Suwa Onbashira Festival is well known all over Japan because of its uniqueness and huge scale. It is held every 6 years and has the history of more than 1200 years. The most exciting part is pulling massive logs by over 3,000 men from the mountain to downhill. It is spectacular and dynamic so some participants get injured every time. The next one will be held between April and May in 2022.
The festival has been celebrated even war times
Suwa, located in the central part of Nagano prefecture, is the place for Suwa
Onbashira Festival. In this area, there is "Suwa Taisha" which is one of the biggest Shinto
shrines with over 25,000 branches throughout the country. Suwa Taisha is composed of
four shrines and four logs are build and delivered to each shrine by human power during
the festival. The logs are generally 17 meters (55 feet) in length and 10 tons so between
1,000 and 3,000 men join to carry the log.
Onbashira Festival. In this area, there is "Suwa Taisha" which is one of the biggest Shinto
shrines with over 25,000 branches throughout the country. Suwa Taisha is composed of
four shrines and four logs are build and delivered to each shrine by human power during
the festival. The logs are generally 17 meters (55 feet) in length and 10 tons so between
1,000 and 3,000 men join to carry the log.
The most masculine part of the festival
This festival is celebrated section by section between April and May. In April, the
beginning part, "Yamadashi", is held that logs are removed from mountains and
brought into the town. Then the most dynamic part of Yamadashi is called "Kiotoshi"
which literally means dropping trees. The logs are pulled and slid on steep slopes. Male
participants attempt to ride on logs to examine their braveness. Definitely this is the most
thrilling moment, but you can feel their passion and enthusiasm.
beginning part, "Yamadashi", is held that logs are removed from mountains and
brought into the town. Then the most dynamic part of Yamadashi is called "Kiotoshi"
which literally means dropping trees. The logs are pulled and slid on steep slopes. Male
participants attempt to ride on logs to examine their braveness. Definitely this is the most
thrilling moment, but you can feel their passion and enthusiasm.
The festival shows the strong relationship between trees and humans
After logs are kept in the town, next part called "Satobiki" is held in May.
Four pillars are brought to each shrine by human power and there are parades with colorful
traditional costumes. During the festival, you can hear the special songs of carriers. Finally,
when pillars arrive at the shrine, it is lifted up as men riding and holding on tight. This
festival is for more ritual than tourism so there is a limited place for observation. Nearly 2
million people are gathered so if it is possible buying tickets in advance is recommended.
The festival is basically free admission but the pay observation area was
prepared.
Four pillars are brought to each shrine by human power and there are parades with colorful
traditional costumes. During the festival, you can hear the special songs of carriers. Finally,
when pillars arrive at the shrine, it is lifted up as men riding and holding on tight. This
festival is for more ritual than tourism so there is a limited place for observation. Nearly 2
million people are gathered so if it is possible buying tickets in advance is recommended.
The festival is basically free admission but the pay observation area was
prepared.
How to visit?
From Tokyo, it is about 2 hours 35 mins to Kami-Suwa station by the JR
Chuo Main Line. From Kami-Suwa station, taking the taxi is the best way to get the Upper
Shrine of Suwa Taisha, one of four shrines composing Suwa Taisha. The Lower
Shrine is a 10 minute walk from Shimo-Suwa station.
Address: 1, Nakasu miyayama, Suwa City, Nagano 392-0015 (the Upper Shrine)
Tel：+81-(0)266-27- 1111 (the Upper Shrine)
Chuo Main Line. From Kami-Suwa station, taking the taxi is the best way to get the Upper
Shrine of Suwa Taisha, one of four shrines composing Suwa Taisha. The Lower
Shrine is a 10 minute walk from Shimo-Suwa station.
Address: 1, Nakasu miyayama, Suwa City, Nagano 392-0015 (the Upper Shrine)
Tel：+81-(0)266-27- 1111 (the Upper Shrine)
