Dainichido Bugaku, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with a history of approximately 1,300 years | On-site report on the 2026 dedication ceremony

situated in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture and borders Aomori and Iwate PrefecturesOhirumemuchiwhich isShrine.

Every year on January 2nd, theDainichido Bugaku,is performed here.

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Dainichido Bugaku | Bugaku with a history of approximately 1,300 years, dating back to the famous monk Gyoki [Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture]

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Located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Aomori and Iwate Prefectures, Ohirumemuchi Shrine is located in the Hachimantai district of Kazuno City. Every year on January 2nd, the shrine offers a performance of the precious folk art form "Dainichido Bugaku," a dance with a history spanning approximately 1,300 years. It is registered as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. What is Dainichido Bugaku? When Dainichido Bugaku Shrine (commonly known as Dainichido) was rebuilt by imperial decree in 718, musicians (specializing in Bugaku and Gagaku) ​​traveled from the capital to perform it with the renowned monk Gyoki, who would later be counted as one of the "Four Saints" of Todaiji Temple in Nara.

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Dainichi Hall Bugaku on January 2, 2026

On January 2nd, 2026,the Dainichido Bugaku, a performanceI visited Kazuno City to witness

On the previous day, January 1st, there was heavy snowfall across a wide area of ​​the Tohoku region. There was so much snow that it even piled up on the highway, and considering that the Bugaku performance was to be held early in the morning, I definitely would not have been able to make it if I hadn't chosen to leave earlier

As expected, when I arrived at the site, I was greeted by a silvery world that allowed me to experience the snowy country to the fullest

Arrive at the venue at 6:00 AM on the day

We left the inn at 5:30 AM and arrived at the destination around 6:00 AM. The parking lot in front of JR Hachimantai Station on the Hanawa Line only had space for about 20-30 cars, and it seemed like the number of cars that could be parked was even more limited due to the snow

The parking lot fills up before 7 AM, so if you plan to visit,the shuttle bus that departs from and arrives at "Michi-no-Eki Kazuno Antoraa"it's best to use

At this point, there was still some time before the event started, so I decided to take a look around the area

It was 6:30 AM, and the shrine was still silent. It was quite cold, but the crisp air on a snowy, windless morning was quite pleasant

The snowfall observed in Kazuno City from January 1st to 2nd was about 50cm. The festival stalls were barely able to avoid being buried

The exterior of Dainichiryouki Shrine. Everything is covered in snow

When we entered the shrine, we saw that there were already a few people there to pray. In a few hours, the place would be filled with people

We still had plenty of time, so we planned to go back to the car and wait there, but since we were there, we decided to take a little walk around the area in front of Hachimantai Station

The Hachimantai Station building is quite compact and cute. The shuttle bus from the Kazuno Antra Roadside Station stops here

The small prefabricated building on the right is a public toilet, which is useful when waiting for your car

The view across the tracks from right next to JR Hanawa Line's Hachimantai Station. Thick snow clouds obscure the mountain ridges in a pure white world of silver. It's a landscape of nothing but white

I later learned that the average temperature in Kazuno at this time of day was -7°C. As the sun began to rise, I suddenly noticed a sparkling light in the air, and wondered if it was the diamond dust I'd heard about. It was so cold that I had an experience like that

At 8:00 AM, Dainichido Bugaku begins

After that, we waited for a while and then went back to the site

I was waiting inside the shrine to secure a spot for the main dance, butthe purification ceremonyhad begun outside. A little while later, when I peeked outside,the Jizo dancewas in full swing.

The deity Gongen dances in front of the Jizo statue, and all the Noh performers from the four villages watch over it. Afterwards, the ceremony continues solemnly outside the shrine, and after a while,the powder pressing (momioshi)begins inside.

The young men of Azusawa village slowly appear from behind the shrine. You will be overwhelmed by the loud shouts of "Yonyarayaye" and "Soryansae."

the powder applicationon the central stage with flutes and drumsthe music of Gojōraku (a type of court music)upstairsthe raising of the bannersgo

the musicpicks up, the Noh performers from each village, each carrying a dragon god banner, rush into the shrine and throw the banners at the young men waiting on the second floor.

