Kadobito Shrine Annual Festival & Soni Village Folk Performing Arts Showcase (Planned)

About this event

Held every October at Kadobito Shrine in Soni Village, Nara Prefecture, this traditional event features the dedication of the 'Soni Lion Dance', an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture boasting about 300 years of history since the Edo period. It is jointly presented by three hamlets in the village—Nagano, Imai, and Igami—with five performance repertoires handed down in the Nagano district. Centered on ritual dedications and shrine-front dances, it is performed in a distinctive atmosphere surrounded by numerous onlookers to pray for peace in the village and bumper crops. Furthermore, the 'Kochi Ondo', scheduled to be designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Soni Village, may also be included as local folk performing art. Students from Soni Elementary and Junior High School also participate, highlighting an initiative where the community and school work together to pass traditions to the next generation, with children experiencing the lion dance under the guidance of local residents as part of hometown studies. This showcase draws many spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the traditional lion dance, offering a chance to appreciate the beauty of local performing arts. Taking place amidst the natural scenery of Soni Village surrounded by mountains, this event is packed with highlights symbolizing local history and pride.

Venue

Kadobito Shrine

733 Imai, Soni, Uda District, Nara 633-1212