Located in the town of Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Suwa Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the god of the mountain, Suwa no Okami, and also enshrined are the kami of rice, agriculture, and fertility, Suwa Amaterasu and Inari Okami. The shrine is famous for its stunning architecture and traditional crafts, such as woodcarving and weaving.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Suwa no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Suwa no Okami, Suwa Amaterasu, Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.9938141, 138.3721687
Visitor tip
Visitors can take a short hike through the adjacent forest to reach the summit of nearby Mount Suwa, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Cultural notes
Suwa Shrine is an important site for Shinto festivals, particularly the 'Matsuri no Hi' held in October, which celebrates the harvest season and the god's power over agriculture. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful 'haiden' (main hall) adorned with intricately carved wooden pillars.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 645 CE during the Asuka period, but has undergone numerous renovations and expansions throughout Japanese history.