Explore the World of Suwa Beliefs with a Walking Tour of Shimosuwa

【OUTLINE】

This tour offers a guided visit to Suwa Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines, where you will learn about the unique nature worship and festivals of the Suwa region.
After visiting Suwa Taisha Akimiya, the tour continues with a stroll through Shimosuwa-juku, the town that laid the foundation for the cultural development of the area. At Honjin Iwanami-ke, where the 28th-generation head still shares stories, you can experience the area's evolution through Edo-period architecture and valuable historical materials.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• A local guide will explain the significance of Suwa Taisha, the head shrine of around 10,000 Suwa shrines in Japan.

• Discover the local culture and spirituality through the nature worship and the unique Onbashira Festival of the region.

• Enjoy the sensation of stepping back in time as you view the finest garden on the Nakasendo at Honjin Iwanami-ke, reminiscent of the Edo period.

【DETAILS】

This program is designed to provide an understanding of the Suwa region, which is the birthplace of the Osuwa Daiko (Suwa Taiko) drumming, for those planning to experience the full Osuwa Daiko program. It is also enjoyable on its own.

・Understand the roots of Japanese faith through the worship at Suwa Taisha.
・Learn about the locals' reverence for nature through the Onbashira Festival.
・Choose your guide from either a local expert or a member of the Osuwa Taiko group.

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00 / 14:00] Meet outside the ticket gate at Shimosuwa Station

[10:10 / 14:10] Walk to Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, explore the old Nakasendo street

[10:20 / 14:20] Guided tour of Suwa Taisha

[11:00 / 15:00] Walk to Honjin Iwanami-ke

[11:10 / 15:10] Guided tour of Honjin Iwanami-ke

[11:30 / 15:30] Walk back to Shimosuwa Station, explore the old Nakasendo street

[11:40 / 15:40] Tour ends at Shimosuwa Station

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：100 minutes
• Capacity：1-7 people
• Meeting point：Outside the ticket gate at JR Shimosuwa Station    [MAP]
  Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano 393-0000
• Access：
  ■By Car:
  ・About 25 minutes from Suwa IC
  ・About 1 hour 20 minutes from Saku IC
  ・About 15 minutes from Okaya IC
  ■By Public Transportation:
  ・About 2 hours 10 minutes from Shinjuku Station via Limited Express Azusa (direct)
  ・About 1 hour 55 minutes from Nagoya Station via Limited Express Wide View Shinano to Shiojiri Station, then about 15 minutes on the Chuo Main Line
  ・About 1 hour from Nagano Station via Limited Express Wide View Shinano to Shiojiri Station, then about 15 minutes on the Chuo Main Line

• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：
  ・Interpreter guide fee
  ・Entrance fee for Honjin Iwanami-ke
  ・Hospitality fee
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation to the meeting point
• Clothes：
  ・Socks required
  
• Participation requirements：7 years and older
  
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%