Oct 1, 2012 - 1 min read

Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine)

Home of sacred logs and a snoring tree

By Brian Wood-Koiwa

Community writer

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Akimiya's central worship hall

Akimiya's ancient (several hundered years old) snoring tree

Another worship hall at Akimiya

One of the four sacred Onbashira logs at Akimiya

Small shrine at Akimiya

Cleansing fountain at Akimiya

Wish plaques at Akimiya

Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine) is made up of four separate complexes around Lake Suwa, which is surrounded by the Northern and Southern Japanese Alps and the Yatsugatake mountain ranges in central Nagano Prefecture. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan at over 1,200 years old. Akimiya (the focus of this photo story) is the most popular complex since it houses the four largest sacred logs brought down the steep slopes during the famous Onbashira festival held every six years. There is also an ancient tree that supposedly snores when lowering its branches for a night’s sleep.

Things to Do in Nagano

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By Brian Wood-Koiwa

Community writer

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Elena Lisina 4 years ago

I visited Suwa Taisha, but didn't hear about 'snoring tree'. Funny!

Laura Weaver 11 years ago

This post really captures the rich culture that Japan has to offer. The pictures are stunning and the written article is as engaging as it is informative. Thanks for sharing!

2 comments in total