[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts] Furutono Shrine Kagura During the Muromachi period, local jinkagura and Iwato kagura were offered together here for rites, but through several revivals Ise kagura became blended in, producing a slower-tempo (roku-choshi) kagura that continues to the present day. The origin of this kagura is the “Amano-Iwato Opening,” and it was performed to pray for a bountiful harvest and household safety. From Taisho 6 (1917) it also included prayers to calm fires; today it additionally includes traffic safety prayers, and a night kagura festival is held every January. Furutono Shrine night kagura schedule…mid-January

Traditional Performing Art of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Ara-Odori (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) The Ara-Odori of Gokase is a style of elegant festival dance that was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property on January 8, 1987 (prefectural designation: May 15, 1962). In February 2021, a group of 41 nationwide “furyu odori” (elegant festival dances), including Gokase’s Ara-Odori, was selected as a candidate for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. A nomination dossier was submitted to UNESCO in March of the same year, and the dances were officially inscribed on November 30, 2022. “Furyu odori” embodies the spirit of flamboyance and eye-catching elegance. Performers wear elaborate costumes and carry decorative props as they dance to songs and the sound of flutes, drums, and small gongs. Across Japan, 42 furyu odori entries (covering 25 prefectures and 43 municipalities) are designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. In Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokase’s Ara-Odori is the only designated example. These dances carry prayers from local communities for protection from calamities, memorials for the dead, prosperous harvests, and rain. Villagers of all ages take part during festivals and annual events. Each locality’s history and natural environment are reflected in its performance, and the dances serve as a vital source of community energy. The Ara-Odori of Gokase is said to have begun in the Tensho era (1573–1592) when Sakamoto Iga no Kami Masayuki, lord of Sakamoto Castle (upstream of the Mikasho River), started the dance to raise his troops’ morale before going to war. Later, in the Keicho era (1596–1615), his grandson Sakamoto Yamashiro no Kami Nyudo Kyukaku established a ritual code for offering the dance to the guardian deity Futakami Daimyojin (now Mikasho Shrine). At that time, it is said that a successor from the temple called shinbochi oversaw funerary rites, and a monkey kept at the temple was also made to join the dance. One theory holds that the dance originated in Sakamoto, in Ōmi Province (modern Shiga Prefecture). However, the Nisshu Takachiho Kokon Jiran-ki (collected in Volume 4 of the Hyuga Local Historical Materials) records that descendants of Sasaki Rokkaku Takayori from Ōmi fled to Takachiho and served the Mitai clan; their descendants later took the names Saho, Sakamoto, and Masaki. The Sakamoto mentioned here is not the Sakamoto of Sakamoto Castle but the Sakamoto from Mukoyama to Kanegase, a separate lineage with its own origins distinct from the Minamoto, Oogami, or Fujiwara clans. Ara-Odori schedule: every year on the fourth Sunday of September

Inside the venue of the Gion Festival Gari smoke from the stalls rises into the sky The smoke is illuminated by the lights. It was like Yamaboko was standing on the stage of Gion. Combined with the overflowing enthusiasm of people An indescribable live feeling is created The whole venue became a fantastic view.

The photo shows Rinnoji Temple located in Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It is a historic temple that was founded in 1441 by the 11th generation of the Date clan in Yangkawa, Date County Date City, Fukushima Prefecture, and moved to its current location in the 7th year of Keicho 1602 after the opening of Sendai by Date Masamune in the Edo period.

Kannon-do at Ninna-ji Temple The construction of Ninna-ji Temple began at the request of Emperor Mitsutaka, and was founded by Emperor Uta in the 4th year of Ninwa (888). It has been revered by successive emperors as a private temple of the Imperial Family. The photograph is a high-resolution image of 33 enshrinement Buddha statues and murals Reproduction the normally non-Open to the public Kannondo at the Tokyo National Museum. There were so many visitors that it was difficult to take pictures so as not to let people in, but this was the only one that looked like Kannondo. It's really beautiful.

Narai juku "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" It is located in Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Narai Juku is the 34th post town in the Nakasendo Highway, counting from Itabashi Inn on the Edo side and Moriyama Inn on the Kyoto side, just in the middle of the Nakasendo Highway. The Town has been selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and retains a strong appearance of the past. On the day I visited, half of the road was off-limits due to road construction tears. The construction had not started yet early in the morning, so I asked to take a picture. "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" I don't know if the two people in the photo were talking. Restrooms available.

Cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is also known as White Heron Castle, a castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Major buildings such as castle towers and turrets built in the Edo period still exist, and are registered as national treasures, important cultural properties, and UNESCO World Heritage Lists. I visited Himeji Castle when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, The photo was taken from the restaurant in the building. I tried to make it a panoramic style, and when you look at it like this, it is quite wide. Cherry blossoms and egret castle are the best match.

