Meishin-taisha Ichinomiya (Shinano Province)

Suwa Taisha

Suwa Taisha

Suwa Taisha
Image : Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Tarif
Free
Goshuin
500 yen
Acces
See details
Horaires
24 hours (shrine offices: 9:00-16:30)

Vue d'ensemble

Suwa Taisha is one of the most ancient and significant shrine complexes in Japan, consisting of four separate shrines arranged around Lake Suwa in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As the head of approximately 10,000 Suwa shrines across the nation, it holds a central place in Japanese worship traditions. The upper shrines (Kamisha) enshrine Takeminakata-no-Kami, while the lower shrines (Shimosha) primarily honor his consort Yasakatome-no-Kami. Uniquely, the Honmiya, Harumiya, and Akimiya possess no main hall (honden), instead worshipping natural features as divine bodies -- a practice that preserves one of the oldest forms of Shinto belief. The shrine is most famous for the Onbashira Festival, held once every six years, in which massive logs are felled from mountainsides and erected at the corners of each shrine. This spectacular and dangerous ritual is considered one of Japan's most remarkable festivals.

Histoire

0📜Selon la tradition

According to the Kojiki, Takeminakata fled to Suwa after being defeated by Takemikazuchi during the transfer of the land

Reseau de sanctuaires

Suwa Head shrine (souhonsha)

A savoir

💡

The Onbashira Festival, held every six years, involves riding massive logs down steep mountainsides and is one of Japan's most dangerous and spectacular festivals.

Source: documented

💡

Three of the four shrines have no main hall (honden), worshipping natural features instead -- mountains, forests, and hot springs.

Source: documented

💡

The shrine was historically significant to samurai warriors, who revered Takeminakata as a god of war.

Source: documented

Dans la pop culture

game / 1996
Touhou Project
Lien fort releve par les fans

Suwa Grand Shrine (Suwa Taisha) in Nagano. The Moriya Shrine in the game and the character Sanae Kochiya are directly based on Suwa mythology. The Mishaguji faith and Moriya clan references are explicit.

Infos pratiques

Location Coordinates

36.0428, 138.1169

Physical Address

1 Nakasu Miyayama, Suwa-shi, Nagano (Kamisha Honmiya)

Province historique

Shinano

Acces

Chino Station (JR Chuo Line) for Kamisha; Shimosuwa Station for Shimosha

Horaires

24 hours (shrine offices: 9:00-16:30)

Bus

Varies by shrine; buses available from each station

Meilleure saison

autumn (foliage)winter (Onbashira year)New Year

Langues etrangeres

English (pamphlet)

Accessibilite

Partial (varies by shrine)

Informations visiteurs verifiees le 2026-04-06. Consultez le site officiel pour les details actuels.

Pourquoi ce sanctuaire

One of Japan's oldest and most architecturally unique shrine complexes. The spectacular Onbashira Festival alone makes this a must-visit, and the four-shrine pilgrimage around Lake Suwa offers a profound window into ancient Shinto practice.

Sanctuaires lies

Questions frequentes

Contenu redige par l'equipe editoriale de Jinja DB

What is Suwa Taisha?

Suwa Taisha is one of the most ancient and significant shrine complexes in Japan, consisting of four separate shrines arranged around Lake Suwa in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As the head of approximately 10,000 Suwa shrines across the nation, it holds a central place in Japanese worship traditions. The upper shrines (Kamisha) enshrine Takeminakata-no-Kami, while the lower shrines (Shimosha) primarily honor his consort Yasakatome-no-Kami. Uniquely, the Honmiya, Harumiya, and Akimiya possess no main hall (honden), instead worshipping natural features as divine bodies -- a practice that preserves one of the oldest forms of Shinto belief. The shrine is most famous for the Onbashira Festival, held once every six years, in which massive logs are felled from mountainsides and erected at the corners of each shrine. This spectacular and dangerous ritual is considered one of Japan's most remarkable festivals.

Where is Suwa Taisha located?

Suwa Taisha is located in Suwa-shi / Chino-shi / Shimosuwa-machi, Nagano. The full address is: 1 Nakasu Miyayama, Suwa-shi, Nagano (Kamisha Honmiya).

What deities are enshrined at Suwa Taisha?

The enshrined deities are: Takeminakata no Kami, Yasakatome no Kami.

What blessings can you pray for at Suwa Taisha?

Suwa Taisha is known for: victoire, prosperite generale, vent et eau, agriculture.

How do I get to Suwa Taisha?

The nearest station is Chino Station (JR Chuo Line) for Kamisha; Shimosuwa Station for Shimosha. Varies by shrine; buses available from each station