With the rapid sounds of flutes, the rapid beating of drums, the spirited shouts, and the banners being thrown and thrown around, the atmosphere clearly rises to a new level. This act can be said to be the highlight of the first half of Dainichido Bugaku

Once each village's dragon god banner has been safely lowered from the parapet, preparations are finally complete for the main dance offering

Next,the MikomaiandKanatemai dances,, are performed in succession. Then,the Daishogyoji rituals,rice is scattered to purify the area, andthe Shuho ritual,the chief priest recites the prayer for the Yoro Festival.

It's now just after 9:00 AM. When I go outside, the sun has risen and fog has begun to form around me. The ground and sky are completely white with the falling snow and fog. However, when I look up, I see a clear blue sky with bright sunlight streaming in, creating a fantastical atmosphere

9:40 AM ~ Dainichido Bugaku | The main dance begins

When I returned to the shrine, the main dance performance had already begun, starting with theGongen-mai dance. The Noh performers and the Gongen deity were dressed in incredibly colorful costumes. I wonder what the origin of this dance is.

performed by two Noh performers from Osatothe Komai dance,. Their movements, as they dance while shaking the horse (koma) heads attached to their chests, vividly convey the image of a person riding a horse.

By the way, this horse head is also considered a sacred object, and it is said that anyone who wears it will become as brave as the Arakoma... Since it is a sacred object, perhaps a god can possess it

While Bugaku is being performed inside the hall, worshippers for their first visit of the year continue to arrive outside one after another. By this time, the shrine is bustling with people both inside and outside

The Uhenmai dance, also known as "Obemai," "Somatori no Mai," and "Hakagatame no Mai,is said to represent the funeral ceremony held when Princess Kichijo, the daughter of the wealthy Danburi couple, passed away, and it exudes a solemn atmosphere.

Apparently at the end of the dance, they scatter amulets that are said to bring good luck, but I didn't notice this at all on the day..

which is said to depict the playful antics of the chickens owned by the wealthy Danburi familyThe Torimai dance, features three dancers representing a rooster, a hen, and a chick, with only the rooster dancing while holding a bell in his left hand.

During the offering, the chief priest was offering prayers at the altar in the back

, which depicts the Danburi millionaire couple and their four retainers transforming into Dainichi Nyorai and the Four Great Wisdom Kings, respectivelythe Godai Sonmai.

This dance, performed with impressive masks, is said to be the most popular among spectators

This is the male deity,Dainichi Nyorai of the Vajradhatu Mandala. It is believed to be the form in which Danburi Chōja himself transformed.

This is the goddessDainichi Nyorai of the Womb Realm. She is said to be the incarnation of the wife of Danburi Chōja. Her distinctive features are the red accents on her lipstick and headdress.

is said to be a dance of a craftsman that depicts the carving of the sacred body of Ōhirume-no-MikotoThe Kōshōmai (craftsman's dance). Of all the dances in the series, this is the only one that seems to depict events that took place after the legend of Danburi Chōja.

The final offering isthe Dengaku dance, performed by six Noh performers from Azusawa.

This dance depicts agricultural activities, and although it's difficult to see in the photo, the small drum held by the person in the back on the right isa "Tengu drum," named after a legend that the drum was bestowed upon the performer by a Tengu (a mythical creature).

Does the pre-ceremony ritual in each village actually start late at night?

The dance performance at Dainichireiki Shrine (commonly known as Dainichido) begins around 8:00 a.m., but in fact,Osato,Taniuchi,Azusawa, andNagamine, preliminary ceremonies are held in each village from late at night before the performance.

The author of this blog booked a hotel in Hachimantai to see the Dainichido Bugaku dance, and had the good fortune to go and see the preliminary ceremony in the Taniuchi district late at night. What a rare experience, I envy you

Saito Liquor Store where you can purchase sacred sake from Dainichireiki Shrine

located along the road connecting Dainichireiki Shrine and JR Hanawa Line Hachimantai Station,Saito Sake Shopsells sacred sake from Dainichireiki Shrine.

This shrine is associated with Danburi Choja, who became wealthy after discovering a spring that gushed forth sake, so I'm sure this sacred sake will bring good fortune

Aoiwa

Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs