The diverse collection of komainu (guardian lion-dogs) with fun legends behind them was a pleasant surprise.
Visited at night and it was so peaceful. The stairs up are a bit long, but totally worth it for the calm atmosphere and beautiful city lights at the top. A perfect spot for a quiet moment in Nagasaki.
Suwa Taisha consists of four main shrine complexes, including the Kamisha (upper shrine group) with its Honmiya and Maemiya shrines, among others, located in different parts of the region around Lake Suwa.
Yes, upon climbing 277 steps to reach the Suwa sanctuary in Nagasaki, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular view of the entire city of Nagasaki.
Yes, there are hotels near Suwa Shrine, including Station Hotel Nagasaki Suwa and Aloha Cafe, providing convenient accommodation options for visitors.
Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki is one of the major locations for the Nagasaki Kunchi, an annual festival that features a blend of Chinese and Dutch cultural influences, reflecting the city's unique historical connections.
Worth all the steps up to the shrine and temple. The steps can be a bit rocky so be careful. Once you’ve made it to the top it’s a great view of the city. You can walk around the temple but can’t go in. Don’t forget to walk around the side and back where you will find the torii gates and it’s a great photo opportunity.
There’s toilets and vending machines off to right at the main temple. You can access the park from here too.
This was the only shrine in Nagasaki where I received a goshuin, which cost around ¥500.
It was drizzling when we visited, making the stairs slippery and uneven, so be sure to hold on to the handrails. The climb up is quite long, but reaching the shrine and offering a prayer made it all worth it.
Visited in the last week of September.
A beautiful and peaceful shrine, perfect for those looking to experience a spiritual and cultural site in the city. With no entrance fee and fewer crowds during the weekdays, it offers a quiet and reflective atmosphere.
The temple grounds are well maintained, featuring traditional architecture, sacred monuments, and a serene ambiance. As an important Shinto shrine, it holds deep historical and cultural significance.
A great place to explore, appreciate Japan’s spiritual heritage, and enjoy a moment of tranquility 🧘away from the city's busy streets.
We visited Suwa Shrine 諏訪神社 in October. This is a sprawling Shinto shrine located a top a very long set of stairs.
During our visit, they were setting up for a festival so there were plenty of workers climbing up and down the stairs. It was super hot on this day which made the climb up the stairs a bit tiring.
One you get up the main steps, there's plenty of things to look at and you can also walk to other nearby shrines in the area.
