Reiwa 6 Summer Mountain Opening at Ōyama On Saturday, July 27, the summer mountain opening took place, and the climbing gate of Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine at the trailhead was opened! This event has continued since the Genroku era, and it is customary for the climbing gate to be opened by “Ohana-kō,” one of the Ōyama pilgrim groups from Nihonbashi, Kodenmacho, Tokyo “Sange, sange (flower scattering), rokkon shōjō (purification of the six roots) — the mountain is clear skies, rokkon shōjō,” as they chant the hanging nenbutsu while ascending straight from the temple lodging to the lower shrine, followed by the gate-opening ritual (from 8:30). Sange… scattering flowers to purify Rokkon… the six human senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind Venue: Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine Contact: Ōyama Afuri Shrine Office 0463-95-2006 On July 13, ahead of the summer mountain opening, Ōyama Tourism Promotion Association carried out trail cleaning. Local residents and others swept away dead leaves with brooms and rakes, and sprayed pesticide to control leeches (yamahiru), preparing the trails to welcome those who will come for summer mountain climbing! The summer mountain season starts now. Enjoy your climb safely and with fun! *Image from the 2023 summer mountain opening Image of the 2024 leech-control pesticide spraying

2024 Light Spectacle: Oyama Painted Lantern Festival Featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan Don’t miss the premium night view from Ooyama and the enchanting display of various lanterns —a magical contest of lights!! Date and Time: Saturday, August 10 through Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from sunset until 8:30 PM (Find the yokai tofu-kozo! Stamp rally Prize exchange 4:00 PM–8:00 PM) Venue: Ooyama Shindo (Bypass), Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture — around Ooyama Station bus stop through the Koma approach to Ooyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine From August 10 to August 18 during the festival period, the cable car will also operate for night views (until 8:30 PM) Simple handmade “milk carton lanterns” by local elementary and junior high students, works by local shops, ryokan, and members of the Isehara Art Association, and colorful illuminated umbrella lanterns create a “corridor of light”! Handmade painted lanterns by local residents and students from the College of Liberal Arts, Department of Arts at Tokai University line Ooyama Shindo (Bypass) and warmly light the approach to the shrine. Inquiries: Painted Lantern Committee 090-2322-6599

Kanagawa Chuo Transportation Partial suspension of bus service on the Hadano Station–Naganuki/Minoge–Yabitsu Pass route The Hadano Station–Yabitsu Pass line has suspended service between Naganuki/Minoge and Yabitsu Pass for the time being due to road damage, and buses are turning back at Minoge Bus Stop, so please be aware. ※Private cars and motorcycles can still pass. Before heading out, please check the latest information on the Kanagawa Chuo Transportation website.

The 39th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon Sunday, March 10, 2024 Opening ceremony 9:00–9:20 at Isehara Elementary School grounds Starts: 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 The long-running 39th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon returns this year! Runners set off from in front of Isehara Station and race along Oyama Shinmichi toward the goal at the lower shrine of MtOoyama Afuri Shrine. The uphill gradually begins around Ishikura Bridge, and the climbing curve in front of Koyasu Myojin Hibita Shrine looks pretty steep. From the old road to Koma Sando and then on the Onnazaka route, if you run—or rather climb—you will reach the goal at the lower shrine of MtOoyama Afuri Shrine. Road restrictions will be in place during the event, so please be careful. For details, see the official website. ★ Start times 10:00 (Men aged 50s and 60s and over) 10:30 (Men in their 40s; Women under 39; Women 40 and over) 11:00 (Men 29 and under; Men in their 30s) ※ Photo courtesy of Kunihiko Meguro

Autumn evening. Climb to the top of the mountain at the end of the cable car. The illuminated autumn leaves beautifully wrap the mountainside, and beyond that, a night view floating in the dark night spreads out. The view was truly spectacular.

Setsubun Festival Tomorrow The festival will be held at three shrines in Isehara City. ・Lower Shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine…Only for related parties and those who applied ・Sannomiya Hibita Shrine…Koban coin toss at 10:00, 12:00, and 15:00 ・Isehara Daijingu Shrine…Bean-throwing at 15:00 Oni out—fortune in! This ritual drives away evil spirits and prays for a healthy, happy year ahead. There is a tradition that eating as many beans as your age will bring good fortune. Lively bean-throwing ceremonies take place on the grounds of the three shrines in Isehara City. People dressed as the bean-throwing hosts line up on a temporary stage and, with calls, throw lucky beans all at once. The beans are packed in small bags with lottery tickets inside, and local children eagerly scramble to collect them. At Hibita Shrine, the demon-driving ceremony is a highlight and a traditional event. By the way, if you throw beans inside the house, don’t you sometimes find a bean you missed when doing the year-end big cleaning? For details, please see the Isehara City Tourism Association website.

[Let’s tour five municipalities in a loop!] Tanzawa-Ōyama–Miyagase Stamp Rally Tour February 1, 2024 (Thursday) – March 15, 2024 (Friday) Stamp spots: Atsugi, Aikawa, Kiyokawa, Hadano, Isehara City Anyone can join by downloading the app to your smartphone! You might discover places you’ve never visited before! Collect three or five stamps to receive a special commemorative gift♪ ★How to participate 1. Download the dedicated app on your smartphone 2. Select the stamp rally participation screen within the app 3. Collect one stamp in each municipality (scan the image) 4. Gather three or five stamps to get a commemorative gift! 5. Answer the survey to enter the prize draw! ★Prizes • Three stamps… Original eco bag • Five stamps… Original blanket ★Prize exchange locations Isehara Station Tourist Information Center, Ekina Kururin House, and four other locations For details, please visit the official Isehara City website.

Winter on Mt. Ooyama 2024 Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from January 13 (Sat) to January 28 (Sun), 2024 Service until 19:00 For six winter days again this year, the Oyama Cable Car will run night services. Riders who board after sunset (4:00 PM) can join a prize drawing. The view from below Oyama Afuri Shrine was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The nightscape seen through the crisp winter air is breathtakingly beautiful. Please take this opportunity to visit.