[Monthly Trip 2024.11.21] To Suwa, where the autumn leaves breathe with the gods! Visiting Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya and mysterious power spots

Hello everyone!
This is 'Monthly Trip',a trip to refresh your mind and body about once a month.

This time, we are heading to theSuwa region of Nagano Prefecture,which has gathered faith since ancient times.
The goal is to visitSuwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya,one of the head shrines of the Suwa shrines located throughout the country, and to tour the attractive power spots scattered around it.

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya, wrapped in a solemn atmosphere

First, we head to the largest and most famous Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya.

When heading from the parking lot to the shrine grounds, a magnificent information board welcomes you. After studying it thoroughly, it is time to pay our respects.

Passing through the large stone torii gate, the atmosphere changes completely.

The approach, surrounded by towering trees, is filled with a sacred atmosphere.
As I walk along the stone pavement, I feel as if my heart is being cleansed.

The first thing that catches the eye is the stylish Kagura-den (sacred dance hall).

The large shimenawa (sacred straw rope) is impressive.
And behind it sits the Heihai-den, a nationally designated important cultural property.

The profound structure with its intricate carvings is truly a masterpiece.
I couldn't help but stare at it. Looking inside, a solemn space spreads out.

It is said thatTakeminakata-no-kami,who also appears in the Kojiki, his consortYasakatome-no-kami,andYaekotoshironushi-no-kamiare enshrined here.
I cannot help but feel the weight of history and the presence of the gods.

In the shrine grounds, there are also the four sacred pillars unique to Suwa Taisha.
The massive pillars, which are pulled during the Onbashira Festival held once every seven years, seemed to be emitting powerful energy.

To the mysterious spots around Harumiya

Beyond just Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya, there are also incredibly charming, quiet, and little-known shrines tucked away in the surrounding area...

Ukishima-sha Shrine

A small shrine located on a sandbank in the Togawa River near Harumiya.
Surrounded by clear flowing water and trees, it has a very mystical atmosphere.
This is one of theSeven Wonders of Suwa Taisha Shimoshaand is said to be thefloating island that never washes away, no matter how much heavy rain or flooding occursIt is dedicated to the deity of purification (Haraedo no Okami), and I felt as if my mind and body were being cleansed.

Manji no Sekibutsu (Stone Buddha of Manji)

A stone Buddha with a unique appearance that you won't forget once you see it.
Its humorous expression and solid presence were even highly praised by the artist Taro Okamoto. I also experienced the unique way of praying, which involves walking around the stone Buddha three times while wishing for everything to be settled.

Yasakatomi-jinja Shrine

A quiet shrine located a little way up the hill.
In the precincts, there is a stone called the 'Yayoke-ishi' (Arrow-warding stone) and a small waterfall (Hokoin Waterfall?), which is full of negative ions. I could feel how much it is cherished by the local people. Is the deity enshrined here Yasakatome-no-kami, who is also the deity of Suwa Taisha...?

Misakuda-sha Shrine

This is also one of theSeven Wonders of Suwa Taisha Shimoshaa shrine associated with the sacred rice field known asthe rice in this sacred field ripens in one monthIt is a small shrine, but I felt the gratitude for a bountiful harvest embedded in it, along with the sacred rice field within the grounds.
The surrounding ginkgo trees were also beautifully colored.

Suijin-sha Shrine

The last place I visited was Suijin-sha Shrine, colored by beautiful autumn leaves.
It sits quietly on a small hill along the Togawa River near Harumiya.
A water deity, perhaps a dragon god, might be enshrined here.
The combination of the vibrant autumn leaves and the shrine was truly a spectacular sight.

At the end of the journey

This 'Monthly Trip' was a journey healed by the solemn atmosphere of Suwa Taisha, the unique power spots scattered around the area, and the beautiful autumn leaves.

I also feel like I received a lot of energy.
It seems there are still many unknown charms in the land of Suwa.

Why don't you also try visiting the land of Suwa, where the gods breathe, at least once?
I am sure you will have some wonderful discoveries.

Well then, see you again in the next 'Monthly Trip'!