A traditional Takagawa fast-eating event, gulped down with miso and hot water
Takagawa Hayameshigui
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/11/08Scheduled
- Season / frequency
- Every year on November 8 / Every year
- Location
- Takagawa Niida Shrine
- Area
- Kochi Prefecture・Kochi City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 40 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Takagawa Hayameshigui, passed down in Takagawa, Tosayama, Kochi City, is a local autumn festival event in which participants rapidly gulp down rice prepared with miso and hot water.
About Takagawa Hayameshigui
Takagawa Hayameshigui is an autumn festival event held at Takagawa Niida Shrine in Takagawa, Tosayama, Kochi City.
After the , participants follow the custom of eating their rice quickly and without leaving any behind.
The distinctive way of eating with miso and hot water, along with the bustling scene filled with calls, is a major feature of this event passed down in the area.
Source: 文化財情報 民俗文化財 高川の早飯ぐい - 高知市ホームページ（民権・文化財課） / 「湯、湯、湯！」「みそ、みそ、みそ！」土佐山学舎の3年生が早飯食いに挑戦しました！｜週刊高知の子どもニュース（2023年11月6～12日） | ココハレ - 高知の子育て応援ウェブメディア
Festival highlights
The highlight is the scene of participants all gulping down the rice in their bowls at once as servers hurriedly distribute hot water and miso.
Calls such as “Hot water, hot water, hot water” and “Miso, miso, miso” ring through the , and the fastest finish in less than 1 minute.
The custom of calling out “zen, zen” to have one’s tray taken away after finishing is also memorable.
A traditional Takagawa fast-eating event, gulped down with miso and hot water
What to expect
The event begins after the Shinto ritual. At the cue “Please go ahead and eat,” participants eat the rice served in bowls.
Participants energetically gulp down the rice as grilled miso is placed on top and hot water made by boiling rice-rinsing water is poured over it.
In this distinctive sequence, servers distribute hot water and miso, and trays are taken away as people finish eating.
How to take part
There have been examples of local residents, children, and visitors from outside the area taking part.
According to 2024 news reports, around 40 people took part, including local residents, children from Tosayama Gakusha, and prefectural government employees.
Check the guidance for each event year to find out whether members of the general public can take part and how to register on the day.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Takagawa Niida Shrine (Takagawa, Tosayama, Kochi City)
Event venue 高知県高知市 高川仁井田神社
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Listed dates
2026/11/08
- Season
Every year on November 8
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kochi Prefecture / Kochi City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Since this event involves eating a meal quickly, anyone taking part should avoid pushing themselves and take care of their health.
The lively calls and the servers’ movements are highlights, so please watch from a spot that does not obstruct the event.
In 2020, people were asked to keep their voices down due to the impact of COVID-19, so check the guidance for the event year for precautions such as infection-control measures.
Source: 五穀豊穣願って 江戸時代から続く土佐山の奇祭「早飯食い」とは【高知】 « 高知のニュース - 高知さんさんテレビ
Nearby attractions
五台山
高知市の山
土佐神社
高知県高知市一宮(いっく)しなねにある神社
小津神社
高知県高知市にある神社
山内神社
高知県高知市にある神社
朝倉神社 (高知市)
高知市にある神社
桂浜水族館
高知県高知市にある水族館
潮江天満宮
高知県高知市天神町にある神社
藁工ミュージアム
高知県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
高知大神宮
高知市にある神社
高知市寺田寅彦記念館
日本の高知県高知市にある建築物
Origins and History of Takagawa Hayameshigui
Takagawa Hayameshigui is said to be an event that has been passed down in the Takagawa area for more than 300 years.
It is said to imitate the hurried meal before setting out for battle. One explanation of its origins is that Heike refugees who fled to Tosayama during the Heian period hurriedly ate before battle.
Kochi City has designated this event as a Kochi City Folk Cultural Property.
Official information
Kochi City’s cultural property information introduces Takagawa Hayameshigui as an event in the autumn festival at Takagawa Niida Shrine, and describes its customs and the way food is served.
Information about its designation as a Kochi City Folk Cultural Property is also included.
Takagawa Hayameshigui at a Glance
Takagawa Hayameshigui is a distinctive autumn festival event passed down in Takagawa, Tosayama, Kochi City, in which participants compete to eat quickly.
You can enjoy watching participants gulp down rice topped with miso and hot water to the sound of calls, while servers bustle about.
The tradition dates back more than 300 years and is designated a Kochi City Folk Cultural Property.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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