The ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of Shinano Province, Suwa Taisha consists of four shrine complexes around Lake Suwa. This venerable shrine appears in the Kojiki, Japan's oldest surviving chronicle, and is believed to have been founded approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. It is the head shrine of all Suwa shrines throughout Japan and is considered one of the country's oldest shrines.
One distinctive feature of Suwa Taisha is that it has no main sanctuary known as a honden. Instead, Honmiya venerates a sacred mountain, while Akimiya and Harumiya venerate a yew and cedar tree, respectively, as sacred objects. Ancient shrines are said to have had no sanctuary buildings, making Suwa Taisha a rare shrine that preserves this early form of worship.
Of the four shrines, Kamisha Honmiya retains the largest number of historic structures. Its buildings are representative examples of the architectural style known as Suwa-zukuri and feature magnificent carvings. The present buildings were reconstructed during the Edo period. Several valuable structures, including the Four-Legged Gate donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu, are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Another highlight is the Onbashira Festival, formally known as the Shikinen Zoei Onbashira Festival, held once every seven years according to traditional Japanese counting. Designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano Prefecture, the festival attracts many visitors from across Japan.
Highlights
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One of Japan's oldest shrines, believed to date back approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years and mentioned in the Kojiki, Japan's oldest surviving chronicle.
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The head shrine of all Suwa shrines throughout Japan, consisting of four shrine complexes around Lake Suwa.
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Kamisha Honmiya features magnificent carvings and buildings representative of the architectural style known as Suwa-zukuri.
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The Onbashira Festival, formally known as the Shikinen Zoei Onbashira Festival, is held once every seven years.