This kagura has been handed down since the founding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and has a history of more than 800 years. It was destroyed by fire, and there is a Tradition that it was used when Minamoto no Yoritomo relocated the palace for reconstruction. The Kagura will be held on December 16 at the Imperial Throne Memorial Festival, and the "Miyajin Song" that was chanted at that time will be played in the north garden of the Maiden, and the dance music "The Dance of the Chief" will also be performed. The appearance of dancing only with a Bonfire is elegant, and the ethereal world of the distant past is Reproduction. (Photography is allowed, but not only flash, but also shutter sound, fill light, and light leakage from the image monitor are prohibited.) Shinto ritual, not just sightseeing)

It is a Kamakura Yabusame horse performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (Japan Heritage). It is a traditional Shinto ritual in which a dignified archer in the form of a warrior shoots a target with a bow and arrow from a galloping horseback riding. According to history, "In Kamakura, Minamoto no Yoritomo first made a dedication to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine on August 15, 1187." This Yabusame Shinto ritual is still being held on the Annual Grand Festival of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (September 16). It is a brave and solemn Shinto ritual where you can feel the breath of the Kamakura period. Feel the history in the traditional events of the historic town.

Just like ringing a bell when praying at a shrine, the sound of a bell has been believed since ancient times to have the power to connect gods and people and bestow blessings. This year, I would like to express my wishes to God and Held in wind chime Dedication so that you can continue to live with hope and peace in the future. Please write your wish on a strip of wind chime and offer it to God with the sound of a pure wind chime. During the summer until the end of August, wind chimes are hung throughout the corridor of the Precincts. We will also distribute wind chime Dedication Limited Time wind chime shuin stamps this year as well. Please come to the reception desk of the company office within the period. Last but not least, under the divine virtue of the great god of Oi Shrine, I would like to pray for your continued happiness and good health. 〔Dedication acceptance period〕　　 June 1st ~ August 20th *Wind chimes will be displayed until August 31st Daily 8:30~17:00 　

Narai-juku, located on the old Nakasendo road, is the longest post town in Japan, stretching about 1 km along the Narai River. This historic site features the Chinjin Shrine at the top of Torii Pass on its Kyoto end. Once a bustling hub for travelers, Narai-juku was known as "Narai Senken" Narai's Thousand Houses and was the busiest stop on the Kisoji road. The town still preserves architectural marvels from the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the thousand latticed windows, reflecting the timeless grandeur of the area.

【Ōgahas】 The Giant Lotus is an ancient lotus that was discovered and bred in 1951 by a group led by botanist Dr. Ichiro Ohga. As a result of dating, it is known that it is a lotus that is at least 2,000 years old, and it is known as the world's oldest lotus that was excavated from an old stratum and successfully germinated and grown. This precious giant hath is rooted in about 250 places in Japan and overseas, and you can see its beautiful appearance in each place. Chiba City will be the "birthplace" of such a giant hasu. The lotus pond in front of the Lotus Pavilion in Chiba Park in Chiba City welcomes Renge Best time to visit from mid-June to July every year, and when there are more than 700 flowers, more than 700 flowers bloom, and many tourists Visit to see the graceful appearance of the giant lotus. There are walking paths and benches in the surrounding area, so you can spend a relaxing time with cherry blossom viewing. In addition to the beauty of the flowers, the historical background and the achievements of Dr. Ohga will allow those who visit to enjoy even more Impression. In addition, the flowers usually open from early morning to mid-morning and close around noon, so it is recommended to watch the giant hath in the morning! [Chiba Park] ■ Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Chiba Station Chiba Park Exit or North Exit Get off in front of Chiba Monorail Chiba Park Station ■Address: 3-1-1 Benten, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Creative Local cuisine "Chiba-san" What is Mr. Chiba...? This dish was devised based on the "sanga-yaki" in which fishermen in Samukawa, Chiba City, who supported Edo-mae, roasted fish caught on a boat with condiments and miso paste. Tataki, which is made by cutting ingredients such as fish and meat into small pieces, adding miso, green onions, large leaves, and ginger and pounding them with a knife, and "Namero," which is further finely pounded and eaten raw, is a creative local cuisine created by adding additional ingredients and cooking methods. When you come to Chiba City, please enjoy the "Chiba-san" created by famous restaurants in Chiba City with their unique personalities and ideas! < is a local fisherman who grills Tradition> At the end of the Edo period, fishermen's boats in Samukawa used to cook the fish they caught on board for a meal. Soy sauce spills out, so the seasoning was exclusively miso. It is said that the origin of "sangayaki" is a dish tataki made by pounding the caught fish with condiments and miso, dipping it in the back of the shamoji and roasting it over a fire. These dishes, which were invented by the fishermen of Samukawa who wanted to deliver the fish they caught to Edo while they were still fresh, out of the need for on-board cooking, are a valuable culture that tells us that Chiba supported "Edo-mae". Written by Samukawa Shrine Ujiko Youth Association

