Noh, Spirituality, and a Meal with the Gods at Afuri Shrine
Peek behind the scenes of Noh, the ancient Japanese performing art, at Afuri Shrine, and spend the night at a traditional shukubo near Mt. Oyama.
Highlights
Learn about Noh, the classic Japanese performance art
Stay at an over 300-year-old shukubo that’s been hosting guests since the Edo period
Enjoy dinner and breakfast at the shukubo highlighting the area's famous tofu
Go on a spiritual journey up Mt. Oyama to Afuri Shrine
Partake in a naorai meal, sharing food and drink with the gods.
10 meals
Experience Details
Noh is a performance art that is over 700 years old. Predating kabuki, Noh uses masks during the performance to tell stories. On this one-night tour, experience Noh in a whole new way- an in-depth look at this art form, along with the related spiritual aspects.
First, you’ll check into the local shukubo, an accommodation experience in which visitors stay at the facility of a Buddhist temple. This family-owned accommodation is over 300 years old. Meguro-san, the head priest and your host for this journey, is part of the family that has been hosting pilgrims since the Edo period.
After checking in, you’ll head to the Noh stage. Normally, only official Noh performers can stand on this stage, but on this special tour, you’ll have VIP access! A translator will explain the history and culture of the Nohgaku art form, and you can try on the Noh masks and clothes.
Back at the shukubo, enjoy dinner prepared with local ingredients. This area is famous for tofu, so the meal is packed with delicious tofu dishes, as well as piping-hot sukiyaki (simmered beef and vegetables). Then, tuck in and get ready for the next day.
In the morning, enjoy a healthy breakfast. Then you’ll dress up in “haiku” or traditional pilgrim's clothing. After the preparations, it’s time to head to the Shrine!
The prayer starts at the shukubo ryokan, with a purification ceremony. You will carry a wooden fortune representing a sword, called a samedachi, up to Afuri Shrine. Since the journey is far on foot, you'll hop on the cable car and enjoy the views of Mt. Oyama. Once the ceremony is complete, you’ll kanpai (cheers) to the gods at a cafe next to the shrine. Enjoy a drink and cafe treat, in this special naorai meal, or a meal shared with the gods. Relax and enjoy the beautiful view of Isehara.
Inclusions
Overnight stay at the shukubo
2 Meals (dinner and breakfast) at the shukubo
Noh experience
Spiritual pilgrimage to Afuri Shrine
Drink and treat at cafe
Exclusions
Transportation to and from the venue
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
The meeting point will be Ryokan Meguro, a 1min walk from Atagodaki (Atago Waterfall) bus stop. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please wear comfortable shoes for walking up the stairs to the shrine
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Isehara is located in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is home to Mount Oyama, a popular site for religious pilgrimages. Afuri Shrine is located on top of the 1252-meter mountain, a beautiful and serene spiritual sight surrounded by nature.
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10 meals
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