OsuwaDaiko resounds over Lake Shirakaba! A special time to enjoy the “sound and resonance” offered to the gods

【STORY】

In the Yatsugatake foothills, which prospered the most during the Jomon period (Approx. 12,000 to 2,500 years ago) in Japan, a nature-based belief system originated from the interaction between people and nature. Prayers for abundant harvests, victory in battles, and the prosperity of descendants were directed toward various deities believed to reside in nature. Drums, such as the Osuwa Daiko, were used as a means of communication with these deities. In the nature-rich area of Lake Shirakaba, you can experience the communication that humans originally had with nature and deepen your understanding of the local culture and nature-based beliefs.

The powerful sound of the drums resonates across the water surface, creating a sense of unity with the surrounding mountains. Experience an unprecedented emotional journey in the clear air at an altitude of 1400 meters and the serene lakeside.

Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, an expert with a grandfather who revived the Osuwa Daiko 70 years ago after it had once ceased, expresses a desire to convey the charm through inheriting tradition and expressing oneself.

After the performance, participants can also receive guidance and join in the Osuwa Daiko performance themselves.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Experience the venerable Osuwa Daiko, dedicated to the nature-believing Suwa Taisha Shrine. Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto will present a dedicatory performance towards the grandeur of Lake Shirakaba's natural surroundings.
• Delve into the origin of nature worship at Lake Shirakaba, contemplating its serene beauty and reliving the experience of being surrounded by nature.
• Engage in the hands-on experience of drumming. The exhilaration of playing Osuwa Daiko in the heart of nature creates an exceptionally special and memorable experience!

【SCHEDULE】

[11:00] Gather at Lawson Venus Line Shirakaba Lake Branch and walk to the venue (5 minutes).

[11:10] Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, the inheritor, will provide an explanation of Osuwa Daiko and nature beliefs, followed by a dedicatory performance.

[11:40] After the performance, participants will have the opportunity to experience playing Osuwa Daiko, including a brief lesson on a simple piece.

[11:55] Capture a commemorative photo with Lake Shirakaba in the background, then return to the meeting point and disband.

[12:00] The tour finishes

The tour is held from April to June and from September to November.

*During the winter season, we may be able to consider running the tour depending on snow conditions, so please inquire.
*We may be able to consider running a tour even during the busy season from July to August, so please contact us.

◆You can choose from two performance styles.

・Performance by one Yamamoto Makoto
It is an overwhelming performance by the soke.
The continuous beating of several drums by a single drummer is a sight to behold.

・Performance by 4 members of  Osuwa Daiko drum formation
Osuwa Taiko was the first in Japan to create the "Kumidaiko" style, in which the taiko drum is the main part of the performance.
Be sure to watch for their performance.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：1 hour
• Meeting point：In front of the public toilet next to Lawson Venus Line Shirakaba Lake Branch   [MAP]
  1570-1 Ashidahatsukano, Tateshina-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, 384-2309
• Access：
  <By Car>
  - 40 minutes from Suwa Interchange.
  <By Public Transportation>
  - From Chino Station West Exit Bus Terminal, take the bus Alpico Kotsu Suwa-Shirakabako Line: Towards Kurumayama Kogen. After 8 stops, get off at the Higashi-Shirakabako bus stop, and walk 3 minutes.
  
• Language support：English
  *If you do not need an English interpreter-guide, the price will be different.
   Please make a reservation here.
• Included：
  ・The performance fee for Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto or 4 members of The Osuwa Daiko drum formation
  ・Performance experience fee
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to the venue
  
• Items to bring：
  ・No need to bring anything for the tour.
  ・Comfortable clothes easy to move in.
  
• Clothes：
  ・Shoes that are easy to walk in.
  ・Please be aware that as the venue is outdoors at an altitude of 1400 meters, it can get very cold depending on the season.
  
• Participation requirements：
  ・If you participate with an infant (0-2 years old) on your lap, they will not be included in the participant count. 
  ・The experience of playing the taiko is possible from the age of about 3 years old.
• Free WI-FI：No
• Toilet：Yes ( Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・When tours are deemed unsafe due to factors such as snow, typhoons, heavy rain, etc., they will be canceled. 
  ・As drum skins are susceptible to water, even light rain may lead to cancellation. 
   ＊We will contact you the day before.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%