Chiba Shrine The main shrine of the North Star god "Myomi-sama". The star of man = Evil removal that controls fate, removes bad stars and leads to good stars, and eight directions that avoid disasters related to the azimuth. Prayer is a lot of worship in search of two powers. Although it is located in the city, it is also famous as a Power Spot where you can feel a mysterious atmosphere when you step inside. According to the legend of Chiba Shrine, when Chiba Tsuneshige moved his residence from Oshii Castle to Inohana Castle, he brought the Myomi-son, which had been handed down from his ancestors, to this place and built the Myomi-sha. After that, it was revered as the guardian deity of the Chiba clan until Chiba Shigetsu was destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 18th year of Tensho 1590, and the temple was abolished by the Meiji era separation decree and became the Chiba Shrine to enshrine the main life of Tengochu. The annual summer festival "Myōken Taisai" has been held without interruption since the first festival began in the second year of Taiji 1127 and has become a tradition in Chiba. ■ Access: ・ 10 minutes walk from JR Chiba Station Central Ticket Gate East Exit ・10 minutes by car from Anagawa IC in Keiyo Province ■Address: 1-16-1 Hospital, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

In Mongolia, people keep the anklebone of sheep and goats, called shagai, instead of throwing it away. A tradition says that discarding these bones brings bad luck, so every household saves them in a bone container. Children use the bones for play and learning. For example, they play games similar to Japanese ohajiki and do addition and subtraction with the bones. The bones displayed at the multicultural exhibition held in Hachioji in March are now posted at the school entrance. If you live nearby, please come see and touch them!

Yokohama City OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre Opens at Landmark Plaza! — A gallery and shop to enjoy Noh and Kyogen casually — Yokohama Noh Theatre is closed for a major renovation and will remain closed for two and a half years until June 2026. During the closure, to introduce Noh and Kyogen to as many people as possible, we are opening a space introducing Noh and Kyogen, OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre, at Landmark Plaza in Minato Mirai. This is the first time in the country that a Noh and Kyogen introduction facility has been located inside a shopping mall. Visit the easily accessible Landmark Plaza to experience Noh and Kyogen up close. Event Overview Date, Time and Venue Sunday, April 14, 2024 12:15 — Procession (Haji-style Satokagura, Namamugi Hayashi Preservation Society, Ushigome Lion Dance Preservation Society) Route: In front of Sakuragicho Station — moving walkway — Sakata Seed Garden Square 13:00 — “Sanbasan / Sanbaso” starring Chiyonojō Shigeyama and Mannojō Nomura, among others Venue: Landmark Plaza 1st floor, Sakata Seed Garden Square

【Open to the public once every 33 years】Hattasan Choukokuji Temple 3 days from March 16 ~ 18, 2024. Once every 33 years, the secret Buddha, the eleven-sided Kannon statue, was opened to the public. Harashichigo Kanseon Bodhisattva, which was called the guardian Kannon of Hara Nanago, has been worshipped by people since ancient times. During the three days of the open to the public, many people crowded with prayers. In addition, the main hall has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan as a valuable building that preserves the architectural style of the Muromachi period. This year also marks the 500th anniversary of the reconstruction of the main hall.

Goma is a esoteric Buddhist ritual in which wooden votive sticks are cast into the flames on a platform to dispel misfortune, purify wishes, and pray for the fulfillment of great aspirations. At Oyama-dera, a special annual event (typically held on February 28) features the Five-Platform Goma practice. For the Five-Platform Goma, five altars are set up before the Five Wisdom Kings, with a brazier placed in front of each altar. Offerings such as milkwood are burned as worshippers pray to the principal deity. The fire of wisdom burns the fuel of earthly desires as participants pray for good health, increased blessings, and deep respect and affection. This ceremony draws many worshippers from afar and fills the temple with the bustle of continuous goma fires throughout the day. Nationwide, goma performed on five platforms is a rare sight. While the Five-Platform Goma is an annual special event, regular goma prayers are held daily and offer a precious experience open to anyone. In the solemn atmosphere of mountain-shrouded Oyama-dera, you can spend a moment of spiritual cleansing. Away from the noise of daily life, taking part in the goma ritual purifies body and mind and lets you return to everyday life with renewed spirit. Alongside the temple’s reverent atmosphere, this valuable opportunity brings peace and refreshment to the heart. Anyone may join, so you are welcome to make your request casually.

