Watching the “Oni” Dance in Kashima City 1 ~”Menburyu” at Hougaura 母ヶ浦面浮立

Date; The second Sunday in September every year
Location; *Otonari, Kashima City, Saga Prefecture 849-1323
Access; Take a bus bound for Oura or Takezaki from the Hizen-Kashima Station Bus Terminal; the ride takes about 20 minutes, and get off at Nishiha. It’s a 10-minute walk from there. Hizen-Kashima is about 40 minutes from Saga by local train and about 20 minutes by limited express. Trains run about once an hour, and buses run about the same frequency. By train, it’s about 2.8 km from Nanaura Station.

Kashima city official https://saga-kashima-kankou.com/event/2069
This article is based on information as of September 13, 2026. Please note that times and other details may change from year to year, so please check directly for the most up-to-date information. https://www.city.saga-kashima.lg.jp/main/4040.html#

The performing art known as “Menburyu” is representative not so much of Kashima City as of Saga Prefecture as a whole. Even though the art form is centered almost entirely in Kashima City, there is a bronze statue of it standing in front of the train station in Saga City—a city where the art is not even performed.
Menburyu appears at various events and festivals throughout the year. However, September is the highlight.
In this article, we’ll introduce products from the “Hougaura” and “Otonari” districts, which are the most representative of these areas.

Table of contents

Let’s Go to “Hougaura”

Unfortunately, Kashima City isn’t exactly well-connected by public transportation. The nearest train station is Hizen-Nanaura Station, but since it’s a bit far, it’s more convenient to take a bus from Kashima Station.

Get off at the “Sae” bus stop and walk a short distance toward Nanaura; you’ll see a sign on your right that reads “Menburyu Dedication Site” and “Chinju Shrine.”

Way of the shrine

In front of a very small shrine, a single path leads out into the rice fields. The group gathers there. At 8:20 a.m., the procession finally begins.

The *Yakko-san are leading the way. Following that, the Oni Mask finally launches into action.
*Yakko: People who used to accompany samurai processions in the past. a samurai’s attendant

Stamping their feet heavily on the ground and beating small drums, they march forward as if to drive away the evil spirits of this land.

Adding a final touch of color are the elaborately dressed women who strike the gongs and, at times, cheer on the procession. About 15 minutes.

At the shrine

Next, moving to the shrine grounds, they performed the dance once more.

The dancing is so intense that by the time one routine ends, the dancers are panting heavily. Throughout the performance, messages of thanks for the congratulatory gifts are read aloud.