Ono Hachiman-jinja Shrine Festival

Ono Hachiman-jinja Shrine was solicited by Endo Tomotsune, the lord of Hachiman Castle, from Kyoto and held the first festival in 1667. The festival launches Daikagura. The procession of the priesthood starting by priest, flowers , puppeteers, Jiuta troupe, flags, blow arrows, performers, music performers, the drumming, and the prop holders. Along the way, perfomance of flute and drums are carried out. When they reach the site of the shrine, they change their songs to "Okazaki", and the way the flute and drums are beaten also changes. The song changes to "Miyairi" at the end of the journey. In front of the shrine, all the performers behind line up in two rows, and enter while kneading. They slowly go to the designated position. This is called a "Yotsu Waku". When all the songs are ready in front of the shrine, the song of the flute changes, and they leave the place once. The Shinto ritual begins, and Kagura and other actors wait on the spot. After the end of the ritual, Daikagura and the dance are dedicated.