Suwa Taisha (Grand Shrine of Suwa)
One of the oldest shrines in Japan, famous for the fierce Onbashira Festival.
The head shrine of the Suwa network of 10,000+ shrines. It consists of four shrine complexes located around Lake Suwa: Kamisha (Upper Shrine) consisting of Honmiya and Maemiya, and Shimosha (Lower Shrine) consisting of Harumiya and Akimiya.
History of the Shrine
An incredibly ancient shrine mentioned in the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters). It is dedicated to Takeminakata-no-Kami, who lost a sumo match to Takemikazuchi (of Kashima Shrine) and fled to Suwa, pledging never to leave.
It has been revered by samurai warriors (including Takeda Shingen) as a god of war and victory for centuries.
The Enshrined Kami
What to See
The four shrine complexes each have a unique atmosphere. A distinct feature is the four massive wooden pillars ('Onbashira') standing at the four corners of each shrine precinct. There is no Honden (main hall) at Kamisha; the mountain itself is worshipped.
Visiting all four shrines (Yonsha Mairi) is a popular pilgrimage route.
Major Festivals
The 'Onbashira Festival', held every six years (Year of the Tiger and Monkey), is one of Japan's most dangerous and exciting festivals. Huge fir trees are felled and ridden down steep hills by men, then erected at the shrines.
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