Kobi Shrine / Kobi Kinrin Park

This shrine is located ten minutes from the Minokamo Interchange. The exact construction is unknown, but it is reported that the shrine was renamed Mototsushima Shrine, Hachioji Shrine and Nakatomi Shrine during the Meiji period (1868-1912). The festival held on the second Saturday and Sunday of April every year is famous. Small shrines are brought out under the vividly blooming Yoshino cherry and double-flowered cherry. A man wearing a fly-like demon mask appears and performs an exorcism which involves lightly tapping the head of the worshiper with a bamboo stick called a Sasara. This is said to make children smarter.