Hiyoshi Taisha Sanno Festival 山王祭

The Hiyoshi Taisha Sanno Festival is one and a half months of celebrations centered around the Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The festival is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Otsu City.

Hiyoshi Taisha shrine, where the Sanno Festival takes place, is easily accessible from Kyoto .

From Kyoto , take the JR Kosei Line to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station, then walk 15-20 minutes to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

Hiyoshi Taisha is the head shrine of the 3,800-odd Hiyoshi, Hie and Sanno shrines in Japan. It is also the home of Sanno Gongen, the guardian deity of Mt. Hiei .

The annual Hiyoshi Taisha Sanno Festival is one of Lake Biwa's Three Great Festivals. There are festivities for one and a half months, starting in early March, but the climax is April 12-14. On these days, portable shrines called mikoshi are paraded around the area.

One such ritual represents the marriage of the gods. Another, where the mikoshi are violently shaken, symbolizes childbirth. On April 14, seven mikoshi are taken by a sacred boat across Lake Biwa and back for an offering ritual.

Although the rituals may be hard to understand, the festival is always fascinating. Add in the breathtaking spring views around the area and you won't want to miss it.