Main Festival
The main street of Kagurazaka during the day is reserved for pedestrians and has a completely different atmosphere from the nighttime. It is visited by many young people, families and international visitors. From its two biggest landmarks, Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple and Akagi-jinja Shrine, to the stone-paved alleys and the parks, the entire city of Kagurazaka turns into a stage of traditional performing arts.
Kagurazaka Rakuza – Storytellers′ Theater
Lecture fields set up in the precincts of shrines and temples in the old days where people gathered for various information will be recreated in Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple. Traditional storytelling performances will be offered here such as Kodan by young performers, Biwa-gatari accompanied by Japanese lute, Joruri (Gidayu) and Rokyoku recited with the sound of Shamisen three-string guitar. Beginner-friendly words and programs are carefully selected for all guests to fully understand the stories.
- Date / Time
- November 11th (Sun), 2018 11:30-16:30
- *Approximate performing time
- Location
- Special stage at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Takemoto Koshikou & Tsuruzawa Kanya (Gidayu-bushi)
- Kanda Riei (“Kodan” storytelling)
- Biwa Duo (“Satsuma biwa” Four or five-stringed Japanese lute)
- Tamagawa Nanafuku & Sawamura Toyoko (Rokyoku)
- Host
- Ishii Yokichi (An owner of Sukeroku store, a long-established footwear / bag / umbrella store in Kagurazaka)
Performing Arts Tour and Street Live Performances in Kagurazaka
Various traditional performing artists will greet you at three performing locations set up in Kagurazaka Avenue. Breathtaking acrobats and intriguing music will entertain guests from all generations. Come meet talented groups that create the fusion of classic and modern styles as well as prestigious artists who pass the Edo-Period tradition on to the present.
- Date / Time
- November 11th (Sun), 2018 12:10-16:30
- *Approximate performing time
- Location
- In front of “Shimakin”, Kagurazaka-ue Intersection, “Pocket park” patio of “Park Luxe Kagurazaka”
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Wakajishikai(“Hogaku-Bayashi” Japanese traditional percussion)
- Yurara (“Gagaku” ancient court music)
- Seshami Street Boys (Tsugaru Shamisen)
- Maruichi Senoh Troupe (“Edo-Daikagura” Japanese traditional juggling and lion dance) Otawa Masaki (“Taiko” Japanese drum) & Oyama Yutaka (Tsugaru Shamisen)
- Koibumi by Ito Erina (“Sou” Japanese harp) & Tsujimoto Yoshimi (“Shakuhachi” bamboo flute)
- GMQ (“Shakuhachi” bamboo flute)
- Kyu-ren-ja (“Kokyu” Japanese fiddle)
- Fujiyama Taiju(“Tezuma” Japanese classical magic)
Experiencing Ozashiki Asobi-Traditional Japanese Parlor Games
Banquets with Geisha entertainment is one of Japan’s unique forms of hospitality. This program offers you the opportunity to enjoy songs, shamisen music and dances performed by Kagurazaka’s Geishas in their training house called Kenban, which is normally closed to the public. Participants can also try playing games that Geishas often play in banquets. English interpretation is available for non-Japanese-speaking participants.
- Date / Time
- November 11th (Sun), 2018
- 1st Performance: 13:00-14:00
- 2nd Performance: 14:30-15:30
- *Program contents are the same in both performances.
- Location
- Tokyo Kagurazaka Association – Kenban
- (administration office and training place for Geishas)
- Admission
- 2,500 JPY per person
- *Prior reservation is required (Capacity: up to 40 participants per performance)
- *English brochures and consecutive interpretation are available at each performance.
- *For tickets, please contact Confetti https://www.confetti-web.com/
- Ticket sales starts on October 1st (Mon) at 10:00
- TEL: 0120-240-540 (toll free)
- – Operators are available between 10:00 and 18:00 on weekdays only.
- Performers
- Kagurazaka Geishas
- Dancers: Momoko, Konatsu and Kiyono
- Musicians: Mayumi (songs), Natsue and Sakurako (shamisen) and Yumie (drum)
Evening Live Music Performances at Akagi-jinja Shrine Kagura Hall
Akagi-jinja Shrine has been one of Kagurazaka’s landmarks since the Edo Period and is also known as a perfect viewing spot for the sunset. On the stage in this beautiful modern-looking shrine, energetic Edo Daikagura performances and solemn Ginei will be presented as well as Nagauta Shamisen and Hogaku-Bayashi. Do not miss the grand finale where the performers, the guests and the staff come together to close the festival.
- Date / Time
- November 11th (Sun), 2018, 17:00-18:00
- *Approximate performing time
- Location
- Akagi-jinja Shrine Kagura Hall
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Maruichi Senoh Troupe (“ Edo-Daikagura” Japanese traditional juggling and lion dance) Arai Ryuou (“Gin-ei”poem chanting) & Mizushima Yuiko (“Satsuma biwa” Five-stringed Japanese lute)
- Yoshimura Isojiro Troupe (Nagauta shamisen) & Wakajishikai (“Hogaku-Bayashi” Japanese traditional percussion)
- Host
- Cyril Coppini
Kagurazaka Time Slip (Stamp Rally / History Guides / Kids’ Square)
Collect stamps as you walk through 7 historical landmarks of Kagurazaka and learn more about the city from knowledgeable local guides welcoming you at 8 different spots along the way. At Shirogane Park checkpoint, kids and adults can enjoy nostalgic live performances of picture stories and Edo marionettes, and also play with toy building blocks. Participants who have collected all 7 stamps will be awarded limited edition Tenugui towels specially designed for this festival.
- Date / Time
- November 11th (Sun), 2018, 11:30-16:00
- *Participants can exchange their stamps for prizes until 16:30. Prizes are limited in quantity.
- Location
- Stamp rally checkpoints
- Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple / Kosho-ji Temple / Enpuku-ji Temple / Akagi-jinja Shrine / Jinai Park / Karuko-zaka slope / Wakamiya Park
- History Guides
- Checkpoints above (apart from Akagi-jinja Shrine), Geisha-shinmichi alley and Shirogane Park
- Kids’ Square
- Shirogane Park / Jinai Park (street tricks only)
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Shibuya Gagekidan (Picture cards show)
- Kamijo Mitsuru (The Edo marionette group)
- *Maps / stamp collecting sheets will be distributed at each stamp rally checkpoint.
- *English maps and interpretation are available at each checkpoint.
- *Programs are subject to change or cancellation depending on circumstances. Alternative venues for a rainy weather and other information will be announced on the official website and at the festival venues.
Encounter Japan’s Traditional Performing Arts in Kagurazaka
Your guide will lead you through the performance points and many scenic and historic sites in Kagurazaka over this 2 to 2.5 hour walking tour.There will be 7 check points where you will collect stamps, which will be exchanged with prizes at the end of the tour.
- Date / Time
- November 11th (Sun) 13:00 - around 15:00
- *Participants can exchange their stamps for prizes until 16:30. Prizes are limited in quantity.
- URL
- https://www.meetup.com/japanize/
- For more information, please find us on meetup.com!
- All programs and performances are subject to change without notice.
