Taketomi Island - Kajiya Utaki -

What Is Kajiya Ontake?

Kajiya Utaki is a sacred site where prayers by blacksmiths are offered around the 7th day of the 11th month of the lunar calendar. The shrine priest and the community center executive committee gather at Kajiya Utaki, located at the foot of Nbufuru Hill, to offer prayers. Although there used to be blacksmiths on Taketomi Island, there are none today. However, the “Blacksmith’s Kyogen” performance still survives in the Haza-ma Village Kyogen segment of the Tanedori Festival.
In the “Blacksmith Kyōgen” play, there is also a passage in which the head blacksmith recites the blacksmith’s opening lines to make farming tools.

How to Get to Kajiya Ontake

Kajiya Ontake is located about a 16-minute walk or a 5-minute drive away.
Head from Taketomi Port toward the village. Even after entering the village, continue along the road for a while, and you’ll find Kajiya Utaki at the end of the road.

How to Play "The Blacksmith's Shrine"

Since this is a sacred site dedicated to the god of fire, blacksmiths should definitely stop by. There are also many famous tourist spots on Taketomi Island in the surrounding area, such as the Nmbufuru Observation Deck, Nakasuji Well, and the Waterworks Monument, so be sure to check them out as well.

Details on Kajiya Ontake

Although there are no blacksmiths on Taketomi Island today, back when there were blacksmiths on the island, the Bellows Festival used to be held all night long. The day after the festival, the Shinto priest, volunteers from the community, and relatives would gather to celebrate. As mentioned above, although there are no blacksmiths on the island today, a ritual is still held to express gratitude to the blacksmith’s fire god for the past year and to pray for peace in the coming year.
The Kajiya Ontake shrine was once located near Kaiji’s sake brewery, but in Heisei 14, the incense burner was moved to the foot of Mount Nbufuru. The area is surrounded by stone walls, and the red-tiled roof—typical of the Yaeyama Islands—is a distinctive feature.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Kajiya Ontake

well

The Nakasuji Well is located right next to Nmbfulu Hill. Because it had an abundant water supply, it served as a vital lifeline for the villagers until the underground water supply and public water system were established.
Taketomi Island was often struck by drought, and the islanders were struggling. According to legend, one day a dog kept by the village returned with a wet tail; when the villagers followed its trail, they discovered the Nakasuji Well.

Nbufuru Observatory

The Nmbuhuru Observation Deck is an observation deck built on Nmbuhuru Hill and is known as the highest point on Taketomi Island.
It is said that this small hill, where the observation deck stands, was formed when cattle once raised by the islanders escaped and used their horns to carve it out. When the cattle were found, they were mooing "Nmbfulu, Nmbfulu" from the top of the hill, which is why the hill came to be known as Nmbfulu Hill. Consequently, it was named the Nmbfulu Observation Deck.
Although you can't go inside right now because it's in danger of collapsing, you can still view it up close, so please be sure to check it out.

Kohamoto Utaki

The Sachimoto (Kohamoto) Utaki is an utaki located south of Nbufuru Hill. There are 28 Utaki on Taketomi Island, six of which are called “Mūyama” and are considered the most important; the Kōmoto (Kohamoto) Utaki is also one of these Mūyama. Since there are various other Utaki nearby, be sure to take a stroll and explore them as well.