Takachiho Shrine Kaguraden

Takachiho Shrine Kaguraden is the stage next to the main shrine hall where you can watch kagura regardless of season. From the “Takachiho Night Kagura (33 performances),” four representative pieces are performed. The full tradition is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and while it carries a dignified atmosphere, it’s also enjoyable and approachable for visitors. Performances start every night at 20:00 and last one hour. There is no advance reservation—only same-day reception starting at 19:00, so plan accordingly. Access: by public transportation, from JR Hakata Station take the highway bus “Gokaze-go” (reservation required), 4 services/day, about 3.5 hours; from JR Kumamoto Station take special express buses “Aso-go / Takachiho-go” (reservation required), 2 services/day, about 3 hours; from JR Nobeoka Station by local bus about 1.5 hours; from JR Miyazaki Station a limited-period highway bus (reservation required) runs, about 2 hours 40 minutes. From Takachiho Bus Center, about 15 minutes on foot. By car, about 1.5 hours from Kyushu Expressway “Matsubase IC” via Route 218, or about 40 minutes from Kyushu Chuo Expressway “Kurata IC” via Route 218.