The Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is one of five such shrines on Shodoshima Island associated with Emperor Ōjin.

Builders ingeniously made use of the mountain’s slope to build these stone platforms, which span across the foot of the mountain in a U shape. The length is roughly 150 meters, and it reaches 24 meters in height. The number of seating platforms have increased since the Edo period (1853 - 1868), and before the war, there were over 420. Currently, about 360 are still in use as seating for festivals. When filled with festival-goers, the stone platforms make for a beautiful sight.

The platforms aren’t just seating. In the past, a family displayed their status by ownership of an entire section, and owning seats brought pride to a village. People would invite their relatives and friends to sit with them on the platform, partake in a delicious feast, and watch taiko drum performances and the mikoshi shrine procession, while surrounded by the trees. These platforms were a place that brought people and their hearts together.

The festival is still held annually on October 15th. During the event, taiko floats dedicated by various districts carefully and majestically travel down the center stone steps, and the sound of children beating the taiko drums fills the air. Then come prayers for abundant harvests and prosperity for the people’s descendants. It is said that in the past, 30,000 people attended this festival, which continues to fill the shrine grounds with voices of joy and passion.Over the course of several landslides, the stone walls have had to be rebuilt. Each platform is built in a unique manner that showcases the personality of its builder. Over the course of two centuries, these stone platforms have supported audiences as they laughed or sighed, being a vital part of the festival.

In recent years, the platforms have also hosted modern events such as concerts and candle-lit nights, giving them new life.