Location: Maenosawa, Naka-Hitane, Chokai-machi, Yuri-Honjo City
Site(s) of performance: Hitane Shrine, the community center, and other places in the community
Date(s): May 5, 1st or 2nd Sunday of September, and mid-November
Designation: State-Designated Important Intangible Folkloric Cultural Property
Category: Shishimai and Bangaku
The name of Honkai Bangaku comes from the name of the priest Honkai, a shugen (Buddhist ascetic) of the 17th century who belonged to a temple affiliated with Sampō-in in Kyoto in the Daigo Temple group. He taught bangaku in the villages in the distant parts of the Chōkai area and died in Arasawa (in the former Yashima Town). Honkai Bangaku consists of shishimai (lion dances) and bangaku with some religious (shugendo) gestures. Dancers and musicians take part in the performance. The script includes 24 numbers.

About Shishimai and Bangaku