Hiragasaki-Baba Riding Ground, Shiga

Two Shinto shrines, Hioki-jinja and Tsuno-jinja host a large-scale religious festival praying for universal peace and a bountiful harvest. Shrine processions are made along with the “sanyare” festival song; children in a happi (kimono coat), and men in formal kimono proudly march a miniature-shrine and decorative banners to the main venue of Hiragasaki-Baba. Watch as the men draw the 18-meter-long banners around the grounds while children destroy the colorfully decorated short banners. Don’t miss the Japanese horseback archery held before the banner ceremony.