【長野ひとり旅】諏訪大社四社まいりと上諏訪温泉１泊２日｜諏訪湖の絶景を望む温泉宿 『湖泉荘』｜40代一人旅

【長野ひとり旅】諏訪大社四社まいりと上諏訪温泉１泊２日｜諏訪湖の絶景を望む温泉宿 『湖泉荘』｜40代一人旅

Good morning^^! This time, I’m heading to Suwa in Nagano Prefecture! First, we’ll head to Chino Station on the Azusa Express. The Azusa Express trains are stopped on both sides of the platform. On the left is the Azusa No. 9, a regular express train departing from Shinjuku at 9:00. The train I’m taking is the one on the right, departing at 9:02. It’s a special train that runs on holidays and during peak seasons. Because it stops at many stations, it arrives about 40 minutes later than regular trains. At the time of booking the day before yesterday, this special train was the only one with available seats… The special trains also filled up quickly afterwards, so we recommend making reservations early on weekends! The ride is a bit long though The ever-changing scenery from the train window meant I never got bored. Well, the main event of this trip is visiting the four Suwa Taisha shrines. Suwa Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of over 10,000 Suwa shrines across the country. There are four shrines around Lake Suwa: Kamisha (Maemiya and Honmiya) and Shimosha (Akimiya and Harumiya). These four shrines are quite far apart, so it is a bit difficult to get around without a car. It is possible to see everything in one day, but I’ll take my time and split it into two days. Today, we will visit Kamisha-Maemiya and Honmiya, located on the south side of Lake Suwa. Staying overnight at Kami-Suwa Onsen ♨ Looking forward to this too ♪ 2 hours and 50 minutes from Shinjuku, we arrived at Chino Station. Let’s go outside the station The first place we head to is Kamisha Maemiya It takes more than 30 minutes to walk Let’s go here by taxi There are no buses to Maemiya, so if you don’t have a car, you’ll have to walk or take a taxi. It took 8 minutes to get to the torii gate of Maemiya Shrine and cost 1,400 yen. Suwa Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The deities worshipped are Takeminakata no Mikoto and his wife, Yasakatome no Mikoto. According to the myth, Takeminakata no Mikoto opposed the transfer of the country and moved from Izumo to Suwa, where he founded the country. Kamisha Maemiya is said to be the birthplace of Suwa faith, where the enshrined deity first settled. This area is called “Kamihara” This was the residence of the Oiwai (highest priest) and was the center of the Kamisha Shrine’s rituals. Beyond the torii gate, two important buildings remain. The main hall is about 200m away. I couldn’t see anything ahead and I was worried… I could see the main hall surrounded by trees. The other three Suwa Taisha shrines do not have a main hall, but only this Maemiya shrine has one. It feels like a shrine surrounded by a sacred forest, and it’s very relaxing. At Suwa Taisha Shrine, the well-known Onbashira (fir tree) pillars from the Onbashira Festival are erected at the four corners of the shrine. At the front shrine, you can see all four pillars up close. The clear stream of “Sui-ga” flows next to the main hall It has been used carefully as water for hand washing and as water offered to the gods. The view from the main hall is also beautiful… The view of the town of Chino and the majestic Yatsugatake mountain range is magnificent. Lord Suwa chose this sunny, high, water-rich location. I see… Along the way, there are shops where you can enjoy soba noodles and sweets. There was also a nicely maintained park. The shrine had a mysterious atmosphere and was very beautiful. After this, we head to Kamisha Honmiya. It’s about a 20-minute walk. On the way, we stopped off at the Jinchokan Moriya Museum, located halfway between the Kamisha and Honmiya shrines. The Moriya family, who have lived in this area for a long time, have served as the chief priest of Suwa Taisha for generations. This is a museum that stores and displays the historical documents that the Moriya family has been preserving. I wanted to see the architecture more than the historical documents… The building was designed by Terunobu Fujimori, an architect and architectural historian who was born and raised in the village. It’s a building like nothing I’ve ever seen before… The design was chosen to express the Moriya family’s history dating back to the Jomon period without disrupting the surrounding environment. The four trees sticking out from the roof are reminiscent of Onbashira pillars. Admission is 100 yen The exhibition room features a replica of the important festival of the Upper Suwa Shrine, the Oto Festival. It was a Shinto ritual to express gratitude