Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Okayama

Held every February on the grounds of Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple in Okayama, Saidaiji Eyo brings together some 10,000 men in loincloths who fight to seize two sacred wooden batons in a 500-year-old ritual of New Year prayer. Designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2016, it is widely known as one of Japan's three greatest "strange festivals." Discover its history, highlights, viewing tips and access information.

Performed each summer on Shiraishi Island in Okayama Prefecture, Shiraishi Odori is a Bon dance unlike any other in Japan. To the rhythm of a single drum and a single chanted ballad, thirteen completely different dances are performed simultaneously by groups in different costumes. Said to have begun as a memorial rite for warriors who fell in the Battle of Mizushima during the Genpei War, it was designated a Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1976 and inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2022 as part of the Furyu-odori ritual dances.

Bitchu Kagura is a roughly 400-year-old tradition of sacred dance and mythological theater performed in the Bitchu region of Okayama Prefecture. Designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1979, it features dramatic episodes drawn from Japan's foundational myths, including the Slaying of the Eight-Headed Serpent and the Transfer of the Realm, blending solemn ritual with thunderous storytelling.

Okayama’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.