大宮諏訪神社
Oaza Nakato, Miyano-yu, Nakaya, Otari Village, Kitaazumi District
A Shrine Known for the Nu Festival
in a Mountain Village
Ōmiya Suwa Shrine is located in Nakaya, Otari Village, in northern Chushin, Nagano Prefecture. Near Otari Onsen, it is surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters tall, such as Mt. Amakazari and Mt. Tenguhara.
Though a quiet shrine in a mountain village, it is known for the "Nu Dance" during its annual festival in late August. This dance, performed by 12 people in a circle, is unique in that its lyrics are kept secret until the day of the festival.
The shrine is located on a slope within the Nakaya district. Access is challenging due to narrow roads. Nestled among tall trees, the shrine is serene, with only the sound of the wind rustling the leaves. The unadorned main hall, with white walls and a red metal roof, is reached by climbing a few stone steps.
The main hall, a prefectural treasure built in 1619 by master carpenter Kanbara Suwō-no-kami Kanemasa, is enclosed in a protective building and not visible from outside. It is a valuable example of regional architecture from this period.
| Location | Oaza Nakato, Miyano-yu, Nakaya, Otari Village, Kitaazumi District |
|---|---|
| Website | http://nakaya24.sakura.ne.jp |
| Deities | Takeminakata-no-mikoto, Yasakatome-no-mikoto |
| Main Hall | Prefectural Treasure Built in Genwa 5 (1619) |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | Kanbara Suwō-no-kami Kanemasa |
| Architectural Style | One-bay Nagare-zukuri with Shingle Roof |