On September 6, 2025, the annual grand festival (Reitaisai) took place at Shinjuku Hie Shrine in Katsushika, Tokyo. As part of the celebration, visitors could enjoy a special performance of Iwami Kagura, a traditional performing art from Shimane Prefecture. The featured story was the legendary “Yamata-no-Orochi” from Japanese mythology.
It was completely free to watch. Although the shrine is small, the grounds were full of food stalls selling snacks like grilled chicken and sausages, creating a lively matsuri (festival) atmosphere. Families and travelers gathered together, making it a warm and welcoming local event.
The Spectacle of “Yamata-no-Orochi”
The story tells how the god Susanoo defeats the giant serpent Yamata-no-Orochi by getting it drunk on sake. Since the serpent has eight heads, the stage featured eight huge snake figures.
Yamata no Orochi is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent that appears in Japanese mythology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamata_no_Orochi
Children first screamed in surprise, but soon they were laughing and even tugging on the snakes with excitement.
In the climax, sparks shot out from the serpent’s mouth, and when Susanoo finally defeated the beast, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Myth, Nature, and Prayer
Yamata-no-Orochi is often seen as a symbol of flooding rivers—a force that is both destructive and life-giving, since floods also bring fertile soil for farming. Performing this story as kagura is a way to calm nature’s power and pray for a good harvest.
What is Kagura?
Kagura literally means “entertainment for the gods.” Through dance and music, deities are invited to descend, while communities pray for peace and prosperity. Not all shrines in Japan still keep this tradition, which makes it a rare and valuable experience for travelers.
Kagura (god-entertainment) is a type of Shinto ritual ceremonial dance.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagura
Among the many styles, Iwami Kagura is especially famous: fast-paced dances, gorgeous costumes, and dramatic effects with fire and sparks. The “Yamata-no-Orochi” play is the absolute highlight.
Hie Shrine and Its Unique Torii Gate
Shinjuku Hie Shrine is dedicated to Oyamakui-no-Kami, the deity of mountains and water. Its distinctive Sanno Torii gate has a triangular shape on top, representing mountains and symbolizing Japan’s deep respect for nature.
At Shinjuku Hie Shrine’s annual festival, you can experience a traditional Japanese performance for free while enjoying the friendly atmosphere of a local matsuri. It’s not just a show—it’s a chance to feel how mythology, nature, and community are woven together in Japanese culture.
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