Shimane Prefecture, Matsue City: Experience the World of Mythology at the Birthplace of Zenzai! Special Public Performance of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Sada Shin Noh" on April 18 (Sat), May 9 (Sat), June 6 (Sat)
Matsue Tourism Association in Shimane Prefecture is hosting special public performances of "Sada Shin Noh," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held at Sada Shrine, the "birthplace of Zenzai," this 400-year-old ritualistic Kagura offers a unique cultural experience, enhancing spring travel in the San'in region.
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Special Public Performance of "Sada Shin Noh" at the Shrine of Zenzai's Origin in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture: Experience the World of Mythology!
[Sada Shin Noh, performance of the "Yaegaki" program]
The Matsue Tourism Association in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is holding special public performances of "Sada Shin Noh," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Sada Shin Noh is a ritualistic Kagura passed down for over 400 years at Sata Shrine in Matsue City, known as the "birthplace of Zenzai," and it holds a high cultural value distinct from entertainment Kagura. This is a rare opportunity to experience this sacred ritualistic performing art, which is usually only viewable on limited occasions, and we propose it as a new attraction for spring travel in the San'in region for Kagura fans as well as tourists interested in culture and history.
"Sada Shin Noh," a Formal Ritualistic Kagura Passed Down in the Land of Myths
Sada Shin Noh is the collective name for the ritualistic dances performed at Sata Shrine's "Goza-gae Festival." It began in 1608 (Keicho 13) when a priest of Sata Shrine incorporated the style of Noh learned in Kyoto to create a dignified and elegant Kagura. When you hear the word Kagura, you might imagine colorful costumes and dynamic dances. However, Sada Shin Noh is distinct from such "Kagura for performance." The dances, passed down for over 400 years as "ritual itself," possess a profound and solemn atmosphere that creates moments that will leave you breathless. Sada Shin Noh, with its high cultural value, is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and this year marks its 15th anniversary.
Sata Shrine's Most Important Ritual: "Goza-gae Festival"
The Stage of Sata Shrine, the "Birthplace of Zenzai"
Sata Shrine, where the dances are performed, is a historic shrine that has been an object of worship since ancient times as the Second Shrine of Izumo Province. It is an important entity conveying the mythological culture of the Izumo region to the present day and is widely known as the "Shrine of Zenzai's Origin." It is said to originate from "Jinzaimochi," offered during the rituals in October of the lunar calendar when gods from all over the country gather in Izumo, and this is how the current Zenzai culture evolved. Experiencing ritualistic performing arts at this place, where myths and culture overlap, is a special experience that goes beyond mere tourism, allowing you to touch the deep culture of San'in.
The origin of Zenzai is "Jinzaimochi," offered during the God Moon (October lunar calendar)
Special Public Performance: Valuable Precisely Because it is Limited
This special public performance has been planned to allow more people to experience Sada Shin Noh, which is usually only viewable on limited occasions. For residents in regions where Kagura culture is deeply rooted, such as Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures, it is a precious opportunity to encounter differences from the Kagura they are familiar with. Furthermore, for visitors to Shimane Prefecture, it is recommended as a valuable tourism experience that allows for a deeper appreciation of the charms of the Izumo region, the "homeland of myths."
Matsue City, where Sata Shrine is located, boasts a beautiful landscape as a "City of Water," a historic castle town centered around the National Treasure, Matsue Castle, and tea ceremony culture, retaining a strong sense of Japanese identity. By visiting along with the Sada Shin Noh performance, you can feel the allure of a "journey that nourishes the senses." Witness the dances offered to the gods in a land where myths breathe. Why not experience a special, memorable time?
Experience the Charms of the Izumo Region at the "Mai-den" of Sata Shrine, where Sada Shin Noh is Performed
"Sada Shin Noh Special Public Performance" Overview
Dates: Saturday, April 18, 2026; Saturday, May 9; Saturday, June 6
Time: 19:00 - 20:30 (May be delayed by approximately 10 minutes depending on the program content.)
Fees: Individual 2,500 JPY (Free for junior high school students and younger), Group 2,300 JPY (for 20 or more people)
Payment: Cash only on the day
Venue: Saturday, April 18; Saturday, May 9: Sata Shrine Mai-den (73 Sadamiya-uchi, Kashima-cho, Matsue City)
Access... 25 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station
Saturday, June 6: Shimane Art Museum Hall (1-5 Sodeshi-cho, Matsue City)
Access... 6 minutes by bus from JR Matsue Station
Reservations: Reservation page (https://www.kankou-matsue.jp/_form/sada-shin-noh)
Note: Advance reservation required; on-the-day registration possible if capacity is not reached.
URL: https://www.kankou-matsue.jp/event_calendar/event_list/418/422
Organizer: General Incorporated Association Matsue Tourism Association
Tel: 0852-27-5843
(Half-day model course to enjoy the castle town atmosphere and the special public performance of Sada Shin Noh)
13:00 Visit National Treasure Matsue Castle
Ascend the solemn keep for panoramic views of Lake Shinji and the castle town. It sets the mood for your journey.
