"CRAFT TOURISM ECHIZEN"　Continue to protect a memorable shrine with the help of local ties

With the help of local ties, we continue to protect a memorable shrine

Akitomo Ueshima, chief priest of Kamiso Kami Okafuto Shrine and Otaki Shrine. The Ueshima family has served the shrine as chief priests for generations, and Mr. Ueshima is currently the 14th generation. While teaching at an educational institution, he also serves as a priest.

“Ever since I was born, the shrine has been my life and my daily life. I was worried when I took over the role of chief priest from my father, but I have been helped and taught by local people and connections, so my anxiety is not that big. I didn't."

Since I was a child, helping out at the shrine is a matter of course, and even when holidays are not holidays, even when children are excited about festivals, that doesn't change. But that doesn't mean it's painful, but it's also a part of life, and I'm convinced that it's an important job.

For the locals, shrines are a part of their lives, just like Mr. Ueshima. Even now, the importance of its existence can be seen in the fact that it respects Kawakami Gozen, who is said to have taught papermaking, and protects and inherits the traditions and techniques of papermaking. In particular, when it comes to festivals, he feels the enthusiasm and strong bonds of the locals.

“The people who support the festivals have always been the local people, and I believe that support means protection. The festival has two meanings: to show gratitude to the gods, and to deepen friendships with the gods. In 2020, we refrained from deepening friendships due to the COVID-19 pandemic and simplified the details, but the content was decided mainly by the local people. I am grateful for that, and everyone strongly hopes that next year's festival will be the same as usual."

Okamoto Shrine and Otaki Shrine have always been well-loved by the locals, and have been supported and protected by “local ties” in times of need. In recent years, it has become more popular as a tourist destination and the village of Echizen washi paper, and many people come to visit during events.

“I would like you to take a trip that will remain in your heart, not just a vague look around. In that respect, the main attraction here is the shrine building with a complicated roof, and you can also tour around the mountain as a historic site. I would be happy if it becomes a place that stays in the hearts of tourists by seeing what is rooted in the area and what is being protected. The scenery when you look up at the tree... it's wonderful."

Landscapes and events that remain deeply in your heart make you want to tell someone and share them. Sharing is handed down to posterity and left in the hearts of people you don't even know. The universal impression and appreciation for the blessings of nature and the great wisdom found in this repetition is nothing less than the root of the continued protection of this shrine and the craftsmanship of papermaking by the people living in this land.

https://www.echizen-tourism.jp/travel_echizen/visit_detail/36?