Traditional Culture Experience
Inherited traditions and culture that shape the essence of Iwami Kagura.
A number of traditional industries and cultures have taken root in Hamada, the town of Iwami Kagura.
Each of them is an essential part of Iwami Kagura.
The reason why the making Sekishu Washi that is the all origin began.
The inevitability of the refinement of techniques that can be seen in unraveling the history of Iwami Kagura.
Please experience the drama that has been passed down from generation to generation in this region through hands-on experience at the workshop and interaction with craftspeople.
- Sekishu Washi
Experience
The origin of “gorgeousness” where technology has been passed down for 1,300 years
Sekishu washi has been used for 1,300 years since it was introduced to the Iwami region in the Nara period (710-794), and the papermaking technique has been passed down through the generations. The fine yet tough material is a perfect match for costumes, snake bodies, and masks, and is indispensable for the development of Iwami Kagura in Hamada. The origin of the “gorgeousness” of Iwami Kagura has been designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors are invited to experience the depth of the art through a hands-on paper-making experience and a tour of the workshop.
- Paper making workshop
Outline of the experience
Sekishu washi is made from the bark fibers of plants such as Kozo (paper mulberry), Mitsumata (paper bush), and Gampi (gampi), with the sap from the root of Tororoaoi tree added as a supplementary material. In this hands-on experience, visitors will have the chance to try their hand at papermaking, an essential part of the Sekishu washi process. You can choose your favorite decoration and create your original Sekishu Washi.
- Experience time
- Approximately 40 minutes
Experience Contents
- 01
- Explanation of the history of Sekishu Washi
- 02
- Relationship between Sekishu Washi and Iwami Kagura
- 03
- Explanation of the characteristics of Sekishu Washi
- 04
- Tour of the workshop
- 05
- Atelier tour
- 06
- Paper making experience
- 07
- Question and Answer Session
- Iwami Kagura Masks
Experience
Learn the depth of techniques handed down in the Nagahama area since the Middle Ages.
Iwami Kagura masks with sharp expressions and glares are derived from “Nagahama dolls” that have been made in the Nagahama area of Hamada City since the medieval period. Like the costumes and snake bodies, the masks are made of Sekishu Washi. The strong and durable material allows the dolls to be as intricately detailed as carved wooden masks, and at the same time, they are light enough to be used for intense and rhythmical dances, which shows their compatibility with Iwami Kagura. In addition to a tour of the workshop, visitors can participate in an optional mask painting experience.
- Factory Tour
Outline of the experience
In the process of making Iwami Kagura masks, many layers of Sekishu washi are pasted onto a clay mold, dried, and then removed from the mold in a process called “dakkatsu” to complete the shape. After deactivation, the masks are painted and detailed to create a richly expressive surface. This process, which is rare in Japan, is used to create the richly expressive masks. The process and the various types of masks will be explained.
- Experience time
- Approximately 40 minutes
Experience Contents
- 01
- History of Iwami Kagura masks
- 02
- Introduction of types of Iwami Kagura masks
- 03
- Explanation of the characteristics of Iwami Kagura masks
- 04
- Commemorative photo
- 05
- Deactivation experience
- 06
- Question and answer session
- Painting workshop(optional)
Outline of the experience
Using the same materials as the Kagura masks actually used in Iwami Kagura, you can create your own original Kagura masks by painting on an uncolored surface. During the experience, you will receive advice from a craftsman, so even beginners can tackle the work with ease. You can take home the masks as souvenirs.
- Experience time
- Approximately 90 minutes
Experience Contents
- 01
- Explanation of the painting process
- 02
- Shading work: Rub black ink powder into the mask to create shading and a three-dimensional effect.
- 03
- Drawing eyes: Draw lines around the eyes and the pupils, and draw eye power.
- 04
- Drawing hair: Draw hair, eyebrows, and beard to add expression.
- 05
- Drawing the mouth: Complete the mouth by drawing it in vermilion.
- 06
- Question and answer session
- Iwami Kagura Costume
Experience
Enjoy dressing and sewing, and feel a valuable piece of clothing with your whole body.
The Iwami Kagura costumes, with various designs of legendary creatures, animals, and plants sewn into them with gold and silver threads, were created by Hamada's costume store after much research.
The three-dimensional forms that seem to float in the shadows add a glittering color to the stage. In addition to experiencing the sewing process, visitors to the workshop can actually wear the gorgeous costumes, which cost several million per piece, and experience the art of hand-sewing by craftsmen over several months, with their profound dignity and beauty.
- Factory Tour
Outline of the experience
Gorgeous and gorgeous costumes, a characteristic of Iwami Kagura, are sewn and made one by one by hand by craftsmen. At the costume workshop, you can observe the techniques handed down from generation to generation and listen to explanations about the production process and the history of Kagura costumes.
