Shibakawa Nobunaga Festival at Mt. Fuji Nishiyama Honmonji Temple
Two friends invited me to join them to attend the Nobunaga Festival at the Mt. Fuji Honmonji Temple in Shibukawa, Shizuoka.
This temple is in an out of the way place. My friends picked me up at the train station and we drove on some narrow roads to a large parking area, where we got on the festival shuttle bus and rode to a parking area near the temple.
We walked around a bit when we arrived.
There was a lot going on all day. The first thing was a taiko drum opening ceremony.
That was followed by a ceremony led by the temple monks. Oda Nobunaga died in battle and his head was cut off, and it was buried in the ground, then a tree planted over it to prevent the enemy from getting it. This happened over 400 years ago and I may have misunderstood what happened, but this is what I think happened.
Next were some dance performances.
Followed by Taiko.
Oda Nobunaga impersonator.
The sword exhibition.
They had their own announcer and musician.
This man was chopping a bamboo piece.
Next we enjoyed a Japanese tea ceremony in the temple.
As you say, Oda Nobunaga’s head seems to have been taken somewhere to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy. There are various theories about who carried it where. I'm sure the temple you went to also has a legend about Nobunaga’s head. Have you ever held a real sword? The sword is very heavy. And it seems very difficult to cut something with a sword in one go. The people who used to cut bamboo with swords must have practiced every day.
THis looks like fun -- I like the presentations. Yes, I don't know how anyone without transport would find that! Good friends you have!
ReplyDeleteYou had a great day out! Lucky you to have such good friends.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, Oda Nobunaga’s head seems to have been taken somewhere to prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy. There are various theories about who carried it where. I'm sure the temple you went to also has a legend about Nobunaga’s head.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever held a real sword? The sword is very heavy. And it seems very difficult to cut something with a sword in one go.
The people who used to cut bamboo with swords must have practiced every day.