Otaiya-sai

On September 3, 1653, Sogo Sakura was executed. He dared to appeal directly to the Shogun on behalf of the peasants for relief from bad crops, and heavy taxes. After his death followers kept an all-night vigil at his grave. These days people gather the night before the anniversary of his self-sacrificing death. This night-time gathering has become known as the Otaiya festival.

This festival is held in honor of Sogo has become known as the Otaiya festival and happens annually on September 2-3. A holy fire for invocation is burnt three times on both days and the Buddhist Dai-hannya chant is read. On Sep. 2nd followers and visitors gather at Kyaku-den where songs and dances are performed and young people carry floats around the town. Open-air stalls are erected around the sanctuary for this event that heralds the beginning of fall.