Onbashira

Held every 7 years,on the year of the Monkey and Tiger only, the Onbashira festival, one of three festivals considered National Treasues, is held. First held about 1200 years ago the festival spans about 2 months from start to finish. Here are some shots I took while trying to pull the Onbashira "honored pillar" on its first part of the journey to its Shrine. The first day "Yamadashi" the village I live in along with the folks from nearbye Hara-Mura started in the rain and ended up in sunshine. Along the way our energy levels were kept high by the crowds on the side of the road plying us with local beer and sake. The second day we pulled the log down a steep bank . The third day found us crossing a river. Many people say this is the craziest most dangerous festival in Japan and they could be right but after spending three days inside the festival I have become motivated to ride the log in the next festival! It is amazing to feel the power of so many people working together, much like it was 1200 years ago.