Popular Destinations
Suwa Taisha Shimosha
The four shrines of Suwa Taisha are the main shrines of the Suwa Shrine System that is composed of over 10,000 shrines throughout Japan. All four shrines are located around Lake Suwa. Two shrines, Harumiya and Akimiya, reside in Shimosuwa and are known as Shimosha. The gods Takeminakata no Kami and Yasakatome no Kami are worshipped there. The shrine architecture of Suwa Taisha’s shrines is characterized by the lack of a honden (main hall of worship that normally houses a “kami” or god) since they maintain their old form of nature worship.
Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya
The first shrine of Suwa Taisha Shimosha
Said to be the first of the Suwa Taisha shrines to be enshrined, the heihaiden and katahaiden at this historic shrine are designated as important cultural properties.
Information
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Address | 193 Shimosuwa Town |
| Phone | 0266-27-8316 |
| Parking lot | Available |
| Restroom | Available |
Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya
Plenty of great sights to see!
Highlights of the shrine include kaguraden that is gabled on three sides and decorated with a large shimenawa (a holy rope of sorts), an 800-year-old cedar tree called Neiri no Sugi, and guardian dog statues that are said to be the largest bronze dogs in all of Japan. The kaguraden and heihaiden are designated as important cultural properties, and you can feel their immense history simply by looking at them.
Information
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Address | 5828 Shimosuwa Town |
| Phone | 0266-27-8035 |
| Parking lot | Available |
| Restroom | Available |