Guide
Every year on May 5th, much like Children's Day, the "Oni-oi Odori" is performed in front of the main hall of Choko-ji Temple in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture. This powerful ritual is dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest and protection from disease. It is officially designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture, highly regarded for its historical value and artistic beauty.
The greatest draw of this ceremony is its overwhelming energy. To the rhythmic sound of bells, colorful "Oni" (demons) dance vigorously, wielding torches, swords, axes, and ritual staffs. Their powerful movements and leaps across the ground are truly breathtaking. Every step and gesture carries a deep prayer to drive away evil and ensure peace for the community. It is more than just a performance; it is a sacred, soul-stirring ritual.
While the exact origins are unknown, the presence of specific swords and ritual tools suggests the tradition was well-established by the Muromachi period. Originally known as "Hannya Odori," the ritual was performed at Choko-ji since its founding to ward off plagues and evil spirits.
Historically, young monks selected from the temple would wear demon masks and dance through the halls with torches and swords to pray for national peace. After a brief hiatus during the Meiji era, the ritual was revived and the timing was moved to the "88th night" of May, evolving into the current celebration of harvest and health. Today, it is held as the "Oni Festival" on May 5th.
The performance features one "Okina" (an elder figure) and four distinct "Oni" (demons). The sequence is highly dramatic:
1. The Dance of Okina: The ritual begins with the elegant and solemn dance of the Okina, representing the deity Sumiyoshi. The figure features a stylized face with three lines on the cheeks and holds a torch.
2. The Appearance of the Demons: Four different demons, each with unique colors and tools, appear in sequence:
3. The Group Dance: The climax occurs when all the demons join together in a high-energy group dance, leaping to the sound of the bells.
You can experience the Oni-oi Odori only once a year on May 5th. On this day, the area around Choko-ji is filled with vibrant energy.
The most direct way to experience this culture is to watch the dance up close. You can feel the spirit of Japanese "warding off evil" through the sounds of the bells, the shouts of the dancers, and the movement of the ritual tools.
Additionally, Choko-ji is a significant historical site. Exploring the temple grounds and observing the architecture of the National Treasure main hall and the prefectural cultural properties provides a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment and historical depth.
There are several historical sites near Choko-ji in Kato City:
As this is an outdoor event, please keep the following in mind: