Suwa Grand Shrine Upper Shrine Honmiya (諏訪大社・上社本宮)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is one of the four shrines of Suwa Grand Shrine, the head shrine of over ten thousand Suwa shrines nationwide, located on the south side of Lake Suwa. It is characterized by its ancient shrine architecture without a main hall, and features such as the solid prayer hall and the roofed corridor called "Nunohashi" allow you to feel the depth of the sacred grounds the more you walk. In the four corners of the grounds stand massive Onbashira pillars erected during the Onbashira Festival, and their sheer size will make you instinctively look up. There is also a bronze statue of Raiden Tameemon, a famous sumo wrestler from the Edo period, and a practice ring, making this a shrine with many highlights.

Tips

Free parking available for visitors. The grounds have gravel paths and steps, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You can receive a shrine stamp (goshuin) at the stamp office as a memento of your visit to both shrines—don't forget your stamp book. Early morning visits offer clear, crisp air and quiet surroundings for peaceful worship.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes required. Around 9 a.m. or earlier, there are fewer visitors and the atmosphere is serene

Access & map

〒392-0015 Nagano Prefecture, Suwa City, Nakasu, Miyayama 1