Interview with Takahashi Yasunori, the chief priest of Shirakumo Taisha
Chief Priest Takahashi Yasunori of Shirakumo Taisha spoke with a cheerful smile and a calm voice about the Momiji Festival.
The inspiration for starting the Momiji Festival was the words of the founder
Why did you decide to hold the Momiji Festival?
Takahashi (honorifics omitted)
As you can see, there are many maple trees at Shirakumo Taisha.
A few years ago, I heard from long-time worshippers that the founder had said, "This will someday become a maple valley."
Until then, I hadn't really thought much about the maple trees, but I thought that if we could create a "maple valley" like the founder's words, many people would come to see it.
After that, I received advice from a famous gardener in Kyoto and gradually began to improve the approach path, starting the Momiji Festival in 2018.
The first Momiji Festival was a new experience, and it wasn't attended by many people.
However, for the second festival, with the support of those who helped plan the event and the cooperation of participants, it became an event that many people attended.
For the third Momiji Festival in 2020, we decided to cancel the event due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still wanted people to see the autumn leaves, so we decided to hold the Momiji Festival itself.
The highlight of the 2020 Momiji Festival is the illumination
What is the highlight of the 2020 Momiji Festival?
Hori
We will illuminate the autumn leaves from the evening, so if you come during this illumination period, I think you will enjoy a magical landscape.
We are using small items like umbrellas to enhance the illumination, so I hope people will come to take photos.
From November 14 to 23, we plan to illuminate on weekends and holidays starting at 5:30 PM.
Additionally, we will have a limited edition goshuin (temple seal) available during the Momiji Festival.
This goshuin features the maple leaves of Shirakumo Taisha, so please take this opportunity to get one.
Bringing vibrancy to Kasaoka through events
In addition to the Momiji Festival, you hold various events, don't you?
Hori
At Shirakumo Taisha, we hold many rituals and grand festivals throughout the year.
One of the major events is the "Ojin-yama Daikoku Festival" held in April.
The Ojin-yama Daikoku Festival is a celebration of the spring grand festival held on the third Sunday of April each year.
To ensure that people of all ages can enjoy their time at Shirakumo Taisha, the executive committee has planned various activities.
In 2019, we also held a show featuring the local hero "Super Soldier Ojin" and a "Flower Great Ema & Talk Show" by flower art director Yoshiyuki Manba.
Additionally, we invited disaster prevention specialist Koji Murakami to give a lecture on "Useful Talks in Case of Emergency."
Some may wonder, "An event at a shrine?" but we hold these events every year with the desire to bring vibrancy to Kasaoka.
My wish is to bring more vibrancy to Kasaoka.
A shrine that connects the ties of "people, things, and events"
Do you have a message for those coming to Shirakumo Taisha?
Hori
Shirakumo Taisha was established in Kasaoka in Showa 20 (1945) after the founder opened the "Kono-mi" faith in Showa 10 (1935) based on divine revelation.
While its history is relatively short compared to other shrines, since its establishment, it has been a shrine that connects the ties of "people, things, and events", and many people have come to worship here.
In particular, we have received many voices of gratitude from various people regarding the aspect of connecting "people."
We also have amulets and talismans available, so please take a look at them at the shrine office after enjoying the scenery.
I believe that Shirakumo Taisha's "tie-making" can attract good relationships.
Of course, we welcome worshippers during significant life events like Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage), but we would also be grateful if people could visit the shrine casually, even without a special reason.
Additionally, you can experience the seasonal scenery at Shirakumo Taisha, so I hope those who love photography will visit as well.
Although it is still not well-maintained, there is a place called "Sankekaku" from which you can view a perfect composition of "sea, mountains, and town" from a certain position.
In 2021, we plan to improve "Sankekaku" so that everyone can enjoy it.
Kasaoka has changed significantly compared to the past, but some things remain the same.
However, the number of people has decreased, and I often feel that there is less vibrancy compared to the past.
I believe that one of the roles Shirakumo Taisha can play in the future is to create vibrancy in Kasaoka.
With that in mind, I want to create something unique to Shirakumo Taisha, considering what we can do and what we should do.
I hope to continue helping those who visit Shirakumo Taisha to feel a little lighter in their hearts and to live positively each day.
Experience healing in Shirakumo Taisha, where you can feel autumn and harmony
As you step into the grounds of Shirakumo Taisha, the Ojin-yama spreads out before you.
As you walk up the approach path lined with colorful maple leaves, you gradually feel a sense of healing.
The spacious grounds are home to various trees, allowing you to directly experience the changing of the seasons.
A shrine that connects the ties of "people, things, and events", Shirakumo Taisha.
I have been visiting Shirakumo Taisha for several years now and have been able to meet many people.
The maple leaves have started to change color, but the period to enjoy autumn visually is short.
Please make sure to visit the Momiji Festival at Shirakumo Taisha, where you can feel autumn and harmony.
2022 Data for Momiji Visit at Hakuun Shrine
| Name | 2022 Momiji Visit at Hakuun Shrine |
|---|---|
| Date Held | 【Period】 From November 3, 2022 (Thursday) to November 30, 2022 (Wednesday) From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 【Light Up】 On November 12, 2022 (Saturday), November 13, 2022 (Sunday), November 19, 2022 (Saturday), November 20, 2022 (Sunday), and November 23, 2022 (Wednesday) From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Entry until 7:30 PM) 【Goshuin】 Limited-time goshuin is 500 yen *Goshuin is available in two types: "handwritten" and "pre-printed" |
| Location | 968-4 Kasaoka, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Admission fee Free |
| Homepage | Hakuun Shrine |
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