Okkoto Suwa jinja

A Shrine Without a Main Hall, Rare in Shrine Architectural History
Suwa Shrine in the Okkoto district of Fujimi Town was established as a shrine without a main hall, which is very rare in the history of shrine architecture.
It was enshrined in the late Edo period, originally having both an upper and lower shrine.
After the upper shrine was lost after World War II, the main hall of the lower shrine was merged with the upper shrine, forming its current structure.

The heiden and main hall are surrounded by a fence, preventing close viewing but allowing observation of the detailed carvings.
The haiden has verandas with railings on three sides, and includes intricate carvings on the head, tie beams, and frog-leg struts, as well as decorative rafter ends.

The ceiling inside features a folding lattice structure.
The shrine is noted for its detailed carvings, with the vividness of the carvings standing out more than the colors of the lacquer and vermilion paint.

The heiden floor is raised higher than the haiden, with verandas extending from the front and back gable gates, and side doors installed.
The heiden features cylindrical columns with intricate carvings on the floral-latticed doors and surrounding walls.

The main hall stands behind the heiden within a covered structure.
The main hall, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons on the beams and gable ends, leaves a striking impression in the sunlight.