Shiratoritate ruins

Kawanishi Daenenbutsu Kembu

This is a Nenbutsu dance that has been passed down in the Kawanishi area of ​​Kinugawa, Oshu City for about 900 years. When Kiyohira, the first generation of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, who built Chuson-ji, a world heritage site, prayed to bring the souls of those who died in the battles of 1995 and 3000 to Buddhahood, a monkey (an incarnation of Buddha) appeared and prayed to him. It is said that he danced and guided the souls of the deceased to the Pure Land. Before dancing, it is customary to recite the Nembutsu in memory of the ancestors, and then, to the sound of drums and flutes, the dancers wear horse tails and torizai (horse tails) on their heads. They dance in a dignified and heroic manner, wearing chicken tail feathers and holding a fan, aya bamboo (kongou-zue), and a sword in their hands. Every year, it is dedicated at Chuson-ji Temple on May 3rd and November 3rd during the Fujiwara Festival, and on August 24th at Osegakie. As one of the "furyu dances", "Kenkenbu", which includes Kawanishi Daenenbutsu Kenbu, has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. (2022.11.30) → [ Oshu City Homepage ]

Omonomi Park

This is the castle ruins of the lord of Maezawa Castle, and the row of approximately 200 cherry trees that are over 60 years old has become a famous spot representing the southern part of the prefecture. Additionally, there are many large trees along the 800m stretch of road that climbs from the bottom of the park to the entrance, making it feel like a tunnel of cherry blossoms. From mid-April to early May, the park will be illuminated with 250 paper lanterns and lighting.

Yakushido

This is a Tendai sect temple where the spring water that gushes from the grounds is said to be effective against eye diseases. The main image is the Yakushi Nyorai statue, and the legend of Princess Sayo remains. In summer, pretty mountain lilies bloom around the temple grounds.