Two Shrines in the Same Sacred Forest
Ono Shrine stands on the northern side of the Ono Basin, while Yahiko Shrine occupies the southern side. Although they now belong to different municipalities, both shrines remain within the same forest and are only a short distance apart.
This area was historically known as Tanomo no Sato or Tanome no Sato. Its scenic beauty was known beyond the local area and is mentioned in classical Japanese literary works such as The Pillow Book and the Fuboku Waka-shu.
The separation of the two shrines is traditionally associated with the late Sengoku period. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi intervened in a territorial dispute, the Karasawa River became the boundary between Chikuma County to the north and Ina County to the south. The shrine complex was consequently divided, with Ono Shrine on the northern side and Yahiko Shrine on the southern side.
Deities of Ono Shrine
The principal deity of Ono Shrine is Takeminakata-no-Mikoto, who is also enshrined as the principal deity of Suwa Taisha. He is traditionally revered as a deity associated with agriculture, prosperity, and victory.
Ono Shrine has long been regarded as the Second Shrine of Shinano Province, following the highly revered Suwa Taisha in traditional rank. Its long history reflects the important place it held within the religious landscape of ancient Shinano.
Deities of Yahiko Shrine
The main sanctuary of Yahiko Shrine enshrines Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, also known as Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, together with Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto. The auxiliary sanctuary enshrines Takeminakata-no-Mikoto and Yasakatome-no-Mikoto.
The northern and southern sanctuaries enshrine Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, and Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor. The arrangement brings together deities traditionally associated with nation-building, agriculture, military protection, prosperity, and the well-being of the country.
The collection of deities also demonstrates the strong relationship between the shrines and the ancient religious traditions of the wider Suwa and Shinano regions, where reverence for nature was closely connected with prayers for abundance and the prosperity of communities.
Origins Surrounded by Ancient Legends
The exact dates when Ono Shrine and Yahiko Shrine were founded are unknown, but both are believed to have been centers of worship since ancient times.
According to one tradition, Takeminakata-no-Mikoto stopped in this area on his journey toward Suwa after a conflict with Moreya-no-Kami. The place is said to have served as a temporary palace, or sacred residence, and this tradition is associated with the origins of the shrines.
According to the tradition of Yahiko Shrine, Onamuchi-no-Mikoto visited the area during his work of establishing the land, accompanied by his sons Takeminakata-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto. Worship at the site is said to have begun from this visit.
These stories are traditional accounts rather than documented historical events, but they reflect the deep connection between the two shrines, ancient beliefs, and the religious traditions of the Suwa region.
A Shared History Through the Medieval and Sengoku Periods
From the medieval period onward, Ono Shrine and Yahiko Shrine were respected as important shrines in Shinano Province. One of their earliest documentary references appears in the Norito-dan of 1237, which mentions “Ono Wayahiko Hokupo Nanpo Suewakamiya Daimyojin.” This suggests that the two shrines were already regarded as a closely connected pair during the Kamakura period.
In the late Sengoku period, a territorial dispute arose between Moriyori Mori, lord of Iida Castle, and Kazumasa Ishikawa, lord of Matsumoto Castle. In 1591, Toyotomi Hideyoshi intervened and established the Karasawa River as the boundary dividing Chikuma County to the north from Ina County to the south.
The division also separated the shrine grounds. What had traditionally been regarded as one shrine complex became two independent shrines, with Ono Shrine on the northern side and Yahiko Shrine on the southern side.
During the Edo period, the two areas were administered under different arrangements. Kitaono was administered as a territory entrusted to the Matsumoto domain, while Minamiono was administered as territory under the hatamoto Chikumura family. Even today, the two shrines remain together within the same forest while belonging administratively to different towns, creating a distinctive geographical and cultural relationship.
A Sacred Forest Rich in Nature
The forest surrounding the two shrines is known as the Yahiko-Ono Shrine Sacred Forest. Covering approximately 36,000 square meters, it contains a rich mixture of coniferous and broad-leaved trees, with around 150 species recorded.
The forest is designated as a Natural Monument of Nagano Prefecture and has long been protected as a sacred space where the deities are believed to reside.
Birdsong, the fragrance of trees, and the quiet atmosphere of the woodland create a peaceful setting for visitors. Walking through the forest provides a sense of the close relationship between nature and religious tradition that has characterized Japanese shrine culture since ancient times.
Historic Architecture of Ono Shrine
The main buildings of Ono Shrine were reconstructed after a fire in 1672, with financial support from Tadanao Mizuno, lord of the Matsumoto domain.
