Charms of Minamiboso (16) Takabe Shrine

高家神社

Takabe Shrine, located in the Chikura area, is the only Shinto Shrine in Japan that enshrines the god of culinary arts. Steep stone steps take you to the main building with a thatched roof, and stands on a sunny hill looking down to the Pacific Ocean. Chefs and people involved in the food industry from all over the nation come to visit. On October 17, you will have the opportunity to see the Hochoshiki, or “Knife Ceremony”, a unique shinto ritual offered to the god by preparing fish with just a knife and a pair of chopsticks.

千倉町にある高家神社は、日本で唯一、料理の神様をお祭りしている神社です。長い石段を上がると目に飛び込んでくるのが、太平洋を望む南斜面に立つ藁葺き屋根の社殿です。日本各地から料理人や食品関係の人々が参拝に訪れます。10月17日には、庖丁と箸のみで魚をさばく、珍しい庖丁式が奉納されます。