Yamanaka Suwa Shrine

This old shrine was established in 966 and enshrines Toyotama-hime (goodness in Japanese mythology). The main hall was built in 1552 when Shingen Takeda prayed for protection and victory of the battle against the Hojo clan, and is located on the westside of Lake Yamanaka.

It is said that the shrine brings benefits including matchmaking, child giving, safe delivery, and child-raising, “Yamanaka-Myojin Anzan Matsuri (The festival praying for safe delivery held at Yamaka Suwa Shrine)” is well known as an annual festival held during 4-6th of September to which many pregnant or newly married women visit to get their benefits from all around Japan.

A walking path is completed in the woods at the backside of the shrine and you can see seasonal flowers and various trees such as hydrangeas, Japanese dogwoods, maples, lilies, and thistle during walking. Lake Yamanaka is said to be a popular reservoir of wild birds where many bird watchers visit, birds singing can be heard wherever you are on the walking path. Flying squirrels also inhabit and the young birds start flying around in the early summer, it is lucky if you find them flying. Walking around the path filled with nature after worshiping at Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is recommended.