Iwato Kagura (Shinto Theatrical Dance)

伏見神社の岩戸神楽

Iwato Kagura is a Shinto theatrical dance devoted to Fushimi Shrine on the night of the Gion Festival (July 14) every year. The dance is made up of 18 separate pieces, of which the “Kojin” and “Mondo” are especially vigorous. In these pieces, men dressed like devils run around the grounds of the shrine; since it is said that babies who are held by the devils will grow up healthily, many people with children attend the performance every year.
It is also said that the masks which were used in the Kagura dance were made between the mid and late Edo Era (mid-18th through late 19th century). Moreover, 70% of those masks were made in the Noh (classical Japanese musical drama) style, which is quite rare.
*The masks presently in use were made in 1982.

Address (Japanese)	811-1244　福岡県那珂川市山田茶屋前880-1 伏見神社
Address	879 Yamada, Nakagawa City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	092-952-2092（那珂川市文化振興課）
Contact	Nakagawa City Office Social Education Division, Cultural Asset Section
Access	By bus - a 3 minute walk from Nishitetsu “Yamada” Bus stop