriculture or business get together on a
voluntary basis and practice Kagura.
One of the most popular areas for Kagura is "Aki Takata".
There are 22 kagura troupes in this town of 28,000 people.
It would be such a pity to see them only once a year, wouldn't it?
Well, if you go to the Kaguramonzen Spa Village, you can see them all
year round on weekends!
But what kind of place is it?
Now you know what Kagura is.
"Monzen" means the area around the shrine, "Touji" means
healing from illness in a hot spring, and "Mura" means village.
In short, it's a theme park that was designed to represent an old farming
village.
Once you enter the gate, you will find yourself in an old town.
Buildings with reddish-brown roof tiles, and toy stores and candy shops that
children used to hang out in the old days.
When Japanese people come here, they feel a sense of nostalgia.
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| Courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture |
As the name "Touji Village" implies, there is a hot spring that will
heal your travel fatigue.
It is said that this hot spring was used by many people in the village even
before this facility was built.
The outdoor bath is made of real rocks, and you can relax as you are in the
nature.
And of course, the main attraction is the Kagura.
If you're worried about the language, don't worry! There is an English
explanation (on paper) for each story. Just think of it as a very casual
musical.
You can eat, drink, shout, talk with your friends, etc. in the seats.
No dress code either!
The Kagura of Aki Takata is known for its powerful performances with
gorgeous costumes and masks full of expressions.
Share that excitement with the locals.
Don't miss the quick changes of masks and costumes!
For further information: https://toujimura.com/en/information/
Access
Take the expressway bus bound for Miyoshi and Shobara from the Hiroshima Bus Center and get off at the Midori (美土里) Expressway Bus Stop (about 1 hour).
A free shuttle bus will take you from the bus stop to
Kagura Monzen Touji Mura.
In addition to the schedule here, a shuttle bus can be provided at other times if reserved in advance.
(You can find the reservation form from the bottom of the schedule page.)
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