A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.
Gokase no Ara Odori
Japanese name: 五ケ瀬の荒踊（ごかせのあらおどり）
Gokase (Sangasho, Nakanobori Shrine and others), Miyazaki
2027
Sun, Sep 26
Ara Odori (Nakanobori Shrine)
About the festival
Ara Odori is a furyu dance handed down in the Sakamoto district of Sangasho, Gokase Town, said to have been started in the Tensho era by Sakamoto Iga-no-kami Masayuki, lord of Sakamoto Castle. A troupe centered on some sixty performers dressed as warriors parades in formation and dances more than ten pieces around a central drum. Old rules are still kept for the assignment of roles and the order of the procession.
The moment a gunshot signals the dance to turn suddenly bold and vigorous
A procession of warriors carrying spears, naginata, bows and matchlock guns
A long performance lasting about six hours in all
Videos
Videos published by local governments, preservation societies and others.
Video: ごかせ観光協会 (YouTube)
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Furyu-odori dances
- Location
- Gokase (Sangasho, Nakanobori Shrine and others), Miyazaki
- Main venue
- Grounds of Nakanobori Shrine and the Ara Odori no Yakata (Gokase)
- Getting there
- About 50 minutes by car from Yamato-Nakajima-Nishi IC on the Kyushu Expressway.
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Gokase no Ara Odori held in 2027?
- In 2027, it is scheduled for Sun, Sep 26 (Calculated from the usual rule).
- Where is Gokase no Ara Odori held?
- It is held in Gokase (Sangasho, Nakanobori Shrine and others), Miyazaki. The main venue is Grounds of Nakanobori Shrine and the Ara Odori no Yakata (Gokase).
- How are the dates of Gokase no Ara Odori set?
- Every year on the last Sunday of September (grounds of Nakanobori Shrine and the Ara Odori no Yakata)