The shrine complex features two main sanctuaries standing alongside the Hachiman-gu sanctuary, with an Imperial Envoy Hall in front. During the Onbashira Festival, the sacred object is transferred between the two main sanctuaries, creating a distinctive ritual arrangement.
These buildings are designated as Nagano Prefectural Treasures. The shrine also preserves traditional objects such as the Takuhoko ritual implement and a historic temple bell, both regarded as important cultural properties.
The bell is traditionally said to have been donated by Takeda Katsuyori in 1564 as a prayer for victory. Such artifacts provide a tangible connection to the religious and political history of the Sengoku period.
The Architectural Beauty of Yahiko Shrine
Yahiko Shrine has an imposing layout in which the main, auxiliary, northern, and southern sanctuaries are arranged along a straight axis. The worship hall and corridors were constructed in 1782, while the kagura hall was built in 1842.
The buildings feature intricate carvings created by craftsmen of the Tachikawa school, renowned for their elaborate decorative work. The architecture represents the craftsmanship and aesthetic ideals of the Edo period and is designated as a Nagano Prefectural Treasure.
The Shikinen Onbashira Grand Festival
The best-known festival associated with the two shrines is the Shikinen Onbashira Grand Festival, held once every six years in the years of the Rabbit and Rooster in the traditional zodiac cycle.
The festival takes place in the year following the famous Onbashira Festival of Suwa Taisha. It has traditionally been described with the saying, “If you want to see people, see the Suwa Onbashira; if you want to see splendor, see the Ono Onbashira.”
Local residents work together to pull enormous sacred pillars while wearing colorful festival clothing and raising powerful calls. The energetic procession is an impressive expression of community spirit and is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiojiri City.
The Nenjiri-bo Festival
Held every year on January 6, the Nenjiri-bo Festival, also known as the Ota-saku Festival, is a traditional ceremony praying for a prosperous agricultural year.
During the ceremony, men compete in a vigorous ritual involving seven long wooden poles that are twisted together. The movements and outcome of the ceremony have traditionally been associated with divining the year’s agricultural fortune.
The festival is said to have origins reaching back to the Heian period. Its unusual form has made it a distinctive local tradition and it is designated as a cultural property of Shiojiri City.
The Annual Grand Festival
The annual grand festival is held on the first Sunday of October. Known as the Tanomi Festival or Tanome Festival, it gives thanks for a successful harvest and offers prayers for the continued prosperity of the community.
Because it was traditionally held on the first day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, it is also known as the Hassaku Festival. A colorful ceremonial procession accompanies the religious observances, allowing ancient traditions to remain part of the community’s contemporary life.
Cultural Properties and Historical Treasures
The two shrines preserve numerous valuable cultural properties connected with their long history. These include the remains of a copper seated Thousand-Armed Kannon statue believed to date from the Kamakura period, the ritual Takuhoko associated with ancient ceremonies, and the historic bell traditionally attributed to a donation by Takeda Katsuyori.
These objects are registered as designated cultural properties of Nagano Prefecture or Shiojiri City and provide important evidence of the religious traditions that developed in this part of Shinano.
Access and Nearby Attractions
The nearest railway station is Ono Station on the JR Chuo Main Line’s Tatsuno Branch Line. The shrines are approximately 11 minutes on foot from the station.
A large torii gate shared by both shrines stands near the station, marking the approach to the sacred area and guiding visitors toward the shrine forest.
The surrounding area also offers opportunities to explore local history and nature. Nearby attractions include Ono-juku, a former post town along the Nakasendo, and Shidarekuri Forest Park, known for its distinctive weeping chestnut trees and designated as a Natural Monument of Japan.
A Living Tradition of Faith and Community
Ono Shrine and Yahiko Shrine preserve an extraordinary connection between ancient religious traditions, local history, architecture, and the natural environment. Although the two shrines were separated administratively centuries ago, they continue to stand together within the same sacred forest, retaining a shared identity rooted in the history of Shinano.
Walking beneath the trees and among the historic shrine buildings, visitors can encounter stories of ancient deities, traditional festivals, centuries-old craftsmanship, and the continuing devotion of local communities.
For travelers interested in Japanese history and spirituality, this peaceful forest sanctuary offers a chance to experience a side of Nagano far removed from the region’s better-known mountain resorts. Surrounded by trees and steeped in tradition, the area can truly be experienced as a sacred landscape where the gods and traditions of Shinano continue to live on.