Facing the Chibu Bay is the Ōe District. Long ago, the boats from the mainland would not dock atKurī but rather Chibu Bay. Thus, Ōe was teeming with “kaisen donya” or shipping agents in those days.

By the way, do you remember that Chiburi has a custom called “Jamaki?

Every year on November 28th, young men in the village gather and spend two hours braiding a long rope meant to resemble a “long snake.” There are eyes, a tongue, fangs, and even horns, so rather than a snake, it looks more like a dragon deity. These are then wrapped around sacred trees in each district.

Why would they do something like this? This festival is mostly meant as a way to show thanks for abundant harvests, but there are also specific rules that vary between districts. The shape of the “jamaki” is different from district to district as well, and the jamaki for Ōe District is known for being wrapped so tightly around the tree that there are no gaps in between coils.

There is a sacred tree beside the main shrine of each district, and they are all bound by the “jamaki.” You should take a look around and compare their different features.