Akita Suwa Shrine
秋田諏訪宮
Akita · Misato
Suwa Agriculture
Meishin-taisha
Ichinomiya (Shinano Province)
Suwa Taisha
諏訪大社
Admission
Free
Goshuin
500 yen
Access
See details
Hours
24 hours (shrine offices: 9:00-16:30)
Overview
Suwa Taisha is one of the most ancient and significant shrine complexes in Japan, consisting of four separate shrines arranged around Lake Suwa in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As the head of approximately 10,000 Suwa shrines across the nation, it holds a central place in Japanese worship traditions. The upper shrines (Kamisha) enshrine Takeminakata-no-Kami, while the lower shrines (Shimosha) primarily honor his consort Yasakatome-no-Kami. Uniquely, the Honmiya, Harumiya, and Akimiya possess no main hall (honden), instead worshipping natural features as divine bodies -- a practice that preserves one of the oldest forms of Shinto belief. The shrine is most famous for the Onbashira Festival, held once every six years, in which massive logs are felled from mountainsides and erected at the corners of each shrine. This spectacular and dangerous ritual is considered one of Japan's most remarkable festivals.
History
0📜According to tradition
According to the Kojiki, Takeminakata fled to Suwa after being defeated by Takemikazuchi during the transfer of the land
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of wind, water, hunting, and warfare; patron deity of the Suwa region
⛩
Blessings
Shrine Network
Suwa Head shrine (souhonsha)
Did You Know?
💡
The Onbashira Festival, held every six years, involves riding massive logs down steep mountainsides and is one of Japan's most dangerous and spectacular festivals.
Source: documented
💡
Three of the four shrines have no main hall (honden), worshipping natural features instead -- mountains, forests, and hot springs.
Source: documented
💡
The shrine was historically significant to samurai warriors, who revered Takeminakata as a god of war.
Source: documented
In Pop Culture
game / 1996
Touhou Project Suwa Grand Shrine (Suwa Taisha) in Nagano. The Moriya Shrine in the game and the character Sanae Kochiya are directly based on Suwa mythology. The Mishaguji faith and Moriya clan references are explicit.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
36.0428, 138.1169
Physical Address
1 Nakasu Miyayama, Suwa-shi, Nagano (Kamisha Honmiya)
長野県諏訪市中洲宮山1(上社本宮)
Historical Province
Shinano
Access
Chino Station (JR Chuo Line) for Kamisha; Shimosuwa Station for Shimosha
Hours
24 hours (shrine offices: 9:00-16:30)
Bus
Varies by shrine; buses available from each station
Best Times to Visit
autumn (foliage)winter (Onbashira year)New Year
Foreign Language Support
English (pamphlet)
Accessibility
Partial (varies by shrine)
Official Website
https://suwataisha.or.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
One of Japan's oldest and most architecturally unique shrine complexes. The spectacular Onbashira Festival alone makes this a must-visit, and the four-shrine pilgrimage around Lake Suwa offers a profound window into ancient Shinto practice.
Related Shrines
Suwa Shrine Tatebayashi
諏訪神社（館林）
Gunma · Tatebayashi
Suwa Victory
Sawara Suwa Shrine
佐原諏訪神社
Chiba · Katori
Suwa Agriculture
Tenaga Shrine
手長神社
Nagano · Suwa-shi
Suwa Craftsmanship
Suwa Shrine (Shimonoseki)
諏訪神社
Yamaguchi · Shimonoseki
Suwa Victory
Suwa Shrine (Nagasaki)
諏訪神社
Nagasaki · Nagasaki
Suwa Relationship Bonds
Related Myths
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Suwa Taisha?
Suwa Taisha is one of the most ancient and significant shrine complexes in Japan, consisting of four separate shrines arranged around Lake Suwa in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As the head of approximately 10,000 Suwa shrines across the nation, it holds a central place in Japanese worship traditions. The upper shrines (Kamisha) enshrine Takeminakata-no-Kami, while the lower shrines (Shimosha) primarily honor his consort Yasakatome-no-Kami. Uniquely, the Honmiya, Harumiya, and Akimiya possess no main hall (honden), instead worshipping natural features as divine bodies -- a practice that preserves one of the oldest forms of Shinto belief. The shrine is most famous for the Onbashira Festival, held once every six years, in which massive logs are felled from mountainsides and erected at the corners of each shrine. This spectacular and dangerous ritual is considered one of Japan's most remarkable festivals.
Where is Suwa Taisha located?
Suwa Taisha is located in Suwa-shi / Chino-shi / Shimosuwa-machi, Nagano. The full address is: 1 Nakasu Miyayama, Suwa-shi, Nagano (Kamisha Honmiya).
What deities are enshrined at Suwa Taisha?
The enshrined deities are: Takeminakata no Kami, Yasakatome no Kami.
What blessings can you pray for at Suwa Taisha?
Suwa Taisha is known for: Victory, General Prosperity, Wind & Water, Agriculture.
How do I get to Suwa Taisha?
The nearest station is Chino Station (JR Chuo Line) for Kamisha; Shimosuwa Station for Shimosha. Varies by shrine; buses available from each station