HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Private Kagura Performance in Shobara
Experience the energy and colors of Hiroshima’s famed kagura dances in the comfort of your lodgings
Shobara Tourism Authority
Exclusively available for guests staying in the historic renovated homes of Setouchi Cominca Stays in the city of Shobara, enjoy a private 10-minute performance of kagura right in your own accommodations.
This traditional performing art has been handed down for centuries and is thought to originate with the singing and dancing performed for the gods, such as when praying for bountiful harvests, to ward off misfortune, or to express gratitude. While you can come across kagura all around Japan, Hiroshima Prefecture is a major center of the tradition, with around 300 troupes.
At the agreed-upon time, guests will be visited by a kagura troupe, whose members provide an engaging explanation of the art form’s history and stories before performing a dynamic live dance. Thanks to a script translated into English, even first-timers can follow the show with ease. After the performance, guests are welcome to try on the colorful traditional costumes and handle the props, while taking as many photos as they like.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). Switch to the express bus and ride to Shobara Station (about 2 hours). From there, it's about a 20 to 50-minute drive depending on the exact location of your accommodations.
①Setouchi Cominca Stays Hiroshima - Furosen
796 Uedani-cho, Shobara-shi, Hiroshima-ken
②Setouchi Cominca Stays Hiroshima - Chojaya
1528 Mitsugaichi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara-shi, Hiroshima-ken
③Setouchi Cominca Stays Hiroshima - Kozako-mori
279 Shimoyukawa, Takano-cho, Shobara-shi, Hiroshima-ken