Shinōkahachiman Dai Shrine

What it is

• Shrine in Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City.
• Minamoto no Yoshiie prayed for victory here.
• Likely existed in the late Heian period.
• Performs the Iwatsuki Old-Style Dohyō-iri ritual.

What to see

• Children of parishioners perform the dohyō-iri ritual.
• The ritual is not a sumo wrestling match.
• Ritual designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

When to go

• Ritual held biennially since 1972.

Getting there

• One minute walk from Wado bus stop.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.