【Ando Family Residence Hinamatsuri】 Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, more than 200 dolls from Edo to Showa are on display at the "Ando Family Residence". Yamanashi's unique hina doll, "Bina Yokozawa", is charming in its standing figure. You can also enjoy the architecture and gardens that are more than 300 years old suitable for the spring festival. During the period, a concert of songs related to spring will be held. In addition, the staff is giving a handmade miniature folded gift to those who come. Limited number Date and time: February 9 Fri ~ April 8 Mon, 2024 Reiwa 6 Time: 9 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m. last admission 4 p.m. *Closed on Tuesdays Admission fee: Adults university students and older 300 yen Children elementary, junior high, and high school students 100 yen * Preschoolers free of charge Address Yamanashi Prefecture Minami-Alps City Seinan Lake 4302 Note: You may be required to use a temporary parking lot due to parking lot maintenance work. 3 mins walk Contact: Ando Family ☎Residence 055-284-4448 Cultural Properties Division, ☎Board of Education 055-282-7269

It is a Yutachi Shinto ceremony at Ishishimizu Hachimangu Shrine, and it is a Setsubun event that calls for spring, which is held at 10 o'clock on January 28 2024 Reiwa 6. This year, it was sunny and strongly backlit, so I used strobe photography to highlight the steam and drops.

A traditional event that heralds early spring in the ancient capital of Nara. The spectacle of the entire mountain being burned and scorching the night sky is a masterpiece.

Lanterns brightly color the precincts. The photo shows "Osaki Hachimangu" in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture The shrine hall main shrine, stone room, worship hall is designated as a national treasure, and is famous for its naked worship at the "Donto Festival" held on January 14 every year.

『Link More HIMEJI』 2023.11.30 pm9:03 Taken in front of Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. I saw the light-up show of the commercial facility "Piore Himeji" in front of Himeji Station. The illumination on the wall vividly colors the city at night. The square in front of the castle is also lit up as a project to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Himeji Castle World Heritage Site, and the illumination imitating matches, which is a local industry in Himeji, is shining. Sightseeing in Himeji at night is hot!

I would be happy if you could experience "Honmamon" by appreciating the traditional performing arts of Japan on the stage, which is a comprehensive art. Traditional Japanese performing arts, By appreciating the stage, which is comprehensive art from,"Honmamon"the real thing it would be great if you could experience.

When I was walking, I suddenly looked up and saw a persimmon tree 🌲. Speaking of autumn, "persimmon"! !️ I've never seen it like this! That's how narrow my field of view is. So even if you're busy, you may ☺️ be healed just by looking up a little.

The Oi River continues to flow cleanly since ancient times. The water god of the Oi River, which gives us a rich water source and many blessings necessary for life, is the god of Oi Shrine. In honor of the water god, we have also awarded an amulet that is as clear as water. Through the amulet that is as clear as the clear stream of the Oi River, please always receive the blessing of the water god.

10/1~10/31 only Oi Shrine is a monthly limited "obi shuin stamps". It is a gorgeous pattern related to our big festival "Obi Festival". Since it is transparent, you can also enjoy it through the scenery.

On both sides of the approach to the shrine with a view of the worship hall, there is a pair of stone top dogs, which always protect the gods. This powerful and dignified komainu was dedicated in 1938 by a then-famous Japanese confectionery shop called "Oki Kyodo" in Hondori 5-chome, Shimada, the year after the start of the Sino-Japanese War China Incident, and was carved by Shimada stonemason Masuno-chohei. The right pedestal is carved with the words "Takeyu" and the left pedestal is carved with "Nagahisa", and it seems that it is a top dog dedicated to pray for Japan's victory and peace, and the safety of those who went to war.

Senkusa Kannon-ji Temple has always been a popular temple. It is also almost a must-visit when visiting Tokyo. Ancient monastery with a history of thousands of years. A lot of small details are beautiful subjects for photography. I love this door button, quaint and textured.

Oi Shrine is the water god of the Oi River, and there is a kami pond with clear water in its precincts, and the pure water from an old well flows into the precincts. The water temperature is almost constant all year round, so it feels cold in summer and warm in winter. The first pond was built in the precincts of the shrine in 1915, about 100 years ago, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the relocation of Oi Shrine to the land of Shimada, and was built around the current parking lot on the side of the shrine office by the services of the veterans at that time. The current pond was moved to the center of the precincts in 1985 during the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Emperor Showa's accession to the throne, and it is more magnificent in size and scenery than the previous pond. Now it is indispensable in the precincts, and it is a beautiful water scenery of the water god.