[Okayama] UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: " Shiraishi Odori " on Shiraishi Island in Kasaoka City

"Shiraishi Odori" is a traditional Bon dance that has been passed down since ancient times on Shiraishi Island, and will be registered as a "UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage" in November 2022. On last year's experience tour, after a guided stroll around the island, we went to the sandy beach at dusk and enjoyed the graceful "Shiraishi Odori" illuminated by the glow of the sea and the setting sun.

This year there will be an experience tour, so don't miss it! (Details at the end of the article)

• Table of Contents
• What is Shiraishi Odori?
• How to get to Shiraishi Island in the Kasaoka Islands
• A detailed explanation of Shiraishi Odori!
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Recognition
• A historical walk on Shiraishi Island
• 2024 [Shiraishi Odori] Experience Tour

What is Shiraishi Odori?

Shiraishi Odori is a traditional Bon dance held on the nights of August 13th to 16th every year on Shiraishi Island Island in the Kasaoka Islands. It is danced around a tower set up on the beach. It is said that this dance began as a memorial to those who died in the Genpei Mizushima War at the end of the Heian period. During the Obon period, all islanders, from children to the elderly, take part in the typical Bon dance, but once a year a special tour is held where you can see the dancers in traditional costumes.

Shiraishi-odori Dance

Shiroishijima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture 714-0036

Shiraishi-odori Dance is thought to have been created on Shiraishijima Island to honor a samurai who perished in a battle that was fought on...

Shiraishijima Island

714-0036 Shiroishijima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture

An island located approximately 16 km from Kasaoka Port. It is located in the center of the Kasaoka Islands, which are more than 30 islands...

How to get to Shiraishi Island in the Kasaoka Islands

You can get to Shiraishi Island by boat. Passenger-only boats depart from Sumiyoshi Pier at Kasaoka Port, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station. It takes about 35 minutes by regular boat and about 22 minutes by high-speed boat. Ferries that can also carry cars depart from Fushikoshi Port, about a 20-minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station, and arrive in about 45 minutes. Last year's tour departed from Sumiyoshi Pier using a chartered boat.

Shiraishi Island ｜Matatabi Kasaoka

Arrived on the island!

After a 30-minute cruise on the calm Seto Inland Sea, we arrived at the island. At the port, there is a stone monument with the words "Scenic Shiraishi Island" written on it. This monument was built in the 1930s, and shows that Shiraishi Island has long been known as a scenic tourist destination.

A detailed explanation of Shiraishi Odori!

Taiko drums and large umbrellas were prepared on the sandy beach at dusk. The music of the Shiraishi Odori is sung by a singer (Ondotori) to the beat of the taiko drums. The Ondotori wears formal attire (crested clothing and hakama) and sings powerfully under an umbrella. The drummer is a 90-year-old man from the island, who is perfectly timed with the singer. The songs are said to be based on puppet theater and kabuki from the Edo period.

Male Dance

The male dance may be the most famous of the Shiraishi Odori. It is powerful and impressive with large movements. The dancers wear white haori over their black formal attire and large bamboo hats on their heads. The white haori looked beautiful against the setting sun.

Daughter Dance

The Daughter Dance is performed by newlyweds and young women who have not yet married. The movements of the fingers are particularly beautiful and graceful. The dancers wear purple formal kimonos and hide their faces with bright purple cloth. The way they use fans decorated with gold and silver is very gorgeous.

Female dancer

The female dance is mainly performed by women middle-aged or older. It is a gorgeous dance with soft wrist and knee movements that is feminine. The dancer wears a kimono, covers her head and cheeks with a hand towel, and wears a special hat called a "tsumaorigasa."

Slave dance

The Yakko Dance is mainly performed by young men. It is a youthful and lively dance, performed wearing a short jacket called a hanten, white shorts, and a headband.

We danced together

There are apparently more than 13 types of Shiraishi Odori. The basic "Bura Bura Dance" and "Tsukimi Dance" are easy to remember, and I was able to dance them myself. The photo shows the "Kasa Dance," and the male high school students dancing it looks very cool. On the day, many university students, high school students, and young people from the island were working as guides and volunteers. It was clear that the tradition of Shiraishi Odori is being passed down to the next generation.

I was completely captivated by the graceful movements of the Shiraishi Odori. As I danced with the islanders and the other tour participants, we all became friendly with each other and enjoyed the Shiraishi Odori.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Recognition

In November 2022, the traditional Japanese dance "Furyu Dance" was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From Okayama Prefecture, this Shiraishi Odori and Omiya Dance from Maniwa City were registered. Last year was the first viewing event since the registration, where the certificate was presented and all participants celebrated the registration.

A historical walk on Shiraishi Island

From the time we arrived at Shiraishi Island until dusk, we had a walking tour of the island for about an hour and a half. Our guide explained the history of Shiraishi Island, focusing on Kairyuji Temple, a temple associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai).

