Myōjin Pond

Myojin Pond sits at the foot of Mt. Oku-Hotaka's ridgeline within the inner precinct of Hotaka Shrine, about 4 kilometers north of Kappa Bridge. Fed by underground springs, the water stays clear enough to watch fish moving below the surface. Every October 8, priests and shrine maidens in Heian-period robes board two decorated festival boats and circle the pond to a flute accompaniment, then hold rites for those lost in the mountains. Festival boats are moored at a small dock beside the path that loops the pond, visible year-round.