[1-Day Event: Sun., Jan. 21] Journey to a Remote Island in Onomichi to Join a Dine Bow Ritual
Want to experience a centuries-old ritual on a remote island?
“Oyumi Shinji” [Divine Bow Ritual] is an annual ritual and intangible folk cultural property that will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Historical records mention that a people fled from pursuers and settled Momoshima island around the 15th century. They devoted themselves to the bow to stay prepared in case their pursuers found them.
Fifteen men selected from three locations on the island take turns releasing arrows at a 60 cm diameter target approximately 15 m away.
In the center of the target is a kawarake [a ceramic disk], and spectators cheer loudly every time it is hit.
Please enjoy the journey to visit this remote island!
◆Date: Sunday, January 21
◆Time: 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
◆Location: Momoshima Hachiman Shrine
◆Access: Take a ferry from the pier in front of JR Onomichi Station at 7:40 a.m. or 9:20 a.m. and get off at Fukuda port on Momoshima at 8:33 a.m. or 9:45 a.m.
(You may want to use an extension to translate pages in Japanese.)
Born in Yokohama, and spent most of my school days in Tokyo.
Exchange student experience in the USA (in high school) and Thailand (after graduating from university).
Speak English, Thai and Japanese (of course).
Living in a tranquil island of the Shimanami Kaido.
”I would love to show you around this beautiful area of Setouchi! ”
