From the Tokyo area:
■JR Takao Station, departing at 6:14 (first train) → JR Chino Station, arriving at 8:49.
, I considered taking a bus or renting a bicycle from Shimosuwa, but the distance was surprisingly long, and the number of buses was limited, so I decided to walk from Chino Station. It's only about a 30-minute walk, so it's not that far.
■Suwa Taisha Shrine, Maemiya
The first mae-mon (front gate) I saw felt the most powerful. Apparently, this is the oldest part of the shrine historic, and that might be the reason.
A short walk away is the hon-den (main hall).
■Suwa Taisha main shrine
This place is larger and the building is magnificent, but I didn't feel the same aura as I did at the previous shrine. Perhaps it's different if you go further inside?
After the visit, I will take the "Karin-chan Bus ③Suwa Outer Loop Line" heading towards the JR Suwa Station from the bus stop called "Ue-sha Kita-sando," which is near the souvenir shop in front of the shrine.
Departure from Ue-sha Kita-sando at 11:02 AM, arrival at JR Suwa Station, Suwa Lake Exit (West Exit) at 11:45 AM.
It seems that buses are suspended on festival days, such as during fireworks displays, so please be aware. The bus stop location varies depending on the destination, but I boarded the bus from here.
Near the bus stop, you can find light meals such as noodles. I visited the sites at a fast pace, so I had to wait for the bus for about 30 minutes. I could have eaten something here, but I had planned to eat at the station, so I didn't. However, there weren't many shops around the station, so I bought a bento box at a large supermarket on the first floor of the huge building near the north exit and ate it in the eating area. It was just the right amount of time, as I had about 30 minutes until the train.
JR Kamisuwa Station 12:17 departure → JR Shimisuwa Station 12:21 arrival
■Suwa Taisha Harumya Shrine
Both the Spring Shrine and the Autumn Shrine are within walking distance from the station, and either one would have been a good choice, but since the Spring Shrine is a bit further in and has fewer shops around it, I decided to visit it first.
There is a "sacred pillar" here, which is carried by human hands during the festival held once every seven years, and it seems that it will be replaced again next year.
This place also had a good atmosphere, but I didn't feel the same aura as I did at the Front Shrine. I still think that the Front Shrine is the most impressive of the four shrines of the Suwa Shrine, at least for me personally.
However, it is said that there is no superiority or inferiority among the four shrines of the Suwa Shrine.
■Manji Stone Buddhas
This is an interesting stone Buddha.
I can understand why Okamoto Tarō loved it.
■Suwa Grand Shrine, Akimiya
Is this the largest in terms of grounds? The main shrine was also quite large, but it's about the same size, or perhaps this one is even larger. It's truly magnificent. The souvenir shops around here are the most comprehensive, and I bought some yokan (bean paste sweets).
After the visit, I went to a nearby hot spring. This place is famous for its hot water, and I haven't been in 44-degree water in a long time, but once you get used to it, it feels comfortable. However, 47 degrees is a bit too hot. I'm satisfied with the 44-degree hot spring.
I checked online, and it said that a day trip by train and bus is difficult, but if it's just the shrine, a day trip is no problem. I also recorded the time for reference.