Overview
Suwa Taisha is a group of Shinto shrines located at four sites around Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, serving as the ichinomiya of the former Shinano Province. It is regarded as the head shrine of some 25,000 Suwa shrines across Japan and is affectionately known by names such as "Osuwa-sama." Its shrine crest is the "kaji leaf."
Highlights
- ●The head shrine of some 25,000 Suwa shrines nationwide
- ●Four sites around Lake Suwa: the Kamisha Honmiya and Maemiya, and the Shimosha Harumiya and Akimiya
- ●Shrine buildings recognized as Important Cultural Properties of Japan
- ●The ichinomiya of Shinano Province bearing the kaji-leaf crest
History
The Nihon Shoki implies that the shrine already existed in the late seventh century, and it is counted among the oldest shrines still in existence. Formerly known as Suwa Shrine, it has also been called Suwa Daimyojin. Its former shrine rank was that of a major imperial shrine, and it is today one of the Beppyo shrines of the Association of Shinto Shrines.
Access
The shrine spans the cities of Suwa and Chino and the town of Shimosuwa in Nagano Prefecture, with its buildings divided among four sites around Lake Suwa. Rail and local bus services are convenient for moving between the individual shrines.
Best season
Set around Lake Suwa, the area offers a distinct character in each of the four seasons. The mild weather of spring and autumn is well suited to walking the grounds.
Map
36.0753, 138.0914 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Pay respects at the Kamisha Honmiya
- 2Continue on to the Kamisha Maemiya
- 3Visit the Shimosha Harumiya
- 4Pay respects at the Shimosha Akimiya to link all four shrines
Did you know?
💡 Suwa Taisha is divided into an upper and a lower shrine, with its buildings standing at four sites around Lake Suwa.
Nearby spots
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