NaganoLeisure

Suimu Shrine

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Visit the historic remains of the Fukushima checkpoint, one of the four major checkpoints on the Nakasendo

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 45 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Dinner at the festival's night stalls, and staking out a spot for the fireworks

About this spot

A shrine that has long been worshipped as the guardian shrine of Kiso-Fukushima, and the star of tonight's Grand Festival. The grounds, surrounded by a grove of cedar trees, are wrapped in a quiet, solemn atmosphere, letting you feel the special air before the festival begins. On the day of the Grand Festival, the grounds and approach are decorated for the occasion, making this an important place that leads into the fireworks festival tonight, capping off a summer day in Kiso-Fukushima. Finishing your prayers here also heightens your anticipation for the fireworks festival that will close out the day. Bring your hands together and pray for your family's safety and summer memories.

Tips

Visiting the grounds is free. On the day of the Grand Festival it can get crowded with worshippers, so it's a good idea to visit with plenty of time to spare. You can walk to the banks of the Kiso River next.