Among the festivals held at the Soja Shrine, the ujigami shrine located in Ushikai, one is particularly notable. The "Beer Festival," held every year on July 18th, is a highly historic ritual that has continued since the Muromachi period. A selected shrine guardian from among the parishioners brews beer using the spring water from Mt. Iwado, collected the previous day, and offers it at the shrine. By brewing beer from new barley, this ritual prays for a good harvest and protection from disease. Soja Shrine is also said to be the "birthplace of Japanese beer," and many beer enthusiasts and worshippers from all over the country visit during the festival.