Unzen Onsen Shrine Grounds Become a "Theater": Experiential Play Depicting the Birth of Kyushu's Guardian Deity "Shimenomiya" to be Held on May 16th!
An experiential play titled "Shimenomiya Densetsu," themed around the birth of "Shimenomiya," the guardian deity of Kyushu, will be held at Unzen Onsen Shrine on May 16th. This performance is an immersive mythological play that allows audiences to experience the sulfurous scent and steam of Unzen Jigoku through all five senses, narrated by the venerable monk Gyoki.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 20:57
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The theatrical tour "Shimenomiya Densetsu," which began in Reiwa 5 (2023) and is deeply connected to Unzen Jigoku, is themed around the birth of "Shimenomiya," the guardian deity of Kyushu. Shimenomiya is a god enshrined across Kyushu, revered as the "General Protector of Kyushu." Unzen's Onsen Shrine is said to be its place of origin. This performance depicts the origins of Kyushu, reverence for nature, and coexistence with hell, narrated by the venerable monk Gyoki, who was deeply involved in the birth of Shimenomiya. The theatrical tour, refined for group travel, will be presented as a special public performance for one day only. It's a mythological play to be enjoyed with all five senses, savoring the very atmosphere unique to the land adjacent to Unzen Jigoku—the scent of sulfur, steam, the resonance of taiko drums, and lights illuminating the shrine at night.
Unzen Onsen Shrine, located in the historic Unzen Onsen area.
◆Event Highlights
Shimenomiya, the guardian deity of Kyushu, has over 25 shrines established across the region. In fact, Unzen's Onsen Shrine is considered the birthplace of Shimenomiya. This tour invites you into the world of the gods, accompanied by the narrative of the venerable monk Gyoki, who was deeply involved in the beginning of Shimenomiya.
Highlight 1: Enjoy performances with various expressive techniques.
The theater company NK-THREE DREAM PRO, active in Nagasaki, is responsible for the script and direction. KETCH, formerly of Gamarjobat, collaborated as a non-verbal performance advisor, and Tomoaki Akune, known for works like "Pekoros no Haha ni Ai ni Iku," served as a script advisor.
Combined with taiko drum performances, the play offers an experience that fully engages sight and sound.
Highlight 2: Not just watching! Audience participation performance.
Designed with inbound tourism in mind, this content is not just for viewing; it includes elements that allow the audience to participate. We hope to deepen your knowledge of traditional Japanese culture by experiencing the correct way to worship at Shinto shrines, a unique aspect of Japanese culture, together with everyone.
Highlight 3: Experience the breath of the earth firsthand.
The venue is Unzen Onsen Shrine, located in the heart of the Unzen Onsen town. Instead of a theater with separate seating and stage, the actual shrine grounds serve as the stage, presenting "site-specific theater" that allows you to experience the myths passed down in the land. You can enjoy the performance while feeling the scent of sulfur from Unzen Jigoku, the warmth of the earth, and the wind from the steam, immersing yourself in a feeling of being in another world. Before the play, you can briefly visit Unzen Jigoku to experience the magnificent land and the wonders of nature.
◆Unzen Onsen Shrine Market also held simultaneously!
On the same day, the "Unzen Onsen Shrine Market" will be held around Unzen Onsen Shrine. Food stalls and other vendors are planned, allowing you to enjoy strolling and eating around the hot spring town before and after the performance. Furthermore, guests who book accommodation in Unzen City and reserve tickets will receive an admission bonus. This event is designed to be enjoyed not only for a day trip but also in conjunction with a stay in Unzen Onsen.
◆Event Details
Date and Time:
May 16, 2026 (Saturday), all 3 performances
① 15:00-16:00
② 17:00-18:00
③ 20:00-21:00
Admission Fee:
3,000 yen
Venue:
Unzen Onsen Shrine (319 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Reservation Method:
Click here to reserve
Access:
●By public transport
JR Isahaya Station → Take Shimabara Railway bus bound for Unzen (approx. 90 minutes) → Get off at "Unzen" bus stop immediately.
●By car
Approx. 1 hour via National Route 57 from Nagasaki Expressway Isahaya IC
*Please use nearby paid parking. Parking location here.
Notes:
Guests staying in Unzen City accommodation + reservations receive an admission bonus!
Unzen Tourist Association
WEB: https://www.unzen.org/
Address: 320 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City
TEL: 0957-73-3434
Unzen Onsen Shrine, located in the historic Unzen Onsen area.
◆Event Highlights
Shimenomiya, the guardian deity of Kyushu, has over 25 shrines established across the region. In fact, Unzen's Onsen Shrine is considered the birthplace of Shimenomiya. This tour invites you into the world of the gods, accompanied by the narrative of the venerable monk Gyoki, who was deeply involved in the beginning of Shimenomiya.
Highlight 1: Enjoy performances with various expressive techniques.
The theater company NK-THREE DREAM PRO, active in Nagasaki, is responsible for the script and direction. KETCH, formerly of Gamarjobat, collaborated as a non-verbal performance advisor, and Tomoaki Akune, known for works like "Pekoros no Haha ni Ai ni Iku," served as a script advisor.
Combined with taiko drum performances, the play offers an experience that fully engages sight and sound.
Highlight 2: Not just watching! Audience participation performance.
Designed with inbound tourism in mind, this content is not just for viewing; it includes elements that allow the audience to participate. We hope to deepen your knowledge of traditional Japanese culture by experiencing the correct way to worship at Shinto shrines, a unique aspect of Japanese culture, together with everyone.
Highlight 3: Experience the breath of the earth firsthand.
The venue is Unzen Onsen Shrine, located in the heart of the Unzen Onsen town. Instead of a theater with separate seating and stage, the actual shrine grounds serve as the stage, presenting "site-specific theater" that allows you to experience the myths passed down in the land. You can enjoy the performance while feeling the scent of sulfur from Unzen Jigoku, the warmth of the earth, and the wind from the steam, immersing yourself in a feeling of being in another world. Before the play, you can briefly visit Unzen Jigoku to experience the magnificent land and the wonders of nature.
◆Unzen Onsen Shrine Market also held simultaneously!
On the same day, the "Unzen Onsen Shrine Market" will be held around Unzen Onsen Shrine. Food stalls and other vendors are planned, allowing you to enjoy strolling and eating around the hot spring town before and after the performance. Furthermore, guests who book accommodation in Unzen City and reserve tickets will receive an admission bonus. This event is designed to be enjoyed not only for a day trip but also in conjunction with a stay in Unzen Onsen.
◆Event Details
Date and Time:
May 16, 2026 (Saturday), all 3 performances
① 15:00-16:00
② 17:00-18:00
③ 20:00-21:00
Admission Fee:
3,000 yen
Venue:
Unzen Onsen Shrine (319 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Reservation Method:
Click here to reserve
Access:
●By public transport
JR Isahaya Station → Take Shimabara Railway bus bound for Unzen (approx. 90 minutes) → Get off at "Unzen" bus stop immediately.
●By car
Approx. 1 hour via National Route 57 from Nagasaki Expressway Isahaya IC
*Please use nearby paid parking. Parking location here.
Notes:
Guests staying in Unzen City accommodation + reservations receive an admission bonus!
Unzen Tourist Association
WEB: https://www.unzen.org/
Address: 320 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City
TEL: 0957-73-3434