nagano
With Lake Suwa nearby, Suwa Taisha’s four main shrines have been standing amongst the forests and in veneration of Mount Moriya for over a millennium. For a trek through some of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, earmark a day for a pilgrimage in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As with many shrines in Japan, the origins of Suwa Taisha are murky. Although it has the honor of being mentioned in Japan’s oldest historical texts from the eighth century, how far its roots stretch back is unknown. According to legend, Maemiya Shrine was the first of the four shrines to be founded by Takeminakata, a deity...
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Shirahone Onsen is located in the quiet and peaceful Chubusangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture. This hot spring resort in the northern Japanese Alps may be small, but its unique milky waters rich in calcium and magnesium and beautiful scenery are worth a special trip. While the village of Shirahone has a four centuries-long history, it is thought that the hot springs have been in use since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Because of the special milky-white waters, villagers in the area noticed that the hot springs were effective at treating ailments, such as sore muscles. By the mid-nine...
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On the edge of a woodsy Nagano Prefecture road, the Picchio Wildlife Research Center team held the perimeter and yelled instructions. A young college intern yanked on a rope tied to a metallic, drum-like container, and, suddenly, a 55-kilogram Japanese black bear bolted from its door. Another team member shot a projectile skyward. It thunderously exploded in a smoky cloud. The startled bear dashed through the thick green foliage and disappeared down a steep valley. A fearless black-and-white Karelian Bear Dog and her handler trailed after it to confirm the escape. Fortunately, since the bear w...
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Beyond the bustling shops, through the statuesque main gate, and past the veil of fragrant incense, Zenko-ji Temple is a major attraction in Nagano Prefecture. The first Buddha Statue in JapanWithin this national treasure, carefully hidden from sight, an invaluable artifact awaits. The rare hibutsu (secret Buddha) is believed to be the first Buddha statue to have entered Japan. From generations of high priests to the Emperor himself, no one has looked at the hibutsu for centuries and that strict tradition continues even today. The closest you can get to the hibutsu is under it through the pass...
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