Suwa Taisha

Map

History & Origins

Considered one of Japan's oldest shrines, it traces its origins to the myth of Takeminakata-no-kami, who fled from Izumo and settled in Suwa. The deity is venerated as a god of warriors, hunting, and agriculture.

Highlights

Once every seven years by traditional Japanese counting (held in Years of the Monkey and Tiger), the grand Onbashira Festival brings the shrine grounds alive as massive timber columns are felled and dragged down the mountain in a breathtaking display of courage. Each of the four shrines holds its own distinct atmosphere and points of interest.

Visitor Guide

The popular 'Four Shrine Pilgrimage' visits all four shrines in a single day—a car is recommended given the distances involved. Each shrine offers unique goshuin stamp designs.

Best Season

The Onbashira Festival held every seven years by traditional Japanese counting (in years of the Monkey and Tiger), as well as spring and autumn for fresh foliage and vibrant colors.

Blessings

Annual Events

• January

  Tsutsukayu Shinji (Rice Porridge Divination Ritual)

  An ancient ritual held at the Shimosha on January 15, in which the harvest of the year's crops is divined using rice porridge cooked in reed tubes.

• April

  Ogashirasai (Head Offering Festival)

  An important festival held at the Kamisha Honmiya on April 15, which preserves the form of ancient hunter-people rituals by offering deer and boar heads, among other things.

• April to May

  Shikinen Zoei Onbashira Taisai (Onbashira Festival)

  One of Japan's three great unusual festivals, held every six years in the Years of the Tiger and Monkey, in which eight huge fir trees are hauled and raised at each of the four shrine precincts. Around 200,000 parishioners take part.

• August

  Ofune Matsuri (Boat Festival)

  A mystical ritual held at the Shimosha on August 1, in which the sacred object is placed on a boat and moved to Akimiya.

Travel Plan

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