Kiyari songs passed down at Shimosha, supporting the Onbashira pillars on their journey
Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Location
- Suwa Taisha Shimosha
- Area
- Nagano Prefecture・Shimosuwa Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 50 min · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/26
The Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha consists of kiyari songs sung at each stage of hauling the Onbashira pillars. Each stage has its own role, from welcoming the mountain deity at the start to overcoming obstacles during the haul and celebrating the arrival.
About Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha
The Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha consists of kiyari songs sung when the Onbashira pillars are set in motion, hauled, and brought into position.
When the pillars are set in motion, a song called “Tsunawatari no Kiyari” welcomes the mountain deity. During the haul, lyrics suited to each situation are sung, including those for difficult sections of the Yamadashi Festival and the Kiotoshi.
It is registered as an intangible folk cultural property designated by Shimosuwa Town.
Source: 諏訪大社下社の御柱木遣り 文化遺産オンライン
Festival highlights
One highlight is how the content of the kiyari songs changes in step with the movement of the Onbashira pillars.
When the pillars are set in motion, a song welcomes the mountain deity. During the haul, lyrics are chosen to suit obstacles and the Kiotoshi. When the pillars are brought into position, a song celebrates the safe journey and sends off the mountain deity.
A single kiyari song serves to mark the Onbashira pillars’ progress and key stages.
Kiyari songs passed down at Shimosha, supporting the Onbashira pillars on their journey
What to expect
Kiyari songs are sung when the Onbashira pillars are set in motion, while they are being hauled, and when they are brought into position.
The opening song welcomes the mountain deity and signals the start of the haul. During the journey, the lyrics are chosen to suit obstacles and the Kiotoshi.
The final song celebrates the safe journey and sends off the mountain deity.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Suwa Taisha Shimosha
Address: 5511 Shimosuwa, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture
Address 5511 Shimosuwa, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture
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Nearby attractions
諏訪大社
長野県諏訪地域にある4つの神社の総称
Origins and History of Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha
The Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha is designated an intangible folk cultural property of Shimosuwa Town.
The designation date is October 1, 2012.
Records note that kiyari songs are sung for each stage: setting the Onbashira pillars in motion, hauling them, and bringing them into position.
Official information
Agency for Cultural Affairs, Cultural Heritage Online, “Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha”
Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha at a Glance
The Onbashira Kiyari of Suwa Taisha Shimosha consists of kiyari songs sung in time with setting the Onbashira pillars in motion, hauling them, and bringing them into position.
There are songs to welcome the mountain deity at the start, songs suited to obstacles and the Kiotoshi, and songs to celebrate the safe journey and send off the mountain deity. Each has a distinct role for its stage.
It is recorded as an intangible folk cultural property designated by Shimosuwa Town.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/26
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