The deity Tajikara No-Mikoto, reknowned for his physical prowess, pushed aside the boulder blocking the cave entrance. Other deities could then lure Amaterasu and her sunlight back out. After Amaterasu emerged, Tajikara No-MIkoto pushed the boulder back in place so she couldn’t hide again. He literally saved the day.
Noteworthy details
An intriguing feature of Iwatō Yama is that its sacred statue of Amaterasu depicts her as a male. This is a good example of Japan’s long and diverse history of gender flexibility: see also Kita Kannon Yama. In addition, Iwatō Yama and Ennogyoja Yama are the only two floats that pay respects to three deities, a kind of spiritual abundance. To keep us on our toes, Iwatō Yama is one of three yama (together with Kita and Minami Kannon Yama) that look like a hoko. Though its general float shape is like the larger hoko, note that its central mastpole remains a pine, like other yama.
Read More: https://www.gionfestival.org/iwato-yama/
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