The Lake Biwa area summer seasonal attraction, "Isaki-no Sao-tobi," or platform diving, was held on August 1 at Isaki Temple in Shirao-cho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture. Dressed in traditional white ceremonial robes, eight ascetics dived into the lake seven meters below the platform, praying for the recovery of regions affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the safety of families.

The eight ascetics gathered from across the nation, including from Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture. They walked along the 13-meter pole that is 30 centimeters wide, and then they dived with their hands put together in prayer. About 200 visitors watched from "Sao-tobi-do," or viewing hall, or from boats.

Sao-tobi is said to have been begun in the Heian Period. There are various theories on the event's origin, including an episode where a monk dived into Lake Biwa to ask for alms from shipboard travelers on the lake. Since a resident's fatal accident occurred six years ago on a different day from the event, only ascetics who have finished their 100-day pilgrimage at Hieizan Enryakuji Temple have been allowed to dive.