Harumiya is part of Suwa Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrine complexes comprising four separate shrines around Lake Suwa. Unlike typical Shinto shrines, Suwa Taisha has no main sanctuary building (honden) and instead features worship halls. Harumiya also participates in a unique seasonal deity rotation, with the Senzasai ceremony on August 1st marking when the deity moves to the sister shrine Akimiya for autumn and winter.
The shrine is approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Shimo-Suwa Station. Free parking is available if you're traveling by car. While public transportation is accessible, visiting all four Suwa Taisha shrines is more convenient by car as they are spread around Lake Suwa.
If time permits, visiting all four shrines provides a complete understanding of this important shrine complex. Each shrine has its own character and historical significance. Visitors who collect red ink stamps (goshuin) at all four locations can receive a commemorative memento. The experience showcases the unique structure of Suwa Taisha as Japan's head shrine for over 10,000 Suwa shrines nationwide.
Key features include the heihaiden and katahaiden worship halls, which are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. The shrine also has a large granite torii gate and a sacred Japanese cedar tree. The riverside location along the historic Nakasendo Road provides a peaceful atmosphere for exploring the traditional architecture and spiritual setting.
