This is the annual festival of Shirahige Shrine, boasting the oldest history in Omi. The shrine’s regular festivals are held every May 3 and September 5–6, but the Shirahige Festival refers specifically to the autumn festival, featuring a ritual called "Naruko Mairi". The history of "Naruko Mairi" is ancient, appearing even in Edo-period documents. When a child reaches two years old by traditional counting, taking the child to Shirahige Shrine to worship allows the child to receive a name from the deity. Calling the child by this granted name for several days is said to bring lifelong happiness and protection. Over these two days, visitors come not only from Hokuriku and the Keihanshin region, but from all over the country. ■ About Name Bestowal (Naruko Mairi) and Other Prayers No advance reservation is necessary for those who visit and receive prayers on the day. If you refrain from visiting on the day but wish to request the Naruko Mairi prayer, please apply via email, fax, telephone, or mail as instructed on the website. A Shinto priest will perform the prayer before the deity, and afterwards your child’s name and the omamori will be sent to you. (The offering fee starts from 5,000 yen. A postal transfer form will be included when sending the omamori.) [Shirahige Shrine Office] 〒520-1122 215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Tel: 0740-36-1555 Fax: 0740-36-1560 e-mail: shirahige@chorus.ocn.ne.jp ■ About Parking ・From 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 4, the shrine parking lot will be closed for vendor setup. Please use the parking lot of the 7-Eleven in front of Shirahige Shrine. ・On Thursday, September 5, please use the temporary parking lot at Shirahige Beach (about 1 km north of the shrine). ・Parking spaces are limited, so please use the temporary bus service (operates only on September 5) if possible. Parking on the roadside is strictly prohibited.