In the past, there were "round-table discussions" and "historical walking tours" in the Tomi City Yoshizu area, where Azusa kamiko (priestesses) called "Nonou" who were said to be the "Village priestesses of No.1 in Japan" and who traveled around the world gathered.

Local residents' volunteers held the "Nishinomiya-ri Development Association," which was attended by 15 people from inside and outside the prefecture, including history buffs and tourism officials.

"In the Spring, a group of several to several dozen priestesses, led by the Shinto ritual Maitao, set out on a tour from Nonou Alley, and they divined their worries, sufferings, and wishes in the village where they toured," says Hirofumi Shinohara, secretary of the association.

He is the "descendant family of the Shinto ritual Maitao (owner of Nishinomiya Shrine)", and Ancient documents are handed down to the house, and researchers who visit from all over the country and people who admire Nonou are accepted and visited to guide the history of the area.
　Four years ago, I held a walking priestess tour in Pre, and this is the second time.
　In March of this year, he published "Nonou's Picture Book" in order to let Local children know about it.

At a roundtable discussion held at the Community Center, Mr. Shinohara said, "I would like to broaden my horizons and experience the history and culture of Jozu with Nonou."

He explained his involvement with Sengoku Warlords such as Takeda Shingen, and how the area was spun by people such as the Sanada clan, Yamabushi, and Nonou of Yuzu while playing an active role.
　He also spoke about the endemic nature of Yoshizu, saying, "There were many things related to women, such as being kind to women, and there were a variety of livelihoods."

Tyler Lynch, the young husband of Tokura Kamiyamada Hot Spring "Ryokan Kamekiyo," who participated in the event, said, "It is very interesting from a European and Rice perspective.

Ms. Shinohara said, "There is no historical record that the priestess had a Gari of espionage activities or that she was acting as a female ninja, but since she was in a position to travel around the country and see and hear various Information, how she used it is Squid world of imagination."

Kazuo Hayakawa, secretary general of the Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association, said, "I hope people will learn about the culture of Yoshitsu Village. There is also a culture where Nishinomiya and Higashimachi compete with each other."

The historical walking tour was led by Mr. Shinohara and guided by Local officials such as Hiroaki Igarashi and Mr. Hayakawa of Jotsuin.

After visiting Nonou's grave, the ruins of the mansion, the alley of Nonou, and the Nishinomiya Shrine, Mr. Shinohara "cleansed his body by bathing in cold Water at this well (the ruins of the mansion)." At the Nishinomiya Shrine, "I used to watch my grandfather printing bills until I was in junior high school."
　At Kanai alley, he said, "You can see Mt. Misaki from here, Mr. Kanai was in charge of the Mt. Mijayama Festival, and there were priestesses and priestesses among the hospitality, and they offered the deer caught on Mt. Misaki to the gods."

Visiting the site of the Jotsu-in temple opened by Mr. Yoshitsu under the guidance of Sumitomo Igarashi.
　At the gravesite of the Yoshitsu clan, we learned about Roux and the face of the falconer sect, and the falconry ritual of the Suwa faith.
　In addition to this, we also visited the Maiden River, the megalith of the princess, the Nishinomiya Kabuki Stage, and the Higashimachi Kabuki Stage.

Mayumi Castro Kagura, a priestess and writer from Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "I've been interested in Yoshitsu for the past two years and have been coming here frequently.

Kaori Yamazaki, a participant from Nagano City, said, "I have walked since I participated in the Walking Priestess Tour four years ago, and this is a good opportunity to listen to the explanations, so I hope it will continue in the future."

Yu Takizawa, who participated from Sugadaira Highlands in Ueda City, said, "I'm planning a walking priestess tour with my friends, and I want to dress up as a priestess and walk while thinking about it."

On July 7th, the members who participated this time will take the lead in holding the "Walking Priestess Tour" of the Yoshitsu Historical Walk.
　Under the guidance of Mr. Takizawa, the Traditional Culture Study Group groups, and under the guidance of Mr. Tyler, the "Ninja Project groups" will tour Yuzu.

< Historical Notes>
◇ Nonou's tour of countries: Emotional support for the common people
　As a mediator between gods and people, Nonou performed "mouth-to-mouth" activities such as ringing the azusa bow and conveying oracles.
　It supported the spirit of the common people from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. The warlord also borrowed Nonou's mouth to obtain a prophecy of victory from the gods, alleviating the fear of death and giving him confidence of victory.
　In the Edo period, the largest number of nonou lived in the Village of Akizu, and there were about 50 nonou houses. With the approval of the Edo shogunate's temple and shrine magistrates, the Saiai Shinto Shinto ritual Maitao and Nonou, who presided over Azusa Jinko, formed a caravan and were able to tour the countries freely.
　In the Meiji era, activities were banned by the religious policy of the new government, and many sought new ways of life, such as closing businesses or immigrating.

◇Minamoto of Nonou Historical soil of Akizu
　As for why priestesses gathered in the Village of Yoshitsu, according to Higashimomachi magazines and magazines, it is considered that the land of Yoshitsu has been a soil for accepting priestesses since ancient times, and place names and remnants related to women and Shinto ritual.
　Tradition reminiscent of the origins of Nonou and the historical climate of Yoshitsu are listed in chronological order.
　▽ From the Kofun period to the Nara period, the central power advanced into the area, and the culture of the ancient center flourished in this area
　▽ The changes in place names that remain in ancient times (Umino Township→ Miss Village→ Maiden Township → Umino Sho) are place names that indicate the local character that has a deep relationship with "Yubu" in ancient times, and the figure of Yube, the priestesses who participated in the requiem Shinto ritual of performing Kagura dances and playing divine spirits, comes to mind
　▽ From the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Edo period, the Shino clan of the Yoshitsu clan made a name for themselves as the best falconers in the eastern part of the country, and there are many secret traditions among the falconers, and shamanism can be seen in them.
　▽ The Yoshitsu clan is strongly associated with medieval Suwa, and the local characters "Mijakuyama", Iwai-do, and Kanai alley that remain in the former Akizu Village convey the faces of the Mijayama Shinto ritual (hunting Shinto ritual) that the Yoshitsu clan would have performed as a clan of the Suwa no kami clan. Mt. Misaki is a hunting ground, and Iwai-do is a remnant of a place (celebration hall) for divine festivals. Kanai alley is a place name that conveys the place of residence of the Kanai clan, who served as a deer priest who prepared dishes to be offered to the gods, and who served as a large city official who dedicated kagura at festivals and conveyed divine proclamations.　▽ During the Sengoku period, Chiyo Mochizuki, who was appointed as the head priestess (priestess) of both Kai and Shinano by a shuin stamp letter from Takeda Shingen, relied on her connections and settled in Yuzu Village.
　▽ In the Edo period, Yoshitsu was the main flag, so it was easy for Nonou and others to work and the backing of the shogunate.

Toshin Journal electronic version2025-6-29 12:32 Theme: Quoted from Toumi News

No.1 in Japan's Most Walking Priestess Village Picture book of "Yuzu no U"　
Planning and Publication: Nishinomiya Village Development Association (Nonou Research Group)
Text: Hirofumi Shinohara Illustration: Hitoshi Maruyama
Phone for Contact: 090-8509-5859 (Mr. Shinohara)