Ninomiya Shrine Autumn Festival

Known as one of the three major festivals of Akiruno, it is known locally as the shoga (ginger) festival. As part of the festival rites, there is the custom of dedicating rice cakes in the shape of a cow's tongue and ginger with its leaves and roots attached. When the ginger is eaten, it's said to prevent colds for a year. The festival's biggest spectacle is when the festival floats are carried up the stone stairs to enter the shrine.