A Sparkling Night of Mystical Wonder: Night Aquas x Iwami Kagura

【STORY】

◆One-Night-Only Night Kagura Performance at Western Japan's Largest Aquarium

Utilizing the closed Aquas aquarium after hours, a special one-night-only performance of the traditional Japanese art form, Iwami Kagura, will take place. 

Watching the Iwami Kagura against the backdrop of the aquarium tanks is an extraordinarily surreal experience that will transport you into the mystical world of night Kagura. Be sure to become a witness to this unique viewing experience.

◆Recommended Highlights

Set up an extravagant and splendid Iwami Kagura costume experience corner! 

In the city of Hamada, there are artisans who continue the craft of creating essential tools for Iwami Kagura. Among these, the strikingly extravagant costumes of Iwami Kagura stand out. It takes several months to half a year, and in some cases even more than a year, to complete a single costume, which can cost several million yen. In this performance, there will also be an exhibition of these costumes, allowing you to appreciate their intricate craftsmanship up close. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to take photographs with the popular performance element, the Orochi, a giant serpent (subject to limitations on the number of people who can take photographs).

This event offers a chance to experience and appreciate local culture and performing arts in an extraordinary setting, creating unforgettable memories for all attendees.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Witness the transformation of Aquas Aquarium into a Kagura Hall for a day with an exclusive after-hours rental!
• Take a close look at the Orochi, a giant serpent. View a special exhibition of lavish and dazzling Iwami Kagura costumes. Additionally, capture the moment with photo sessions available alongside the costumes!
• Enjoy a one-night-only special performance across three venues, freely choosing acts that captivate you!

【SCHEDULE】

【Night Kagura Performance】

The performance utilizes three venues, where Hamada City's troupe will present three popular acts each.

※ Doors open at 18:00. Please check the schedule of each venue for show times.
※ Attendees are free to move between each venue during the event.
※ Details regarding participating troupes and specific acts are currently being arranged.
※ Locations and timings are subject to change. Please note this in advance.

★Venue I: Cafe Corner

[18:30] First Act
[19:05] Second Act
[19:40] Third Act

★Venue II: Mythical Sea
[18:40] First Act
[19:15] Second Act
[19:50] Third Act

★Venue III: Beluga Whale Performance Pool

[18:50] First Act
[19:25] Second Act
[20:00] Third Act

◆ About Iwami Kagura
Iwami Kagura is a traditional performing art representing the western part of Shimane Prefecture, Iwami region. Characterized by lively movements of performers adorned in splendid costumes, danced to the light musical accompaniment.
Its easily comprehensible stories, based on mythology, depict moral lessons, making it enjoyable for people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
In Japan, it deeply integrates into the lives of local residents, performed not only as dedicatory rituals at shrines but also in festivals, events, regular performances, and even weddings.

◆Aquas
The largest aquarium in the Shikoku region exhibiting around 10,000 creatures of about 400 species has been a popular spot since its opening on April 15, 2000, attracting over 9 million visitors. Aquas is known for its beluga whale, exclusive to this region in western Japan. The bubble rings blown from their mouths are known as "Rings of Happiness" and have gained attention in TV commercials. In 2009, the first baby whale was born, and now, the performance of three dolphins creating three bubble rings together has become a crowd favorite.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Shimane Prefectural Shimane Aquarium, Aquas　[MAP]
  1117-2 Kushiro-cho, Hamada-shi, Shimane 697-0004
  
• Access：
  ◆ If arriving by bus:
  From JR Hamada Station, take the bus heading to JR Gotsu Station and get off at Aquas-mae. It's a 16-minute ride.
  From JR Gotsu Station, take the bus heading to JR Hamada Station and get off at Nishi-Namako. It's a 19-minute ride.
  ◆ If arriving by train:
  - From JR Matsue Station to JR Hashi Station: 2 hours and 23 minutes by train, then a 12-minute walk.
  - From JR Masuda Station to JR Hashi Station: 1 hour and 24 minutes by train, then a 12-minute walk.
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：
  ・The entrance fee for Aquas 
  ・Viewing fee for Kagura performance
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation cost to the meeting place
  ・Souvenir expenses
• Participation requirements：
  ・Free admission for preschool children
  
• Free WI-FI：Yes
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ※Residents of Shimane Prefecture, please present identification upon entry.
  ※The use of flash photography within the premises is prohibited. 
  ※Please note that performances or certain aspects of the event may be subject to cancellation or modification due to weather, unexpected circumstances, or performer availability.

【Emergency contact number】

staff：Kansuke Tanaka
Tel：090-1059-8818

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100% 

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.