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The main shrine is a reconstruction by Ienari, the eleventh Tokugawa shōgun, and dates from 1828. (© Harada Hiroshi)
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Eight local elementary school girls perform the opening ritual, Kagura Hajime-shiki, which is held from 7:00 in the morning on January 1. (© Harada Hiroshi)
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The archery ritual, Joma Shinji, is conducted from 10:00 am on January 5. A character meaning “demon” is written on the back of the target, which the archers try to pierce with their arrows to ward off evil. (© Harada Hiroshi)
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The carpentry tool ritual, Chōna-hajimeshiki, takes place at 1:00 pm on January 4. Hatchets and other traditional tools are used in the rite. Steeplejack chants are also performed. (© Harada Hiroshi)
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The decoration bonfire ceremony, Sagichō takes place at 7:00 am on January 15. An altar is erected before the conical saito, and is also burned after the rite. (© Harada Hiroshi)
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