Suwa Taisha(Grand Shrine) Shimosha Akimiya
One of the four Grand Shrines of Suwa, Featuring an Ancient 800-Year Old Tree and Colossal Straw Rope
Located at the intersection of the Nakasendo Road between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and the Kosho Road to Yamanashi Prefecture, Shimosuwa's Akinomiya is one the 4 shrines that make up the Grand Shrines of Suwa. After passing under the impressively large torii gate, visitors are met by a gargantuan 800-year old cedar tree. Past the tree is the Kagura Hall, built in 1835. The two 'Komainu' dog statues on either side are both 1.70m long, the largest such bronze statues in Japan. The size of the Kagura Hall's 'shime-nawa' straw rope will amaze you. All of this adds up to a profound spritual experience for visitors to Akinomiya.