Suwa Taisha Kami-sha Hongu

Suwa Taisha Kami-sha Hongu is one of Japan's oldest shrines, inscribed with the history of more than two thousand years. Enshrining Takeminakata-no-Kami as its principal deity, it has been revered since ancient times as a god of war and wind. Most famously, it is known for the Onbashira Matsuri festival held once every seven years. This grand festival involves felling massive trees from the mountains and erecting them at the four corners of the shrine, making it one of Japan's three greatest unusual festivals. This sacred site overlooking Lake Suwa continues to gather the faith of many people as a deity of long-lasting military fortune and success in competitions.