The San’in region also famously appears as the setting for myths in historical texts compiled around 1,300 years ago. Enjoyment of the Iwami Kagura dance is a vital way to understand this “land where myths are alive.”Kagura is a dance to summon the gods. Although originally passed down by Shinto priests, since the modern era in western Shimane Prefecture, it is performed by village volunteers and young people, continuously evolving as “Iwami Kagura” to meet the changing times.
Compared to the slow, elegant ancient Kagura dance, Iwami Kagura is characterized by lively music and dynamic choreography. One look at this dynamic dance is sure to captivate any audience!Regular performances and other Iwami Kagura performances at event venues can mainly be seen on weekends and holidays throughout the region. Check the performance calendar for details. https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/travel_information/13359
Kakita Katsuro Mask Workshop
The masks and costumes able to withstand the intense movements of Iwami Kagura are all handmade by local artisans. At Kakita Katsuro Mask Workshop, layer upon layer of washi paper create light, durable masks. The shop is filled with works in a vast variety of expressions.
The paper also used for these kagura masks and costumes is called Sekishu washi. This traditional Japanese paper characterized by great lightness and strength is made with an art passed down in this region for about 1,300 years. In 2009, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Try your own hand at this ancient art of papermaking while learning about its history at the Sekishu Washi Center.
Access
JR Mihomisumi Sta.→ 5 min by taxi or 30 min walk
Business hours
9:00 – 17:00
【Admission: Free (papermaking experience 770 yen - 1,980 yen depending on options selected, reservation required)】
Regular holiday
Mondays (open when it falls on a national holiday, closed the following weekday), New Year holidays (Dec. 28-Jan. 4)
My hobby is to find delicious dishes and recreate them at home. When I am on a shopping hunt for kitchen tools at Kappabashi Kitchenware Town, the time goes by so quickly. I also like football, so I cook while watching a live J-league game on weekends when I stay home. It is my routine to search for good-looking foreign football players. I am from Nagoya.
