Itsukushima Shrine is considered one of the most beautiful sights in Japan, and bugaku, one of a kind traditional Japanese music and dance, can add to its allure. Bugaku isn't common, even on Miyajima, so those who happen to be there on the day of a performance are lucky.

In this particular performance, an actor in traditional orange garb demonstrates the tale of the Ryo-o, the Dragon King. It is said that Ryo-o was so handsome that his enemies were distracted by his beauty. In order to be taken seriously, Ryo-o had to wear a fearsome dragon mask into battle.

This dance is accompanied by slow drums and high-pitched, almost discordant woodwind instruments.