Sugisawa Hiyama Traditional Dance

About this event

Sugisawa Hiyama is a traditional dance dedicated to Kumano Shrine in Sugisawa, Yuza Town. Derived from Hiyama Kagura, a Yamabushi (mountain ascetic) Kagura dance of Mount Chokai, it is said to have been handed down since the Kamakura period, when Kumano Shrine flourished as lodgings for Yamabushi training on Mount Chokai. Passed down for generations by local residents, the costumes, masks, and props have been restored or remade over time while preserving almost the exact original form. Performed in the dark within the atmospheric shrine grounds in the evening, the dance invites the audience into a profound and mysterious world. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it preserves primitive Noh theater elements. The "Shikumi" is performed on August 6, the "Honmai" featuring all preserved repertoires is performed on August 15, and the "Kamitokuri" ritual is offered on August 20.

Venue

Sugisawa Kumano Shrine

23 Sugisawamiyanoushiro, Yuza, Akumi District, Yamagata 999-8313