for bountiful harvests and hunting. There is a unique building created by Fujimori nearby, so let’s go see it. There are three tea houses in the quiet fields behind the Moriya family home. When we think of a teahouse, we imagine something like this, but when Fujimori designs one… A teahouse 6 meters above ground. After designing a teahouse for former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa, he wanted to build one himself, so he created it. If there are “tall” teahouses, there are also “low” teahouses. A pit-style teahouse carved into the slope. The roof can be opened or closed with a sliding mechanism. Flying Mud Boat A teahouse suspended by four wires about 3m above the ground. It’s very sturdy and can even carry 10 people. Put the ladder here to get in A playful and free-thinking approach, it’s wonderful… All of the properties are personally owned by Fujimori, and he sometimes spends time there with friends or by himself. We have come close to the Kamisha headquarters. We’ll have lunch here! Nepalese cuisine restaurant Rice is in the center, surrounded by curry, bean soup, and eight kinds of side dishes. There are many other sets available There was also an explanation of how to eat it. It has a nice spice smell! The side dishes were fun and delicious, with a variety of options including spicy and sour. You can pour it over rice little by little, or you can mix it all together and eat it. This crispy one was also delicious. Apparently it can also be chopped up, mixed and eaten. The chai was also delicious! A stylishly renovated old house I was able to have a relaxing lunch in a calm atmosphere ☺️ Next, we went to Honmiya. It is a few minutes walk from Spicecafe Ananda. There are two paths to the main shrine: the north path and the east path. This is the torii gate on the east approach to the shrine. The main shrine has the most remaining buildings of the four shrines. Behind it is a long corridor, next to which stands the Nino-Mibashira. This is the place of worship. The worship hall is at the back. This is the torii gate on the north approach to the shrine. Once you pass through the torii gate, you will find a rare hot spring chozuya (purification fountain) It’s pretty hot ♨ Unfortunately, when I visited, some of the buildings were under preservation and repair work and could not be seen… I was overwhelmed by the large grounds surrounded by large trees and the many historic buildings. The north approach to the shrine is bustling with souvenir shops and restaurants. Take the bus to Kami-Suwa Station The bus arrived about 10 minutes late. The fare is 150 yen per ride. Pay when you get off. The bus to Kami-Suwa Station takes a long time because it is a circular bus. There are very few trains, so it’s a good idea to check the timetable in advance. After about an hour’s ride, you’ll arrive at Kami-Suwa Station (it’s about 20 minutes by car). It takes time, but I’m grateful there’s a bus! Let’s head to the inn where we’ll be staying tonight. There is a big supermarket called “Tsuruya” in front of the station. I remember being taken care of by it in Azumino. I have fond memories of it. Let’s take a slight detour and walk along the road alongside Lake Suwa! Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Shinshu There are iron art pieces on the lakeside There was also a foot bath. This is the Geyser Center Although there is no high level of water currently being released, hot springs are still gushing forth. It’s a peaceful view The shores of Lake Suwa are very well maintained. The lodging came into view. A 6-story hot spring inn with hot springs that flow directly from the source. “Kosenso” I’ll be staying here today An elegant and calming lobby Free coffee, mineral water, and quince juice are available in the lobby. The quince juice was very delicious! The room is on the 5th floor It’s a nice atmosphere! This is the room. ＼OPEN／ 6 tatami Japanese-style room + wide veranda It’s just the right size for one person. I feel at ease here. There is a sink and a refrigerator on the veranda. On the table is a guide to the inn, a tea set, sweets, etc. The facilities were adequate and very clean throughout. The humidifier function is a blessing during this time of year. Yukata and towels in the closet No bath, but toilet The view from the room is not a Lake Suwa view, This is the Chuo Line view. There is a balcony and it feels open. Let’s go up to the 6th floor, one of the highlights of this inn! On the 6th floor there is a large public bath, There is an observation terrace It was just dusk, and the view was amazing!! Panoramic view of