When is the tour and how much does it cost?

The tour will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:20 AM to 12:00 PM. The participation fee is 4,000 yen per person. Capacity is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I enjoy it without any knowledge of Japanese history?

Yes, you can. An expert guide from the Yahiko Tourism Association will accompany the tour to explain the history of the shrine and the highlights of the ritual, so you can participate without prior knowledge.

Once a Year, on April 18th Only: Special Guided Tour for "Daidai Kagura," a Bugaku Dance from the Nara Period, Held at Yahiko Shrine, Niigata

Q: What is 'Daidai Kagura'?

It's a special Shinto ritual held only on April 18th each year at Yahiko Shrine in Niigata. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it consists of 'Chigomai' (dances by local elementary school students) and 'Otonamai' (dances by adults).

Published Apr 3, 2026 6:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 2, 2026 1:01 PM ・ 9 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

In collaboration with the Yahiko Tourism Association, LAMBDA・JAPAN is hosting a special guided tour of the "Daidai Kagura" ritual, a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. This initiative aims to transform the sacred event into an understandable and enjoyable experience for all.

LAMBDA・JAPAN Inc. (Location: Kamo City, Niigata; CEO: Tatsumi Igarashi), which operates 'INORI,' a tourism platform specializing in Shinto and faith-based experiences, will hold a guided tour of Yahiko Shrine's 'Daidai Kagura' on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in collaboration with the Yahiko Tourism Association.

Since 2025, LAMBDA・JAPAN Inc. has been creating experience programs starting from Yahiko Shrine in partnership with the Yahiko Tourism Association. The association has also been strengthening its guide training, steadily preparing the tourism reception system in Yahiko. The Daidai Kagura tour is a step forward for Yahiko's tourism, built upon these accumulated efforts.

### ■ What is "Daidai Kagura"?

Yahiko Shrine, known as the 'Ichinomiya' (First Shrine) of Echigo Province, has a special ritual performed only on April 18th each year. This 'Daidai Kagura' is also designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. All 13 pieces of the performance are presented at once only on April 19th for the 'Tsumado-Okami-Reisai,' the annual festival for the consort deity. This is truly a special, once-a-year ritual.

### ■ Three Highlights to Savor in Daidai Kagura

**1｜'Chigomai' Danced Gracefully by Elementary School Students** Of the 13 pieces, seven are performed by local elementary school students in 'Chigomai.' Dressed in vibrant costumes, their dignified performance is sure to be captivating.

**2｜Powerful and Mysterious 'Otonamai' (Adult Dances)** All performers in the six dances by adults wear masks. The dynamic and mystical atmosphere is an experience that can only be felt in person, something not conveyed through video.

**3｜Pay Attention to the Tones of Flutes and Drums** The music played on the kagura flute and taiko drums that accompanies the dances is also a must-hear. Please enjoy the tranquil melodies echoing through the shrine grounds.

### ■ A Guided Tour Enjoyable Even with Zero Prior Knowledge

A guide from the Yahiko Tourism Association will accompany this tour, providing detailed explanations from the origins of Yahiko Shrine to how to view and enjoy the Daidai Kagura. This tour is perfect for those who think, 'I'm not very knowledgeable about history...' It is designed to be enjoyable for both locals and first-time visitors.

### ■ Initiatives in Experience Creation and Guide Training in Yahiko

Since 2025, LAMBDA・JAPAN Inc., in partnership with the Yahiko Tourism Association, has been jointly creating experience programs. They have developed a wide range of programs including guided tours of Yahiko Shrine and its sacred mountain, farming harvest experiences, and rice oil massage experiences. These have recorded participant satisfaction rates of 90-100%, with feedback such as, 'The experience was worth more than the price,' and 'I discovered a side of Yahiko I never knew.'

Currently, the Yahiko Tourism Association is also working on training guides for sustainable tourism operations, building a system where local bearers can proactively deliver these experiences. The Daidai Kagura tour is one of Yahiko's tourism experience creations, aiming to become a place where the community and visitors can experience and inherit culture together.

### ■ Event Overview

Date & Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 09:20 - 12:00 Fee: 4,000 yen Meeting Point: Ichino Torii (First Gate) of Yahiko Shrine Venue: Sanshuden (as the viewing place) Organizers: LAMBDA・JAPAN Inc., Yahiko Tourism Association Expected Participants: 20 (first-come, first-served) Application Link: https://inori-japan.com/experiences/yahiko-e-yahiko-5/ Notes: - As this is a sacred ritual, please refrain from wearing flashy or revealing clothing. - Please refrain from private conversations and participate with a solemn attitude during the viewing. - Participation while intoxicated and consumption of alcohol at the venue are prohibited.

### ■ About the Operating Company

**LAMBDA・JAPAN Inc.** With the philosophy 'Bringing Japan into daily life,' the company operates 'INORI,' a tourism platform specializing in Shinto and faith-based experiences. Leveraging its Type 2 Travel Agency license (Niigata Governor's Registration No. 2-470), it produces experience content from planning and creation to guiding and implementation.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: News

Once a Year, on April 18th Only: Special Guided Tour for "Daidai Kagura," a Bugaku Dance from the Nara Period, Held at Yahiko Shrine, Niigata

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