Nagano/Matsumoto/Suwa Sightseeing #01 - Omiya Atsuta Shrine - Z5II
■ This time, I am going on a 2-day, 1-night trip to Matsumoto and Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. In Matsumoto, I will focus on the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle, and in Suwa, I will visit Suwa Taisha Shrine.
When planning a trip, I always try to pack in as much content as possible, which leaves no room in the schedule for the day. However, without any flexibility, it becomes difficult to enjoy taking photos at a leisurely pace, so this time I will make sure to build in plenty of time.
I hope that by doing this, I will be able to enjoy some spontaneity, such as making unplanned detours or indulging in local gourmet food. I have taken many photos, so please take a look if you would like.
<Day 1>
0. Kamioka Castle (A detour on the way in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture)
1. Omiya Atsuta Shrine ← This is the focus this time
2. Okamiya Shrine
3. Matsumoto City Gourmet & Night Snaps
4. Matsumoto Castle (Illumination)
■ Now, I will introduce Omiya Atsuta Shrine.
Omiya Atsuta Shrine is a shrine located in Azusagawa Azusa, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Its former shrine ranking was Prefectural Shrine. The enshrined deities include Amaterasu Omikami, Azusagawa Okami, and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, among others. The main hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The main hall of the Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine, a sub-shrine within the precincts, is also a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
The date of its founding is unknown. It was originally the Omiya of Nishimaki-go, Azumi-gun, Shinano Province. As the guardian deity of the Azusa River, the Azusagawa Okami was enshrined at the summit of Honjin-yama (Mt. Ontake). Later, the Atsuta Okami, invited from Atsuta Jingu, as well as Amaterasu Omikami and Hachiman Okami, who were worshipped nearby, were also enshrined. It was later relocated to its current site and took its present name in 1855 at the end of the Edo period.
The shrine is located at the foot of the mountains on the western edge of the Matsumoto Basin. There are ancient trees in the precincts that are 600 years old, and the entire shrine forest is filled with deep greenery and a dignified atmosphere. The worship hall, with its thick and magnificent shimenawa (sacred rope), and the main hall, built in the Muromachi period and designated as a National Important Cultural Property, are both impressive and make one realize that this is indeed a famous shrine.
■ The camera equipment for this trip is as follows.
Nikon Z5II + Megadap ETZ PRO+ + SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN
This is the standard zoom set that became my go-to in the first half of 2026. With my shooting style, the focal length almost always stays within the 24-70mm range, and within that range, it performs just as well as a prime lens, so I keep it attached to the camera at all times.