Lake Suwa The view on the opposite side of Lake Suwa. It’s beautiful, dyed in the sunset. It was an open and comfortable space, very relaxing☺️ Let’s go out to eat dinner! Watching the sunset as we head to our destination… This is the izakaya I visited. Local sake that I wanted to try when I came to Suwa♪ And order snacks After much deliberation, I decided on the sake after consulting with the staff at the store! The fatty Shinshu salmon pairs perfectly with grated daikon radish and ponzu sauce. The plump fried smelt is also delicious. “Karakuchi Taichi” is refreshing and dry and easy to drink! It goes well with the food. There is a rice set on the menu, so I thought it would be nice to have a set meal… There was sushi, which I love. I ordered this! It was a blissful time with delicious drinks and food…♡ Return to the inn… Enjoy the hot springs ♪ A spacious indoor bath overlooking Lake Suwa. The slightly hot water felt great! Although we didn’t use it this time, there is also a private semi-open-air bath (45 minutes: 2,200 yen) Cold barley tea provided The hot spring is quite hot, so cold barley tea is delicious. I came to the observation terrace to cool off. The night view and starry sky were so beautiful. The next morning, we went to the terrace again to cool off after the hot spring. The fresh morning air feels good Breakfast is served in the restaurant. A balanced Japanese set meal Pork soup with plenty of ingredients Homemade tofu, yogurt made with quince syrup, etc. Products made using local vegetables and ingredients A healthy and wholesome breakfast, very delicious☺️ 8:40 Departure! Today I will be visiting the Spring and Autumn Shrines of Suwa Taisha Shrine. Walk along the lakeside road to Kami-Suwa Station Lake Suwa in the morning has a different color than in the evening What a refreshing morning… You can go around Lake Suwa on a sightseeing boat. I didn’t have time to ride it this time, but I’d definitely like to ride it next time. The nearest station to Suwa Taisha Shimosha is Shimo-Suwa Station Take the local train to Shimo-Suwa Station There is a foot bath on the platform at Kami-Suwa Station. The hot spring water flows directly from the tap. I also got some delicious water! It’s a very unique station. Departure from Kami-Suwa at 9:22 → Arrival at Shimo-Suwa at 9:27 First, head to Shimosha Harumiya I went to the tourist information center in front of the station to ask where the bus stop is. He gave me a tourist map and recommended spots. The bus stop is right next to the tourist information center. It takes 20 minutes to walk from the station to Shimosha Harumiya, but it’s easier to take the bus (^^; Before going to Harumiya Shrine, we will go to the Manji Stone Buddhas! Follow the refreshing riverside path A very beautiful river. It is called Togawa. After a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop, I could see it. I felt warm and fuzzy seeing his adorable appearance ^^ Apparently there is a certain etiquette for praying, and since there were quite a few people there I felt a bit embarrassed and couldn’t do it… I came to Shimosha Harumiya Shrine. The Shimosha Shrine has two shrines, the Spring Shrine and the Autumn Shrine, but it is said that the Spring Shrine was the first to be enshrined. Once you pass through the torii gate, you will see the Kagura Hall in front of you. The current building was renovated in 1936. There is a magnificent shrine building behind the Kagura Hall. The building in the center is the “Heihaiden” and the two on the left and right are the “Katahaiden” Like the Kamisha, this shrine is built in the “Suwa-style” style and does not have a main hall. The sacred tree of Harumiya, an old cedar tree, is located at the back. It was built in 1780. Shimosha Harumiya, which is completely different from the Kamisha Maemiya and the Honmiya This cedar tree is called “musubi no cedar,” because it splits into two at the top and comes together at the base. The zelkova tree at the entrance was also magnificent. Just before Harumiya, there is a historic building in the middle of the road. It is called “Gebabashi” and is the oldest bridge in the Shimosha Shrine dating back to the Muromachi period. It is said that people of high social standing would dismount from their horses or palanquins in front of this bridge to pay their respects. Twice a year, during the Enthronement Ceremony and the Ofune Festival, the portable shrine carrying the sacred spirit passes through here. After this, we went to Shimosha Akimiya, the last of the four Suwa Taisha Shrine visits. