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 town of Kagurazaka changes its face into a stage of traditional performing arts. This year, Akagi-jinja Shrine will host the new program Traditional Song and Dance Live.
Kagurazaka Rakuza – Storytellers′ Theater
At the main festival, traditional storytelling performances such as Koudan by young performers, Biwa-gatari accompanied by Japanese lute, Joruri (Gidayu) and Rokyoku recited with the sound of Shamisen three-string guitar will be offered. Beginner-friendly words and programs are carefully selected for all guests to fully understand the stories.
- Date / Time
- May 12th (Sun), 2019 around 12:00-16:40
- Location
- Special stage at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Takemoto Kyonosuke x Tsuruzawa Kazu (Gidayu-bushi)
- Fujitaka Rieko (“Chikuzen biwa”Five-stringed Japanese lute)
- Tamagawa Nanafuku x Sawamura Toyoko (Rokyoku)
- Tanabe Ginya (“Koudan” storytelling)
- Host
- Ishii Yokichi (Sukeroku shop owner)
Performing Arts Tour and Street Live Performances in Kagurazaka
Various traditional performing artists will greet you at two 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
- May 12th (Sun), 2019 around 12:00-17:10
- Location
- Kagurazaka area (Kagurazaka-ue Intersection and “Park Luxe Kagurazaka” “Pocket Park patio”)
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- GMQ (“Shakuhachi” bamboo flute)
- Kyu-ren-ja (“Kokyu” Japanese fiddle)
- Yurara (“Gagaku” ancient court music)
- Wada Natsuki (“Tezuma” Japanese classical magic)
- Seshami Street Boys (Tsugaru shamisen performance)
- Koto x Tada Ayako (Japanese flute x 25strings “Koto” Japanese harp)
- Oyama Yutaka x Kominato Akihisa x Otawa Masaki (Tsugaru shamisen x “Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute x “Taiko” Japanese drum)
- Maruichi Senoh Troupe (“Edo-Daikagura” Japanese traditional juggling and lion dance)
Traditional Song and Dance Live
In contrast to the storytelling at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple, Akagi-jinja Shrine starts a new music program this year! Stop by at the staircase leading to the main hall of the shrine and enjoy the fun performance of Edo-Daikagura as well as the comforting sounds of Shakuhachi bamboo flute, Sou Japanese harp, Kokyu Japanese fiddle and guitar, which are traditionally offered to entertain the Gods and make them dance.
- Date / Time
- May 12th (Sun), 2019 around 12:00-15:40
- Location
- Akagi-jinja Shrine Grounds
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Maruichi Senoh Troupe (“Edo-Daikagura” Japanese traditional juggling and lion dance)
- Tone (“Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute x “Sou” Japanese harp x Guitar)
- Kodachi (“Kokyu” Japanese fiddle x Electronic keyboard & synthesizer)
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
- May 12th (Sun), 2019
- 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 April 1st (Mon) at 10:00
- TEL: 0120-240-540 (Toll free ? operators available between 10:00 and 18:00 on weekdays only, Japanese only)
- Performers
- Geisha Ladies
- Dancers:Eiko, Shiho, Fukuko
- 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, the show starts with vibrant Tezuma Japanese magic and, as new additions this year, introduces you to the sound of the hybrid of Japanese Shakuhachi and Western flute called Okraulo (cooperation: Okura Public Cultural Foundation and Okura Museum of Art) as well as the elegant and gorgeous yet energetic performances of Nagauta Shamisen by female performers and Japanese traditional percussion.
Do not miss the carefully curated finale where the performers, the guests and the staff come together to close the festival in a lively manner.
- Date / Time
- May 12th (Sun), 2019, 17:30-18:30
- *Approximate performing time
- Location
- Akagi-jinja Shrine Kaguraden Stage
- Admission
- Free
- Performers
- Wada Natsuki（“Tezuma” Japanese classical magic)
- Kominato Akihisa x Matsushita Naoki x Motonaga Hiromu (“Shakuhachi”Bamboo Flute Fusion ‹Fused Instrument›)
- Tobaya Riseki Troupe x Mochizuki Harumi Troupe (Nagauta shamisen & “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 town 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 traditional toys including Beigoma spinning top and Kendama. Participants who have collected all 7 stamps will be awarded limited edition Tenugui towels specially designed for this festival.
- Date / Time
- May 12th (Sun), 2019, 11:30-16:00
- *Participants can exchange their stamps for prizes until 16:30. Prizes are limited in quantity.
- Locations
- Stamp rally checkpoints
- Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple / Kosho-ji Temple / Enpuku-ji Temple / Shirogane Park / Jinai Park / Karuko-zaka slope / Wakamiya Park
- History Guides
- Checkpoints above and Geisha-shinmichi alley
- Kids’ Square
- Shirogane Park / Jinai Park (street performance only)
- Admission
- Free (A map with a stamp sheet will be distributed at each stamp point)
- Performers
- Shibuya Gagekidan (Picture cards show)
- Kamijo Mitsuru (The Edo marionette group)
- Cooperation
- Edo Tokyo Guide Group
- Tokyo Toy Museum curator Yamada Shusei
- *Maps / stamp collecting sheets will be distributed at each stamp checkpoint.
- *English maps and interpretation are available at each checkpoint.
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
- May 12th (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.
- *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.