Fudoiwa Rock, where wishes come true

On the way to the inner sanctuary of Kairyuji Temple, there is a large rock called "Fudouiwa." It is said that if you place your forehead on the hollow of the rock and recite your wish three times, your wish will come true. I tried it myself, and it was a place that felt mysteriously powerful.

Kairyuji Temple, where Kukai trained

It is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) stopped here on his way back from China and practiced asceticism for 37 days. There is a mysterious inner sanctuary with a huge rock covering it like a roof. The Buddha statue here is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi himself, and is only open to the public once every 61 years.

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Lots of retro buildings

On the way to Kairyuji Temple, there are many post offices and shops that still have an old-fashioned atmosphere. In particular, this barber's shop is still open. A barber comes from the mainland to work here a few days a week. Two barbers using a pushcart were having their hair cut with ease.

The inn where Ino Tadataka stayed

The Matsuura residence (former Komiyama village headman's residence), where Ino Tadataka, who created the first accurate map of Japan, stayed when he visited Shiraishi Island, also remains near the port.

Enjoy the Island Bon Festival

After enjoying the Shiraishi Odori and the historical tour of the island, we returned to Kasaoka Port on the 8:30pm boat. It was a special boat for the tour, but the last boat usually leaves at 4pm.

You can only see the Shiraishi Odori performed in beautiful traditional costumes on a day trip once a year. It is usually held on a Saturday in July, so please check the schedule on the official website of the Kasaoka City Tourist Association.

Kasaoka City Tourism Association Official Website

2024 [Shiraishi Odori] Experience Tour

Special Shiraishi Odori Viewing and Experience Event ~Sunset, Costumes, and the Beach~

It was previously only possible to see this dance on a tour that takes place once a year. However, the Shiraishi Odori Preservation Society's desire to make the Shiraishi Odori known to more people has led to the holding of a special Shiraishi Odori viewing and experience event. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the traditional culture that has been preserved and passed down on the island in a fantastical atmosphere.

*The events on Saturday, June 22nd and Saturday, August 3rd have been cancelled.

Event period: July 27th (Sat), August 10th (Sat), 24th (Sat), 31st (Sat), September 14th (Sat), 28th (Sat)

Opening times: July and August…19:00 September…18:30

Location: Shiraishi Island Beach , Kasaoka City

Address: Shiraishi Island, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture

Phone number: 0865-62-6622 ( Kasaoka City Tourism Association)

Access (public): 10 minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station to Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Pier), 22 minute high-speed boat ride (35 minute regular boat ride), 20 minute walk from JR Kasaoka Station to Fushigoe Port, 45 minute ferry ride

Meeting place: Shiraishi Island Beach , Kasaoka City

Meeting time: July and August at 7:00 p.m., September only at 6:30 p.m.

How to make a reservation: By phone or email (info@kasaoka-kankou.jp)

Capacity per session: 20 people

For applications and inquiries, please contact the Kasaoka City Tourism Association.

Kasaoka City Tourism Association

TEL 0865-62-6622

MAIL: info@kasaoka-kankou.jp

Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (open all year round except for New Year's holidays)

★When applying, please let us know the desired date of participation, the number of participants, your name, address, and a phone number where you can be contacted on the day.

*The round-trip boat fare is not included in the participation fee.

*If the tour is cancelled, you will be notified by email at least one week before the tour date.

*Please note that photos taken on the day of the event may be used on social media and in future reports on the association's activities.

*There are no regular ferries returning to Kasaoka after the viewing, so please make your own accommodation reservations.

La Mar Shimanami Shiraishi Odori Appreciation and Experience Tour

This is a day trip tour that involves boarding the Setouchi area's tourist train "La Mal de Bois" and learning about the Shiraishi Odori, which is registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and Kairyuji Temple, which was built under a megalith that is part of the Japan Heritage Site.

Flyer PDF

JR Okayama Station 10:19 → (La Mar Shimanami / ordinary reserved seat) → JR Kasaoka Station 11:06 ... Kasaoka Port 11:30 ~ (sea taxi) ~ Shiroishi Port 12:00 ... Kairyuji Temple ... Amagi-so (lunch 13:00-14:00 / after lunch, explanation of Shiraishi Odori) ... Shiraishi Odori experience (14:20-15:30) ... Shiroishi Port 15:50 ~ (sea taxi) ~ Kasaoka Port 16:20 ... JR Kasaoka Station 16:30 *End

Event period: Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th, 2024

Time: 10:00-17:00

Location: Shiraishi Island

Address: Shiraishi Island, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture

Phone number: 0865-62-6622 ( Kasaoka City Tourism Association)

Official website: Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd. | Official website

Experience fee: 9,000 yen for elementary school students and above

Meeting point: JR Okayama Station

Capacity: 20 people per day * First come, first served (reception will close once capacity is reached)

*Operates with 7 or more peopleNotes

* If the minimum number of participants (7 people) is met 35 days before the event, the event will be held. Applications will continue until 5 days before the event.