Shinanokuni Ichinomiya has four grounds byLake Suwa. Its name appears in Kojiki, an ancient book, and the honorable origin is said to go back 1500－2000 years. This is the head shrine of all the Suwa Shrines and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
Suwa Taisha (head shrine) does not have the main architecture. Instead, the main hall is a mountain, Akimiya has a yew tree, Harumiya has a cedar as enshrined gods. In ancient times, it is said that there was no shrine. Suwa Taisha is valuable in that it stays in the original ancient style.
In Kamisha Hongu (upper main hall), historic architecture is preserved more than other three halls. It is built in the typical Sawa style and the carvings are astounding. The current architecture was rebuilt in the Edo Period. The four-legged gate gifted by Tokugawa Ieyasu and other buildings are designated as national important cultural property.
Onbashira Festival held every seven years is a must-see. It is designated as an intangible folk cultural property by Nagano Prefecture and many tourists nationwide come to see it.
Highlights
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One of Japan’s oldest shrines mentioned in Kojiki, estimated to have opened 1500 - 2000 years ago.
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The head shrine of all Suwa shrines nationwide. It has four grounds by Lake Suwa.
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Kamisha Hongu (upper main hall) is a typical Suwa-style architecture with astounding carvings.
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Onbashira Festival held every seven years is a must-see.
