OUGI conducted a monitor tour of Kagura tradition experience program – Minori – for the domestic people

OUGI Inc. has launched the domestic Kagura tradition experience program titled “Minori”. It is a tour which is operated in the Japanese language and allows Japanese people to experience the origins of Japan as well as remind them of their identity as Japanese people. This tour follows on from OUGI’s Kagura tradition experience program, “The Folklore of KAGURA”.
A five-day monitor tour was organized for three participants. The tour consists of two-part: The first three days in Tokyo learning Kagura techniques and the last two days on a weekend offering Kagura in Oita. This allowed participants to travel with prior input and deepen their local experience.

The Monitor Tour Overview

• Participants: Participants must be able to take three days of pre-training in Tokyo. They must be able to converse in Japanese.
• Period: 5 days (Practice in Tokyo: 17th – 19th Nov, Stay in Oita: 22nd – 23rd Nov 2025)

Itinerary

[In Tokyo]

• Day 1: 18:30 – 21:00 Introduction / Practice
• Day 2: 18:30 – 21:00 Practice
• Day 3: 18:30 – 21:00 Practice / Instruction before arriving in Oita

[Travel to Usa City]

• Day 4: Meet at Oita Airport / Lunch / Visit to Ryogoji Temple (Shinbutsu Shugo) / Hotel Check-in / Welcome Party / Final Practice
• Day 5: Cleaning of Aso Shrine / Kagura Presentation / Naorai (Sharing a Sacred Meal with the Kami) / Closing Ceremony / Leave at JR Usa Station

During the first three days of the experience, a Kagura performer came to Tokyo for approximately two hours of evening practice about movements. As an introduction, the kagura performer explains the history and background of Kagura. It provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their own modern selves by understanding the ancient Japanese lifestyle. After two days following practice for the rest and preparation,　participants went to Oita on the weekend.
On the first day of the Oita stay, participants experienced the syncretic Shinto Buddhist (Shinbutsu Shugo) atmosphere of Oita, which they had sensed through words and characters, with a special guide. After that, they were welcomed by local Kagura performers in a welcome dinner. Then the participants did the final practice for the offering, preparing their minds and bodies for the final offering presentation.

The participants commented as follows: “The worldview of Shinbutsu Shugo that they had imagined from the introduction and practice sessions was deeply personalised through actual experience. We were able to immerse ourselves in the origins of Japanese culture, where various cultures are incorporated and harmoniously integrated.”

OUGI Inc. views the planning and development of tours for Japanese people as a challenge to create a new form of tourism. This time, we created a structure that allows participants to immerse themselves more deeply in the local experiences and experiences. The structure includes conducting several days of pre-trip learning that allows the participants to have a sense of aspiration when they head to the destination.
Through this monitor tour, OUGI has further recognized the importance of opportunities for Japanese people to experience traditional culture and performing arts. We continue to strive to provide content and experiences that allow Japanese people to understand the essence of Japaneseness.

For the sales of this tour, please contact us using the form below.

OUGI Inquiry Form

https://ougi-japan.com/en/contact/

Prior to the launch of this program, Buzen Iwato Kagura dance will be offered at Fukutoku Shrine (Mebuki Shrine). That is because the practices will be carried out in Tokyo (Nihonbashi). On the day, it will offer the opportunity to watch the kagura performance, which will pray for the program’s future success and express gratitude for the divine blessings.

A dedication dance as a Shinto ritual performed by the Aso Kagura Preservation Society in Muromachi, Nihonbashi, Tokyo

• Location: Fukutoku Shrine (Mebuki Shrine) grounds
• Schedule: Saturday, 24th January 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (subject to change).
• Participation Fee: Free
• Event Details: https://mebuki.jp/2854/