Suwa-taisha Kamisha Honmiya

This is the headquarters of Suwa Shrine, which has about 25,000 shrines throughout Japan. Formerly known as “Suwa Shrine,” it is also called “Suwa-sama,” “Suwa-daimyojin,” and other names. Suwa Shrine has existed so long that it is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

Four fir tree pillars called “go-bashira” are erected at the four corners of the shrine pavilions, and the layout of the pavilions also has a unique shape. The shrine pavilions are all made of unglazed wood, and many are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

The upper shrine has the Hongu and Mengu, and the lower shrine has the Akimiya and Harumiya. There is no pecking order of shrine ranks.

Unlike the Shimo-sha, the Nimiya Shrine was once the head shrine and the auxiliary shrine. The shrine has a hunter-gatherer character.

The main shrine used to be the center of Kami-suwa, but after the modern era, it was moved to Takashima Castle Town in the north.

Every six years, in the year of the tiger and the year of the goddess of the fir tree, a fir tree is cut from the mountain and erected on the four sides of each shrine building to serve as a sacred tree.

The main shrine is dedicated to the deity Kenmonakata.
Sixteen buildings, including the shrine pavilions, are designated as national important cultural properties.

Shikyakumon Gate
Shikyakumon was built in 1608 by Tokugawa Ieyasu under the order of Okubo Nagayasu. It is designated as an important cultural property.

Kaminosha Treasure Hall
Treasures from the Kaminosha Shrine, such as a bell said to have been rung by Takeda Shingen in battle, the Hachiei Bell, and the Cleaver Sickle, are stored and exhibited here.

Myojin-yu
This is a handbasin that emits hot spring water. It is believed to be the source of Suwa’s hot springs. The hot spring is colorless, clear, alkaline, and drinkable at a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius.
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