Kami-cho no Sanbanso

The Sanbanso Dance is a traditional performing art that celebrates a good harvest. Also called the Okinamai, or “Grandfather Dance,” the Sanbanso was performed in different regions, and originally had a miraculous atmosphere. It was first performed during the Muromachi Period, but in Kamicho, it dates to the mid-Edo Period. It begins with a unique lyric “tou-tou-tarari, tararira…” and during the performance, three characters appear, including the Grandfather, portraying the village headman, young Senzai, and Kurokijo the farmer. The three characters perform a powerful stomping dance around the stage to the rhythm of a chant, wooden clappers, flutes, and hand drums.
In Kamicho, which is situated in northern Hyogo Prefecture, the Sanbanso Dance has been handed down among the six areas of Kasumi (Hitoichi, Kasumi, Mori, Shimonohama, Kundani, and Okinoura) and Ojiro (Niiya). Since 2018, these dances have been collectively called the Sanbanso Dances of Kamicho, and were designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Hyogo Prefecture.

It is quite rare in Japan for Sanbanso Dances to be handed down in such a fashion in a single area, and to be called Sanbanso rather than Sanbaso. Also, although the Sanbanso Dances of Kamicho have their roots in the Noh Okinamai Dance, it is only in Ojiro Niiya that the Ninin Sanbanso is preserved due to the influence of Kabuki.
The Sanbanso Dances of Kamicho are performed each October at the Kasumi-jinja Shrine in each area. Although the main flow of the dances remains the same, one of the highlights is that the melodies and subtle movements differ in each area. In many places, the three roles of the Grandfather, Senzai, and Kurokijo are performed by boys. In these areas, the young men begin training more than one month before the performance, practicing each day until the day of the festival. The locals are passionate about this traditional performing art, and these feelings are passed on from parents to children. During the Kasumi Sanbanso Dance, from around 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on the day before the autumn festival, the area headman, representatives from Kasumi-jinja Shrine, and the dancers go around town and visit homes with reasons to celebrate, such as newly built houses, those with newborn babies, and prosperous businesses to perform the Sanbanso Dance.

The Kasumi area in Kamicho facing the Sea of Japan is contained in San'in Kaigan Geopark, which is home to gorgeous views of many natural features. These include Yoroi no Sode, a nearly 70 meter tall, 200 meter wide cliff which is a nationally designated natural monument whose face consists of countless column shaped rocks. Visitors will also find Takanosujima Island, a strange rock created by the eroding Yoroi no Sode, and Kujaku Cave, which looks like the silhouette of a peacock spreading its wings. Geopark & Uminobunkakan is a great place for those who want to learn more about the charms of the geopark and Kamicho.
The Amarubesaki Lighthouse in Misaki, which is known as the legendary Heike village, is famed for being the highest lighthouse in Japan, with its beam being able to reach all the way to Togocho, Tottori in the west, and to Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto in the east. This spot was chosen as one of the 100 most picturesque sunset spots in the country, and a great sunset spot in Kasumi. Yoroi Station, the seaside train station named after Yoroi no Sode, is a famous filming location for TV dramas such as Futarikko and Suna no Utsuwa. From old platform number one, visitors can look down at the gorgeous scenery of Yoroi Fishing Port.
Another spot worth a visit is Daijo-ji Temple, also known as Okyo-dera Temple, where sliding panel paintings of mid-Edo Period artist Maruyama Okyo and his clan can be seen. In the 13 rooms of the guest hall, Okyo and his 12 disciples created 165 screen paintings which are nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.
The Kasumi area is packed with plenty of things to see, including the natural art of the Sea of Japan, and the works of some of the most famous artists of the Edo Period. Come visit and experience their power firsthand.