REPORT

The guardian deity of Shiga Kogen is said to be a great serpent that dwells in Onuma Pond, and the annual Shiga Kogen Daija Festival, held every August, originates from the love story between this serpent and Kurohime, the daughter of warlord Takanashi Masamori, who lived during the late Muromachi to Sengoku period. (Masamori was the great-grandfather of Uesugi Kenshin.) This year, on 8/22 (Fri.), at 10:45 a.m., two small boats carrying Shinto priests set out from Ike-jiri toward the torii gate on the other side of the pond (pictured).
[Onuma-ike]

When the two boats reached the torii gate, the Nyukon-sai (spirit-consecration ceremony) was held at the nearby Daija Shrine. While the boats crossed the pond, the other spectators and I walked about 20 minutes along the trekking trail to the shrine. Of the two great serpents that had been imbued with spirit, one boarded the same pair of boats that had earlier carried the Shinto priest (pictured).
[Onuma-ike]

During the “Lake Crossing,” thick smoke that almost looked like clouds was sent up as the great serpent advanced, and Onuma Pond was dyed in a deep, mystical color so vivid it felt that it could have been the work of a real deity (pictured). From all around came cheers of, “The blue is amazing!” By the way, this photo was taken on a bridge along the trekking trail toward Ike-jiri, starting from the Onuma Rest House.
[Onuma-ike]

The other great serpent, the “Yakuyoke Daija” (protector against misfortune), was moved to the Onuma Rest House before the “Lake Crossing” and moved through the area amid the sound of firecrackers and shouted chants. I met a couple from Tokyo, who told me, “We came specifically to see the Nyukon-sai and the Lake Crossing. It was really fun.” Tomorrow, 8/23 (Sat.), festival events will be held in front of the Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki, including a procession, food trucks, a children’s fair, a kagura performance, and fireworks.
[Onuma-ike]

[Shiga Kogen Opening Information]
* Period … Yokoteyama Skylator and Sky Lift 4/23 – late October (*scheduled, 5/30 – 6/15, 6/24, 6/25 close), Shibu-toge 1st Romance Lift 5/30 – Early November (*scheduled, 6/16 – 7/18 close), Shiga Kogen Golden Line 6/14 – 11/3, Maeyama Summer Lift 6/14 – 10/19 (Sat, Sun, holidays and reserved days), Takamagahara Summer Lift 8/17 – 8/19.
* Summer Lift Fees … Shiga Kogen Golden Line round trip 1-day pass / Adults JPY3,000, Child JPY1,800, Takamagahara Summer Lift round trip / Adults JPY1,200, Child JPY800, Maeyama Summer Lift one way / Adults JPY600, Child JPY400, Yokoteyama Sky Lift and Sky Lift round trip / adult 2,000 JPY, child 1,700 JPY, Shibutoge Romance Lift round trip / adult 2,000 JPY, child 1,700 JPY.

　　
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reported by Snownavi