Located in the Japanese Alps, Suwa Taisha is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the kami of the sacred mountain Suwa-san and the god of rice. The shrine complex consists of three main buildings: Honmiya, Shinmei-ya, and Fushimi-ya, each with its own unique history and significance. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, and ancient forests surrounding the shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 35.9981619, 138.1193622
Visitor tip
To fully experience the tranquility of Honmiya, arrive at dawn to witness the sunrise and take part in the traditional morning bell-ringing ceremony.
Cultural notes
As a key location in Japanese mythology, Suwa Taisha is associated with the legend of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god who is said to have created the mountain and the rice fields. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in August to celebrate the harvest season.
Historical note
Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), Suwa Taisha was originally a sacred site for the indigenous Jomon people.