A follow-up blog for "I'd love to jump in the Lake Biwa on such a hot day"

This is a follow-up to the blog "I'd love to jump in the Lake Biwa on such a hot day" from June 12, 2024.

I'd love to jump in the Lake Biwa on such a hot day. (mikepon.blogspot.com)

In the previous blog, I gave a prior notice on the majestic jumping event held every year on August 1st at Isaki-ji Temple, Shiga prefecture.

It is never a diving for leisure activities, but the sacred religious ritual of Buddhism. Many ascetic Buddhist monks walk a narrow wooden beam that is protruding several meters above the water's surface and jump from its tip into Lake Biwa.

I went to watch this sacred event on August 1st. So, I'd like to report about this ritual.   

Following photos are the moments that ascetic Buddhist monks jump into Lake Biwa from the tip of the beam. 

Twelve monks jump into Lake Biwa one after the other. They showed various jumping styles. 

 

 I think a viewing from a boat or a canoe is the best way to watch. It would be a completely different view from seeing from above, wouldn't it?

 This jumping scene can be viewed from this small temple or on board a local fishing boat provided by local fishermen. However, only 30 persons decided by the raffle on the day can choice small temple or fishing boat.  Unfortunately, I could not win the raffle, but I managed to view it from nearby place.

 This is the local fishing boat provided by local fishermen to watch the moment. Three boats were provided and one of them was for news media. And also a police boat watched over here in case of an accident (Top Center).

Another way to watch it definitely is to take a tour on cruise ship. But it costs a bit.

If you have Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) or a canoe, you can watch it as you like and for free.