Onbashira

Suwa Grand Shrine's once-every-six-years festival where massive logs are ridden down hills.

Onbashira is one of Japan's most dangerous and thrilling festivals, held once every six years at Suwa Taisha in Nagano Prefecture. Massive fir trees are felled in the mountains and ridden down steep slopes by teams of men in a breathtaking display of courage. The logs are then erected at the four corners of each Suwa shrine. The 2028 edition is the next occurrence, but the festival's legendary status makes it a must-know event.