Suwa Taisha Kamisha Maemiya Shrine

Overview

Suwa Taisha Kamisha Maemiya is one of the four precincts of Suwa Taisha, the Ichinomiya (highest-ranked shrine) of Shinano Province, and is particularly steeped in profound history and mystery. It is revered as the "birthplace of Suwa faith," where the enshrined deity first descended, and has been worshipped since ancient times as the most historically significant site for Kamisha. In the past, numerous shrines, which were residences of the Ohori (a divine high priest considered a living god), lined the area, serving as the central hub for Kamisha's rituals. The shrine grounds are characterized by a simple and rustic appearance, setting them apart from other more opulent shrines. However, within this simplicity, an ancient and sacred energy abounds. Particularly striking are the colossal "Onbashira" (sacred pillars) erected at the four corners of the shrine buildings. Maemiya is the only one of the four Suwa Taisha shrines where visitors can directly touch all the Onbashira pillars. Touching these powerful pillars, made from fir trees, allows you to feel their history and the earth's energy firsthand. Furthermore, visitors are enveloped in such refreshing air that some reviews even describe feeling like they've stepped into "a different world near the stream flowing beside the shrine!" Some worshippers have even experienced mystical phenomena, such as curtains of light appearing on rainy days, providing visitors with extraordinary and moving experiences. It has also gained attention as a sacred site for the anime "The Elusive Samurai," attracting not only history enthusiasts but also a growing number of younger visitors. Within the grounds, there are scattered points of interest, including Koyamasa Shrine, which enshrines the mother deity of the main kami (guardian deity of matchmaking, safe childbirth, and child-rearing), and Mizogami Shrine, located within the "Misogi-no-ike" pond, fed by the clear waters of the Suiga stream. The Omurosha ruins are the site of semi-underground earthen chambers where priests once practiced mysterious winter rituals, conveying the profound depth of Suwa faith to this day. If you seek to purify your mind and body and receive immense power, Suwa Taisha Kamisha Maemiya is a must-visit. This place, with its rustic yet overwhelming presence and mysticism, is sure to leave a deep and lasting impression on your heart.