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Harumiya. On the way, we stopped at a temple near the palace. Jionji Temple, which the tourist information center recommended to us: “You should definitely go!” A cedar-lined path and moss-covered stone pavement Behind it stands the stately mountain gate. Late Edo period architecture Jionji Temple is one of the oldest Zen temples in the prefecture, founded by the Kanesashi family, the chief priest of the Shimosha Shrine, during the Kamakura period. The Tenkeimatsu pine is a natural monument of Shimosuwa Town. You can see beautiful cherry blossoms The dry landscape garden was so beautiful! I visited Shimo-Suwa six years ago, but I didn’t know about Jionji Temple. I’m grateful to the tourist information center for letting me know about this wonderful temple. Head to Shimosha Akimiya From National Route 142 leading to Shimosha Akimiya, you can see a beautiful view of Lake Suwa in the distance. It is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot called “Hanami Shindo”. This is Shimosha Akimiya The approach to the shrine is longer than that of Harumiya Shrine. The grounds are also spacious. Part of the grounds was under construction The large shimenawa is approximately 13m long and weighs an estimated 500kg. The 1.7m tall “komainu” guardian lion in front of the Kagura Hall is the largest bronze statue in Japan. It feels more impressive than the Kagura Hall at Harumiya. Behind the Kagura Hall you can see a shrine building similar to Harumiya. The “Heihaiden” was built in 1781, and on the left and right are the two haiden. The Spring Palace and the Autumn Palace are said to have been built from the same blueprint, and although their sizes differ slightly, they have the same structure. Each shrine was built by carpenters from two different schools, and it is said that they competed in carving their shrines. At first glance, you can’t tell the difference…! At Akimiya, you can see the shrine from the side. You can catch a glimpse of the treasure hall at the back of the worship hall. Behind that is the sacred old yew tree. The Imperial White Pine is native to mainland China and is a rare tree throughout Japan. This concludes the visit to the four Suwa Taisha shrines. Each shrine has its own unique character and atmosphere, making it an enjoyable visit to all four shrines. Now, let’s go to eat lunch. 1 minute walk from Akimiya Lunch menu featuring local Shinshu cuisine Two types of grilled rice balls with miso and soy sauce The soup is Shinshu Noppei soup. The ingredients are green vegetables, ganmo (meat), carrots, daikon (radish), konjac, and kelp. Noppei soup is a type of soup that was served to feudal lords during the Edo period. For an additional 50 yen, I asked for seasonal “Fuki miso” Both the rice and the miso paste are delicious… The slightly bitter taste of the fuki miso is irresistible…! It makes me want some sake (^^; Noppei soup has a nice aroma of dashi stock. It was clear that each dish was carefully prepared. The soy sauce version is fragrant on the outside and moist on the inside. The soy sauce flavor is also good. Dessert is “Sweet sake sweet red bean soup with shiratama” The rice flour dumplings were so soft they melted in your mouth. A gentle, delicious treat that will warm your body♡ I was also healed by the lovely interior and the kindness of the shop staff… While enjoying the afterglow of a delicious lunch, we walked towards Lake Suwa… Before going home, I decided to see Lake Suwa one more time, so I came to the Shimo-Suwa side of the lake. Apparently there is a spot on the lake where you can see Mt. Fuji… This is the best view point of Lake Suwa and Mt. Fuji, one of the “100 Views of Mt. Fuji in Kanto” If the weather is good and the air is clear, you can see the beautiful Mt. Fuji clearly. This is Mizube Park. It’s a 20-minute walk from Shimo-Suwa Station. The wind is very strong and the waves are like the ocean. The scenery is different from that of the Kami-Suwa side. A short walk around the lake… End your trip at the Harmo Museum Let’s go see the paintings of our favorite Henri Rousseau The beautifully designed building has a cafe with a great view. You can see the beautiful Lake Suwa from the balcony on the second floor. Return to Shimo-Suwa Station on foot… I’m so sad I want to stay one more night, but let’s go back to Tokyo. Take the local train to Kami-Suwa Station… From Kami-Suwa, take the “Azusa Express” to Shinjuku This trip was also a very memorable one ☺️ Suwa was a great place… Thank you for watching！ Like, comment, and subscribe 
for more of my solo travels across Japan. 
See you in the next video!

