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