飯沼諏訪神社御柱
Climbing the steep stone steps
Kamigo Iinuma's Onbashira
The Onbashira Festival is most famous for being held at Suwa Taisha, but in fact, the Onbashira is held in various parts of Nagano Prefecture once every seven years.
Among them, at Suwa Shrine in Kamigo Iinuma, Iida City, it is known for pulling up the long stone steps from the torii gate to the shrine building.
There are 309 stone steps.
Even just climbing up and down, you may want to rest halfway up the steps.
The parishioners of Iinuma Suwa Shrine hauled fir trees felled in the city's district-owned forest, and by around 10:30 a.m., the second pillar had arrived at the shrine.
Amid the sound of woodcutting and trumpets, the Onbashira is pulled up the stone steps surrounded by many spectators.
Many people held the ropes and joined the hauling, and the Onbashira, which reached the top of the steps, was erected using heavy machinery, successfully completing the Onbashira.
The Onbashira held in various parts of the prefecture may not attract as many people as the one held at Suwa Taisha, but it gives the impression of a traditional event that the local residents cherish and continue.
While the Onbashira is often perceived as an event held only at Suwa Taisha, the fact that it is held in various parts of Nagano Prefecture reminds us of the significance of the ritual of erecting pillars that serve as a seat for the gods.