Suwa Taisha Shrine

Suwa Taisha, or Suwa Grand Shrine, is of Shinto origin and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The deity worshipped here, Takeminakata-no-kami, was the main god of the eastern provinces and presided over wind, water, agriculture, and hunting. The shrine areas are surrounded by thick trees and landscaped gardens, and are easily accessible by walking or cycling. There are four building complexes to Suwa Taisha, including the Maemiya (old shrine), Honmiya (main shrine), Harumiya (spring shrine), and Akimiya (autumn shrine). Suwa Taisha is the head shrine for a network of over 10,000 related Suwa shrines nationwide.