Awaji Puppet Theatre and Kagura Dance in Japan’s Oldest Shrine

Discover the traditional performing arts of Awaji Island that are not commonly seen on regular tours.
On this tradition-focused day, you will have the opportunity to:
● Witness the Ningyoza puppets come alive in a performance where music, a fascinating story, and exceptional artistic skills come together. Not only will you enjoy the show, but you will also have the exclusive opportunity to explore the backstage of the theater and discover its hidden mechanisms.
● Attend at the Official Visit at Izanagi Jingu, the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. You will have an opportunity to witness the sacred rituals as well as Kagura which is the dance for the God performed by a shrine maiden. Official Visit to a shrine is not normally featured in regular tours.

A Word about the Bus
Yui Prima Olivia is a unique luxury bus in all of Japan.
Check out more details in the ‘more info’ section.

Discover the Oldest Shrine in Japan and witness “Kagura”, a ritual dance performed by the Miko!
This ancient shrine is dedicated to two deities, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, known as the legendary first couple of Gods. They played an important role in the creation myth, giving birth to the islands of Japan (the first of which was Awaji Island!) and many other gods.
Upon arrival at Izanagi Jingu, an experienced local guide will accompany you on a captivating 60-minute exploration of the shrine grounds. Next, you’ll proceed to the Worshipping Hall for an Official Visit lasting around 30 minutes. This experience includes purification rituals, prayers recited by a priest, and the enchanting ‘Kagura’ dance performed by a Shrine maiden. To conclude, a representative from the tour will present offerings to the deity.

Anaga Hotel!
Eat a delicious lunch made with Local Ingredients!

Enjoy this beautiful panoramic point!

If you’re interested in Japanese tradition, you’ve probably heard of Noh Theatre, but are you familiar with a traditional performance where the main characters are extremely detailed puppets? This art form is called “Ningyo Joruri” (or Puppet Theatre in English) and consists of three main elements: puppetry, storytelling, and music.
While the storyteller sings the songs and dialogues, three people dressed in all black manipulate the intricate doll, making it stand brightly on the stage as if it were moving on its own! Not only the body, but also the small details of the face, fingers, and feet, everything is moved with extreme skill to recreate the deepest emotions, making the doll seem truly alive.

One of the oldest forms of puppet theatre in Japan is The Awaji Ningyoza, which has a history of over 500 years. Here you will have the unique chance to explore the backstage of the theatre and discover all its hidden mechanisms!
Get ready to experience the magic of this secret world!

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We recommend arriving 10 minutes before departure at the meeting point in Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station.
• Please be aware that if you are late for the tour start time, you will not be able to join the tour mid-way.
• We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.
• The vehicle used is a luxury bus designed by the famous industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. The interior is made of wood materials, to recreate the essence of Japanese harmony and aesthetics.
• Our bus has 21 seats. The seat pitch, which is the distance from your seat to the one in front of you, is 50 centimeters (approximately 19.7 inches).
• Selected skilled bus driver.
• English-speaking service attendant on board.
• Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 21 years old and above. Minor travelers below 21 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
• Please note that the total duration of the trip includes the travel time.
• Please be aware that the return time is an estimate and may vary depending on traffic conditions along the way.
• Foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated in the trunk of the bus.
• For security reasons, only passengers who are able to walk up the bus stairs and to their seats autonomously can participate in the tour.
• Please note that only one large luggage (20-23 kg) per person can be stored in the bus trunk. You may carry your small bags with you to your seat.

• Awaji Puppet Theatre and Kagura Dance in Japan’s Oldest Shrine
  Add

• Local English-speaking guide at Izanagi Shrine
• Selected Local Japanese Sake (only on board)
• Spacious bus
• USB plugs on board
• Amenities
• Awaji Puppet Theatre Entrance Ticket
• A blanket per person (upon request)
• Anaga Hotel Full Course Lunch

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by LIMON and Yui Olivia.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 6 Travelers is accepted for booking.