- Experience time
- Approximately 40 minutes
Experience Contents
- 01
- History of Iwami Kagura costumes
- 02
- Explanation of the characteristics of Iwami Kagura costumes
- 03
- Explanation of the process of making Iwami Kagura costumes
- 04
- Questions and answers session
- Iwami Kagura Jado : the snake body
Experience
How is the trademark of Iwami Kagura created?
The figure of a snake undulating about the stage has become a trademark of Iwami Kagura. From the time when the dance was performed by priests until around the early Meiji period (1868-1912), the dancers wore costumes with scale patterns, but with the birth of the snake drum developed in Hamada, the dance evolved into one with more reality and power. How do the craftsmen of Hamada, the birthplace of the snake-do made of Sekishu washi paper and bamboo, create the dynamism and beauty of the dance? We will explore the hidden behind-the-scenes aspects of the art, touching on the techniques and thoughts of the craftspeople.
- Factory Tour
Outline of the experience
The snake body of the “Orochi : a giant snake”, which is synonymous with Iwami Kagura, is made of bamboo and Sekishu Washi (Japanese paper). In addition, you can hear directly from the craftsmen involved in its production about its profound history and background.
- Experience time
- Approximately 40 minutes
Experience Contents
- 01
- Explanation of the history of Iwami Kagura Snake Drum
- 02
- Explanation of the process of making Iwami Kagura snake bodies
- 03
- Observation of the completed snake
- 04
- Question and answer session
Premium Performances
A special night to enjoy all that Hamada's Iwami Kagura has to offer
In the evening after touring the workshop and learning about the roots of Iwami Kagura and the skills of its craftsmen, you will be invited to an exclusive Iwami Kagura viewing program. The venue, which normally seats 100 people, has been specially designed to accommodate only 20 people, and seats are available for spectators to sit in comfort and relaxation. Enjoy the powerful dance performance while eating an “Orochi bento : a lunch box” made with local ingredients. After the performance, there will be a backstage tour where you can interact with the members. You will have a special time to enjoy all aspects of Iwami Kagura of Hamada.
- Representative Performances
Jinrin
The battle of two gods and two demons, where the bow and arrow of the gods and the claws of the demons intersect.
Hearing that “Jinrin,” an evil demon, is invading Japan and causing suffering to the people, the 14th emperor, Tarashinakatsuhiko, and his retainer, Takamaro, intervene and exterminate the demon.
This is one of the fastest dances in Iwami Kagura, in which two gods and two demons confront each other, and the scene of the battle is so immersive that you cannot take your eyes off the action.
Orochi
A marvelous dance that breathes fire and tears the earth.
The popular performance “Orochi,” which is synonymous with Iwami Kagura, is a story about a battle between Susano-no-mikoto and a giant snake with a head and eight tails.
The snake is said to symbolize a river flood, and the story is said to depict a conflict between humans and natural disasters.
The realism of the snake, which looks as if it were alive, and the powerful sparks that fly in the scene where Susano-no-mikoto and the snake confront each other are overwhelmingly powerful.
- meal
Special Dinner (Orochi bento)
We will pass on Hamada's food and culture to the future.
The “Hamada Iwami Kagura Orochi Bento” is a boxed lunch box made under the supervision of a food coordinator, using many of Shimane Prefecture's specialties such as turban shell, nodoguro, and Shimane wagyu beef.
In particular, the conger eel stick sushi, which is designed to resemble a giant snake, is so powerful that when you open the lid, you can't help but take a picture of it.
- lodging
Mimata Onsen
The hot water of beauty that has been loved for over 150 years.
Mimata Onsen has been loved by people for about 150 years and has long been known as “hot water for beautiful women. The secret is its alkaline spring water, which is gentle to the skin, and its rich mineral content. Recently, this hidden hot spring in the San'in region has been introduced on the Internet and SNS as “the best hot spring for beautiful skin in Japan” and “the supreme hot spring for skin regeneration. Enjoy the luxury of beauty and health at the same time in this historic and elegant hot spring resort.
Asahi Onsen
Enjoy a relaxing moment in the gentle hot spring water that springs from the sangen.
Asahi Onsen, nestled in the magnificent nature of the Chugoku Mountains, is a hot spring resort with beautiful seasonal scenery and gentle, soothing water.
Visitors can enjoy the hot spring in the midst of seasonal scenery: cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, and a blanket of snow in winter. Please spend a special time here to relax from daily fatigue and refresh your body and mind.
- Tour Price
Iwami Kagura of Hamada Traditional Culture Experience Premium Tour
To purchase, please apply through one of the following travel agencies
