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Suwa Taisha

長野県

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Suwa Grand Shrine, the headquarters of Suwa shrines throughout Japan.

Suwa Taisha is the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa shrines throughout Japan and is one of the oldest shrines in the country. It is currently popular as a power spot, and the "Shiromairi" pilgrimage to the four shrines, which allows you to receive blessings from the gods who protect the source of life and the source of living, is recommended.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Deep Traditions and History Passed Down from Ancient Times

Suwa Grand Shrine is a shrine that has been worshipped since ancient times, believed to have been founded between 1500 to 2000 years ago. Throughout its long history, many beliefs and cultures have mixed together, giving birth to unique festivals and rituals. Suwa Grand Shrine has a variety of festivals, such as the Onbashira Festival and Shinko Festival, and attracts many visitors every year. Additionally, there are many historical buildings and cultural assets preserved at Suwa Grand Shrine, which can be visited and explored. One of the attractions of Suwa Grand Shrine is the deep traditions and history passed down from ancient times.

Point 2

The Sacred Atmosphere of Japan's Oldest Shrine

Suwa Taisha is one of Japan's oldest shrines and a symbolic representation of ancient Shinto beliefs. The approach to the shrine and the shrine itself exude a sacred atmosphere and are enveloped in a solemn air. In particular, the beautiful forest along the approach, with its lush trees, creates a mystical atmosphere as if nature and the gods have merged. The shrine's traditional Japanese architecture adds to its beauty and enhances the sacred atmosphere. The sacred atmosphere of Suwa Taisha has received high praise from many believers and tourists, attracting visitors from all over the country.

Point 3

Suwa Taisha's Onbashira Festival, One of Japan's Three Great Festivals

Suwa Taisha holds various festivals and events every year. Among them, the "Onbashira Festival," designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, is the largest event held at Suwa Taisha and is a Shinto ritual festival held every year of the Tiger and Monkey zodiac years. This festival is a general term for the ritual of erecting pillars (onbashira) and the festival itself. Similar festivals are also held at Suwa shrines and related shrines throughout Japan, with the focus on the years when the festival is held at Suwa Taisha. The Onbashira Festival is known for its mystical and powerful atmosphere and is counted as one of Japan's three great festivals. It is recommended to visit during this time.

Point 4

A Sacred Space in Harmony with Nature Surrounding Suwa Taisha Shrine

The grounds of Suwa Taisha Shrine are home to beautiful natural scenery that changes with the seasons. The trees and flowers of each season create a sacred space in harmony with nature. In particular, the harmony between the shrine and Lake Suwa is breathtaking. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, lush green trees bring cool breezes in the summer, autumn leaves color the area in the fall, and snow covers the landscape in the winter. Every time you visit the shrine, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season. The grounds of Suwa Taisha Shrine, in harmony with nature, are loved by many as a place to heal both mind and body.

Point 5

A Mysterious World Woven with Strange Phenomena and Events

Suwa Grand Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, and is the head shrine of all Suwa Grand Shrines throughout Japan. This shrine is known for the Seven Wonders, which are strange phenomena and events that have been passed down through the ages. The Seven Wonders mainly refer to mysterious phenomena related to the shrine's events and rituals. Some of them have low credibility, while others can be scientifically explained in modern times. In fact, there are actually seven wonders in each of the Upper and Lower Shrines, including overlaps, making a total of 11 wonders. Traveling around Suwa Grand Shrine's Seven Wonders allows you to experience a mystical world view and create unforgettable memories, making it highly recommended.

Access

Access to Suwa Taisha and Directions to Each Shrine

To visit the four shrines of Suwa Taisha, the access methods differ as the two lower shrines and the two upper shrines are separated. Access by car is recommended, and the nearest highway interchanges are Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway and Okaya IC on the Nagano Expressway. From Suwa IC, it's about 2km to the Upper Shrine and the Upper Front Shrine, and from Okaya IC, it's about 5km to the Lower Autumn Shrine and the Lower Spring Shrine. If you visit Suwa Taisha by train, the nearest stations are JR Chuo Main Line's "Shimosuwa Station," "Kamisuwa Station," and "Chino Station." Access to the nearest station is relatively easy to understand. From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Express "Super Azusa" to Kamisuwa Station (2 hours and 15 minutes) or Shimosuwa Station (2 hours and 25 minutes). From Nagoya Station, take the JR Express "Wide View Shinano" to Shiojiri Station. Then, transfer to the JR Chuo Line to Kamisuwa Station or Chino Station. While access by car is recommended to visit the four shrines of Suwa Taisha, it's relatively easy to access by train as well. Why not visit this sacred place where you can feel the history of Japan?

Basic Information

	Address	1 Miyayama, Nakasu, Suwa-shi, Nagano 392-0015
	Business Hours	Open 24 hours a day, Monday through Sunday.
	TEL	0266-52-1919
	Web Site	http://suwataisha.or.jp/

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