Overlooking downtown Nobeoka, the summit of Mt. Imayama is home to the 17-meter-tall Kobo Daishi statue, Japan's largest. It was first established in 1839 when a sacred statue was enshrined from Mount Koya to save people suffering from an epidemic. Since then, the statue has continued to watch over the town and its people with its gentle expression as a power spot for household safety and longevity. Leading up to the statue's feet are 134 stone steps. This famous spot, built from a single block of the finest granite, is also known as "Japan's Nobeoka Daishi Festival." Every year in mid-April, the statue transforms into the setting for the year's most enthusiastic celebration: the Nobeoka Daishi Festival, one of Kyushu's three major spring festivals. During the festival, many participants from within and outside the prefecture gather, erupting in joy throughout the town. During the three-day festival, solemn memorial services and goma prayers are held within the temple grounds, while snacks and drinks are served along the approach to the shrine and in the shopping district as part of the "osettai" culture. Humorous displays of "mitate-zaiku" craftsmanship and a lively local product market add to the colorful atmosphere. The festival culminates with a "city parade" on the final day. The highlight is the spectacular sight of the traditional feudal lord procession and a dance performance by a total of about 1,000 people filling the streets.