2-day tour to Takaya Shrine, including a knife-making ceremony, Awa fisherman's cuisine, and the beauty of artisans [Departing from Tokyo] (Chiba)
The Knife Ceremony is an elegant ritual that originated as an Imperial Court event, and is said to have been performed by Oda Nobunaga during the Warring States period, before heading out to battle, to boost the morale of his soldiers. The act of skillfully cooking the fish without touching it, using only chopsticks and a knife, is a solemn offering of culinary techniques and spirit to the gods. It continues to fascinate many people as a valuable cultural experience steeped in history and tradition.
・See the sculptures of Ihachi, a genius Edo period artist. Takeshi Ihachiro Nobuyoshi, also known as "Ihachi of the Waves," was a shrine sculptor who left many works for over 50 temples and shrines, mainly in Chiba Prefecture. It is said that Ihachi's masterpiece, "Treasure on the Waves," had a major influence on Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece, "Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa."
・Enjoy fresh Awa fisherman's cuisine for dinner
★This course is limited to 30 people and includes a guiding receiver that lets you hear the commentary right in your ear! (Japanese)
・Navigator Kuroda Hisashi will guide you (Japanese)
Product Info
Purchase Notice
■This tour is also available for inbound tourists. During the tour, Japanese explanations from tour conductors and guides will be provided in multiple languages via apps as appropriate. Please note that not all explanations can be provided in multiple languages. We also ask that you fill out a questionnaire of approximately one A4-sized sheet (front and back).
■About hotel futon layingWhen staying in a Japanese-style room or a Japanese-Western style room, you may be asked to lay out your futon yourself. Thank you for your understanding.
[About Safety Call]
As a general rule, we do not offer safety calls on this course.
*Excluding boarding en route on Shinkansen etc.= ...
[Request to customers participating in the tour]
■Wearing a mask during the tour is at the discretion of each customer. To ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip comfortably, we ask that you be considerate of those around you, such as by observing cough etiquette and wearing a mask when having an extended conversation.
Other ■ Regarding meal requests
For requests made after April 1, 2025, changes to meal contents due to severe food allergies, dietary restrictions based on medical judgment, religious reasons, etc. will incur a fee of 1,500 yen per meal, plus the actual cost if there is a difference in price. In principle, requests must be made at least 14 days before departure. * Changes cannot be made to boxed lunches. Please remove any foods that you cannot eat due to likes and dislikes.
[About the accompanying navigator]
The navigators are scheduled as of September 2025. Please note that there may be cases where they are unable to accompany you due to sudden illness or other reasons. In such cases, we may ask you to change the departure date or to provide a substitute navigator, instructor, or guide.
【others】
*Please leave seat allocation for transportation (bus, plane, train, etc.) during the trip and room allocation at accommodation (in the case of overnight tours) to us.
*We aim to provide non-smoking rooms, but please note that there may be smoking rooms.
*For tours that depart and return by bus, and plans where you meet directly at the location, we will only send you one document (unless the details are undecided). Therefore, the "brochure" we send you will serve as the "confirmed document."
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Takaya Shrine is renowned for its elegant Knife Ceremony, a solemn ritual with Imperial Court origins and historical connections, such as being performed by Oda Nobunaga. It is also celebrated for housing exquisite sculptures by the Edo period artist Ihachi, whose work, particularly "Treasure on the Waves," influenced Katsushika Hokusai. The shrine offers a rich blend of cultural tradition and artistic heritage.
The hike to Takaya Shrine involves an uphill path, and the duration can vary depending on individual pace. Generally, visitors should anticipate a moderate ascent, taking approximately 20-40 minutes to reach the main shrine area from the base. The journey offers picturesque views, making the hike itself part of the experience.
When visiting Takaya Shrine, it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for the uphill and potentially uneven terrain. Dressing in layers is also recommended as weather conditions can change. As a sacred site, respectful attire that is not overly revealing is appreciated, aligning with traditional customs.
The optimal time to visit Takaya Shrine depends on the experience you seek. For viewing the special evening illuminations and the Knife Ceremony, visiting after sunset is ideal to witness these captivating events. During daylight hours, clear weather provides excellent opportunities to enjoy the panoramic views from the shrine's elevated position.
Takaya Shrine is situated at an elevated location, offering expansive panoramic views. While a specific numerical altitude may vary by reference, visitors should prepare for a moderate uphill climb to reach the shrine. The ascent provides rewarding vistas and is generally manageable for most visitors seeking a scenic experience.
The Knife Ceremony at Takaya Shrine is an elegant and deeply traditional ritual rooted in Imperial Court practices. It involves the intricate act of preparing fish without touching it, using only chopsticks and a knife, presented as a solemn offering to the gods. This captivating ceremony highlights ancient culinary artistry and profound spiritual devotion, providing a unique cultural immersion.
Yes, Takaya Shrine is a significant location to view the sculptures by Takeshi Ihachiro Nobuyoshi, famously known as "Ihachi of the Waves." He was a prolific Edo period shrine sculptor, and his masterpiece, "Treasure on the Waves," is notably found here. His influential artistry is said to have inspired iconic works such as Hokusai's "Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa."
Yes, Takaya Shrine features special evening illuminations that beautifully enhance its mystical ambiance after dark. These illuminations are often coordinated with cultural events like the Knife Ceremony, providing visitors with a visually stunning and spiritually rich experience. It's a unique opportunity to witness the shrine's beauty transformed by light and tradition.
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