April 6 (Sun.) - May 31 (Sat.), 1997
Contained in the inner temple is the Amida Buddha in the center with the Kannon and Seishi Buddhas on both sides. These buddhas have been hidden in the inner temple since 654 a.d. and their substitute buddha is shown to the public every seven years. A golden ropes, tied to the right hand of the buddha, eventually turns into a five-colored rope. Its other end is tied to a pillar at the front of the temple and people touching it are said to have good fortune for the year.
This is the biggest event of the summer season. The streets of Chuo-dori and Showa-dori are filled with people wearing hachimaki head bands and happi coats. People strike wooden spoons held in their hands to the call of so-ore. At the entrance to the Zenkoji Temple people rub their hands on the head of the Binzuru statue to pray for good health. The face is already unrecognizable due to the rubbing and is shining.
This festival is held around the end of September where over 200 people dress up in the Yedo period costume and stroll through the streets. A marching band, lady dancers, and children carrying portable shrines also parade through the streets. Art and photo contests are also held during this festival.
This festival is held on August 10 at the Daiza-hoshi Pond on Iizuna Heights. Fireworks, music using snythesizers, and laser beams are used to hightlight the evening. This festival re-enacts the mountain opening ceremony held by Shugendo, a Buddhist sect that pays homage to mountains.