15:00 Stroll around Shiomi Nawate and the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum
Head to Shiomi Nawate, spreading north of the castle. Slowly walk through Matsue's tranquil townscape and imagine Matsue in the Meiji era, loved by Lafcadio Hearn.
[Sada Shin Noh, performance of the "Yaegaki" program]
The Matsue Tourism Association in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is holding special public performances of "Sada Shin Noh," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Sada Shin Noh is a ritualistic Kagura passed down for over 400 years at Sata Shrine in Matsue City, known as the "birthplace of Zenzai," and it holds a high cultural value distinct from entertainment Kagura. This is a rare opportunity to experience this sacred ritualistic performing art, which is usually only viewable on limited occasions, and we propose it as a new attraction for spring travel in the San'in region for Kagura fans as well as tourists interested in culture and history.
"Sada Shin Noh," a Formal Ritualistic Kagura Passed Down in the Land of Myths
Sada Shin Noh is the collective name for the ritualistic dances performed at Sata Shrine's "Goza-gae Festival." It began in 1608 (Keicho 13) when a priest of Sata Shrine incorporated the style of Noh learned in Kyoto to create a dignified and elegant Kagura. When you hear the word Kagura, you might imagine colorful costumes and dynamic dances. However, Sada Shin Noh is distinct from such "Kagura for performance." The dances, passed down for over 400 years as "ritual itself," possess a profound and solemn atmosphere that creates moments that will leave you breathless. Sada Shin Noh, with its high cultural value, is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and this year marks its 15th anniversary.
Sata Shrine's Most Important Ritual: "Goza-gae Festival"
The Stage of Sata Shrine, the "Birthplace of Zenzai"
Sata Shrine, where the dances are performed, is a historic shrine that has been an object of worship since ancient times as the Second Shrine of Izumo Province. It is an important entity conveying the mythological culture of the Izumo region to the present day and is widely known as the "Shrine of Zenzai's Origin." It is said to originate from "Jinzaimochi," offered during the rituals in October of the lunar calendar when gods from all over the country gather in Izumo, and this is how the current Zenzai culture evolved. Experiencing ritualistic performing arts at this place, where myths and culture overlap, is a special experience that goes beyond mere tourism, allowing you to touch the deep culture of San'in.
The origin of Zenzai is "Jinzaimochi," offered during the God Moon (October lunar calendar)
Special Public Performance: Valuable Precisely Because it is Limited
This special public performance has been planned to allow more people to experience Sada Shin Noh, which is usually only viewable on limited occasions. For residents in regions where Kagura culture is deeply rooted, such as Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures, it is a precious opportunity to encounter differences from the Kagura they are familiar with. Furthermore, for visitors to Shimane Prefecture, it is recommended as a valuable tourism experience that allows for a deeper appreciation of the charms of the Izumo region, the "homeland of myths."
Matsue City, where Sata Shrine is located, boasts a beautiful landscape as a "City of Water," a historic castle town centered around the National Treasure, Matsue Castle, and tea ceremony culture, retaining a strong sense of Japanese identity. By visiting along with the Sada Shin Noh performance, you can feel the allure of a "journey that nourishes the senses." Witness the dances offered to the gods in a land where myths breathe. Why not experience a special, memorable time?
Experience the Charms of the Izumo Region at the "Mai-den" of Sata Shrine, where Sada Shin Noh is Performed
"Sada Shin Noh Special Public Performance" Overview
Dates: Saturday, April 18, 2026; Saturday, May 9; Saturday, June 6
Time: 19:00 - 20:30 (May be delayed by approximately 10 minutes depending on the program content.)
Fees: Individual 2,500 JPY (Free for junior high school students and younger), Group 2,300 JPY (for 20 or more people)
Payment: Cash only on the day
Venue: Saturday, April 18; Saturday, May 9: Sata Shrine Mai-den (73 Sadamiya-uchi, Kashima-cho, Matsue City)
Access... 25 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station
Saturday, June 6: Shimane Art Museum Hall (1-5 Sodeshi-cho, Matsue City)
Access... 6 minutes by bus from JR Matsue Station
Reservations: Reservation page (https://www.kankou-matsue.jp/_form/sada-shin-noh)
Note: Advance reservation required; on-the-day registration possible if capacity is not reached.
URL: https://www.kankou-matsue.jp/event_calendar/event_list/418/422
Organizer: General Incorporated Association Matsue Tourism Association
Tel: 0852-27-5843
(Half-day model course to enjoy the castle town atmosphere and the special public performance of Sada Shin Noh)
13:00 Visit National Treasure Matsue Castle
Ascend the solemn keep for panoramic views of Lake Shinji and the castle town. It sets the mood for your journey.
15:00 Stroll around Shiomi Nawate and the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum
Head to Shiomi Nawate, spreading north of the castle. Slowly walk through Matsue's tranquil townscape and imagine Matsue in the Meiji era, loved by Lafcadio Hearn.