The Sacred Realm Guarded by Dragons: Suwa Taisha

I recently visited Suwa Taisha, located in Nagano Prefecture. It is one of Japan's oldest shrines and is uniquely composed of four shrines: Honmiya, Maemiya, Harumiya, and Akimiya. The shrine exudes a solemn atmosphere, enveloping visitors in a serene tranquility that feels cleansing to the soul. One of the most striking features within the grounds is the massive taiko drum adorned with an awe-inspiring dragon illustration. Its commanding presence naturally draws attention, compelling visitors to pause and admire its grandeur. This shrine, steeped in history and faith, emanates a powerful energy amidst its quiet surroundings. As the birthplace of the "Suwa Faith" that connects the four shrines, it truly stands as a special and sacred place. 📍Location: Miyama 1, Nakasu, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture