Discover the Spiritual Power and Mythical Charm of Suwa Taisha Shrine in Nagano

Suwa Taisha – Where Legends and Magnetic Fields Collide

Suwa Taisha is a sacred Shinto shrine spread across four locations around Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture.
On this trip, I only had time to visit one—the Honmiya (Main Shrine) of the Upper Shrine—but trust me, even visiting just one was powerful enough!

Originally two separate shrines (Kami-Suwa and Shimo-Suwa), they were unified during the Meiji period and are now known collectively as Suwa Taisha.
The famous “Onbashira” sacred logs used in the wild festival held every 7 years? Yep, those are here too!

I parked my car in kind of a side/back area, so I got to approach the main hall through a lovely wooden corridor—it felt like I was on a sacred path to another world.

Along the way, I met several smaller shrines including one for Ōkuninushi—the kind-hearted god of love and matchmaking!
He once helped a crying rabbit and managed to win over the beautiful princess Yagami-hime. A true romantic legend!
So of course, I made a heartfelt wish for love too. 💖

In ancient times, there was a ritual called “Mitōsai” where deer heads were offered—apparently up to 75 at once! 😳
It’s also said that Suwa Taisha sits on a “zero magnetic field” spot, and sensitive people might feel dizzy or unwell here.
I didn’t feel anything supernatural, just peaceful and energized. Total beginner-level human here 😅

Even the omikuji (fortune slips) were colorful and cheerful—love that detail!

Oh, and I spotted a seriously buff komainu (guardian lion-dog)! Talk about protective energy 💪🐶

What is Suwa Taisha?

Suwa Taisha is one of Japan’s oldest and most revered shrines, located around Lake Suwa in Nagano.
It’s said to date back to the age of the gods and is considered the top shrine of the old Shinano Province.

Uniquely, it consists of four main shrine sites—Honmiya and Maemiya in the Upper Shrine, Harumiya and Akimiya in the Lower Shrine.
It takes about half a day to visit them all by car, so most people choose one or two based on time and interest.

The Honmiya is the spiritual heart of Suwa Taisha and is especially powerful due to its connection with Mt. Moriya, a sacred mountain believed to house the kami.

This shrine is also famous for the Onbashira Festival, a wild event held once every 7 years where huge logs are hauled down mountains and erected at the shrines—a top-tier adrenaline-fueled ritual!

For spiritually sensitive travelers, Suwa Taisha is known as a "zero magnetic field zone", believed to help reset your inner balance.
Whether you’re here for history, spirituality, or just scenic vibes, this place has a deep energy that lingers in your soul.