御舟祭
Held Annually on August 1st
Shimosha Relocation Festival
Every year on August 1st,
at Suwa Taisha Shimosha in Shimosuwa Town, the "Gofune Festival" is held.
This festival celebrates the seasonal relocation of the divine spirit between Akimiya and Harumiya, making it a major event for the Suwa community alongside the Onbashira Festival.
The highlight is the large 5-ton ceremonial boat "Gofune" being pulled around.
In the spring relocation festival on February 1st, the boat is not used; it is only in the autumn relocation on August 1st.
Before the boat procession, the relocation festival is held at Akimiya, then the procession moves to Harumiya.
The procession includes people in white robes carrying long swords and flags, children, miko, and dolls of an old man and woman.
These dolls represent the deities of Suwa Taisha, Takeminakata-no-Mikoto and Yasakatome-no-Mikoto, and they are attached to the boat during the procession.
Once the procession from Akimiya reaches Harumiya, preparations for the boat begin, followed by a ceremony.
Afterward, the procession returns to Akimiya with the divine spirit on the boat.
The boat moves with the rhythm of the Kiyari-uta song as the participants pull the ropes.
About 10 people ride on the boat.
From Harumiya's torii gate, the path splits around the historic Gebabashi bridge.
Both paths are only wide enough for one car, just fitting the width of the boat.
Careful navigation is needed as the boat moves forward.
With the Kiyari-uta song, the boat moves forward as participants pull the ropes and the riders wave their hands in unison.
It's said that sometimes outsiders ride the boat, causing issues. However, anyone can help pull the ropes.
The first challenge is about 50 meters straight from Harumiya's torii gate.
The boat, pulled by manpower, makes a sharp turn towards Akimiya.
Due to the long ropes, maneuvering is difficult. The parishioners pulling and pushing the boat make the turn.
The journey starts around 2 PM, reaching Akimiya by evening.
A 500-meter uphill path, followed by a 20-meter steep slope after the torii gate, poses the final challenge.
Upon arrival at the shrine grounds, the boat circles the large Kaguraden three times.
The boat, with a 1-ton decoration, circles with great enthusiasm, creating a powerful sight.
According to the parishioners, the gods are supposed to return to heaven after the boat circles the Kaguraden three times.
However, since the gods love the parishioners, the boat is shaken to encourage the gods to leave.
Amidst dust and noise, the boat safely circles the Kaguraden and finally shakes with a few priests and parishioners on board.
The boat is rocked three times to the left and three times to the right, ending the festival.
The festival atmosphere, the people, and their energy show how much the Suwa and Shimosuwa regions cherish Suwa Taisha.