諏訪大社四社まいりをメインに長野県の諏訪を旅しました。
四社まいりの順番に決まりはないとのことで、車なしでも回りやすい順で巡りました。
四社それぞれ魅力がありましたが、個人的に上社前宮が一番好きでした。あまり観光地化されていないからか、とても神聖な雰囲気が漂っていました。

神社の他にも魅力いっぱいの諏訪を満喫！
出発前は美味しいお蕎麦とうなぎを食べようと意気込んでいましたが、帰る前にどちらも食べなかったと気付き…💦
ただ、ランチや夕食で伺ったお店ではどこも大変美味しく、大満足です♪

宿泊した温泉宿「湖泉荘」は清潔＆十分な設備とサービスで、スタッフの皆さん明るく朗らかで感じ良く、こちらも大満足の”初”上諏訪温泉となりました^^
朝食会場も、一人客と家族連れなどで部屋が分かれており、さらにテーブル間に仕切りがあったので、周りに気兼ねなくくつろいで食事できました。
宿泊料は、１泊朝食付き8,800円。
琵琶湖ビューではないお部屋でしたが、設備やサービスを考えるととてもお安く泊まれたなぁという印象です。
駅から徒歩15分と、少し距離がありますが、送迎も行っているようなので公式サイトなどで確認してみてください。
（2025年3月下旬）

▼ こちらもおすすめです ▼
💡動画設定で日本語字幕をオンにしてご覧ください
https://youtu.be/MEOP3PJBBUU

https://youtu.be/DzsaKJp-nnc?si=S1E1JMjZf_AkxvrO
＊東京にも歴史ある神社仏閣が多く残されています。

https://youtu.be/30yBFozXpoc?si=1GxYWiDxgRYq0zLD

+‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

kanatabiでは、一人旅を通して各地の魅力を発信しています。
動画を気に入っていただけましたら、チャンネル登録よろしくお願いします！
おススメの絶景スポットなど、コメントいただけるとうれしいです😊
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEdlFmdhV1ml6Q4zC5DodGQ?sub_confirmation=1

+‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

《宿泊》

湖泉荘
長野県諏訪市湖岸通り１丁目１３−８
https://www.kosensou.com/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QYnF1KkfucVBh4NV7

▼Yahoo!トラベル【PR】
https://px.a8.net/svt/ejp?a8mat=3ZFJ89+EPADKI+4ZCO+60WN6

+‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

《観光情報》

・諏訪大社

TOP

上社前宮
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MKaYxh9Z3omzEb7U7

上社本宮
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ReYoByH2xPY9QyTL9

下社春宮
https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9xHvbkonh5e2tJCA

下社秋宮
https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5gd6yvt7jH9S5un7

・神長官 守矢史料館
長野県茅野市宮川３８９−１
https://www.city.chino.lg.jp/soshiki/bunkazai/1639.html
https://maps.app.goo.gl/98kqu5aczuisTK4m8

・万治の石仏
長野県諏訪郡下諏訪町社１３３
https://www.town.shimosuwa.lg.jp/www/contents/1001000000750/index.html
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r5dhnFaq7u1By81v5

・慈雲寺
長野県諏訪郡下諏訪町東町中６０６
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qTjqD5qzP4fL2gsK6

・ハーモ美術館
http://www.harmo-museum.jp/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xJkV8r8KKcuZQTD16

+‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

《バス情報》

・諏訪大社 上社本宮～上諏訪駅
https://www.suwakanko.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/d24fed5c34f8e59a7e72b63fa6ab010e.pdf

・下諏訪
https://www.town.shimosuwa.lg.jp/www/contents/1001000000461/simple/akasuna.pdf
https://www.town.shimosuwa.lg.jp/www/contents/1001000000461/simple/hagihoshi.pdf

+‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

《お店情報》

・spicecafe ananda（1日目ランチ）
長野県諏訪市中洲神宮寺７６７−１
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wYKA8FZtmEDg2tHV7

・旨いもんや 和かし（１日目夕食）
長野県諏訪市湖岸通り３丁目５−９
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2ADoT3Vk65DSWdo8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

・二十四節氣 神楽（2日目ランチ）
長野県諏訪郡下諏訪町立町３５７１
https://24sekki-kagra.com/
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ik7Qd438YshmMNGE6

+‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥

〈音楽〉
DOVA-SYNDROME

#一人旅　#長野　#諏訪　#諏訪大社