October is known as Kannazuki, or the “Month Without Deities,” as the deities are said to gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture. In Izumo, however, it is called Kamiarizuki, the “Month with Deities.”
At Ogi Shrine in Namino, Aso City, regular performances of Nakae Iwato Kagura are held on the first Sunday of each month from April through November. In October, when the deities are away, the regular performance takes a break. Instead, the annual Kagura Festival is held at Michi no Eki Namino. This year marked its 35th edition!
My sons and I, who look forward to the monthly performances, went to the festival on Saturday, October 3.
Kagura groups from other parts of Kyushu, as well as Iwami Kagura from Shimane Prefecture, joined the festival, offering a variety of performances.
The Iwami Kagura performance, featuring eight giant serpents twisting and dancing across the stage, was truly spectacular. The festival concluded with a performance by the local Nakae Iwato Kagura group.
The event ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Under the pleasant autumn sunshine, many visitors enjoyed a full day of traditional music and dance, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the melodies of flutes.
The final regular performance of Nakae Iwato Kagura this season will take place on Sunday, November 1.
If you are planning to visit Aso around that time, why not include it in your itinerary? The venue is nestled at the foot of Mt. Ogidake, in a quiet, rural corner of Namino. It is a lovely spot with a distinctive mountain atmosphere.
Autumn is now in full swing in Aso, and beautiful scenery awaits around every bend. Even the drive itself is a wonderful way to enjoy the season.
Drive safely, and enjoy autumn in Aso!
Kana
