Hiroshima’s 1,000-Year-Old Traditional "Kagura" Performance With A Complete Explanation in English

【STORY】

Preserved and passed down to the present age, Kagura is a legendary tale derived from myths written in old Japanese books and initially began as a sacred dance that pays homage to the gods in Japan. Enjoy a series of ceremonial performance arts with English support, during your 'Evening of Kagura'.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. If you come to the venue before the performance begins, you will be able to see the gorgeous kagura costumes and kagura masks on display from close up. The moderator will also give an explanation of the day's performance in English. In addition, all lines during the performance are shown in English, making it easy to understand even difficult Japanese. After the performance, there will be a Q&A session. By the end of the performance, the audience must have fully understood and been satisfied with the world of traditional Japanese "Kagura" music.

This performance is very much a living tradition and thrives primarily in urban centers of Hiroshima, housing more than 200 Kagura troupes active in the prefecture. While Hiroshima is home to five different regional variations of the Kagura performance, in this plan you will delight in the Geihoku Kagura; a performance that developed independently in the northern part of Hiroshima. Take in the colorful costumes and large masks that incorporate the new and old traditions of Japan.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Moderator and pamphlets are available in English.
• Two interpreters are provided.
• Dialogue is shown with English subtitles
  

【SCHEDULE】

[18:30]　The doors open
[19:00]　The opening of the show
[19:45]　Q&A corner
[20:00]　The end of the show

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】

Program contents (planned)
・January 6th (Sat) Minamoto-no-Yorimasa performance in Suzuhari-Kaguradan
・January 20th (Sat) Momiji-gari performance in Kamikawachi-Kaguradan
・February 3rd (Sat) Tsuchigumo performance in Kinsho-Kaguradan
・February 24th (Sat) TBA
・March 2nd (Sat) TBA
・March 9th (Sat) TBA

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：90 minutes
• Meeting point：Hiroshima YMCA
  7-11 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0013 [MAP]
  ※*The International Culture Hall is located in the basement of the main building.
• Access：
  ・City train (other than No. 5) 3-minute walk from Tatemachi stop
  ・A 5-minute walk from Kenchomae stop on the Astram Line
  ・10-minute by taxi from JR Hiroshima Station
  ・5-minute walk from Hiroshima Bus Center
  ・From Ujina Port (Ujina-ko), take the city train (No. 1) bound for JR Hiroshima Station, get off at the Tatemachi stop, and walk 3-minute
  
• Language support：English
• Excluded：
  ・Souvenir fee
  ・Transportation expenses to the venue
  
• Items to bring：If you are paying a student rate, please be sure to bring proof of student status.
  
• Participation requirements：Children under 2 years old can attend free of charge.
• Free WI-FI：Yes
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.