Japan’s Happiest Prefecture! 5 Powerful Spiritual Sites in Nagano for Blessings

Nagano Prefecture, the fourth largest in Japan by area, is also the most connected, sharing borders with eight other prefectures—the most in the country.

Adding to its prestige, Nagano ranks No.1 in Japan’s prefectural happiness rankings. Symbolizing this happiness, Nagano is also known as the prefecture with the longest life expectancy. After all, longevity and health are some of the greatest forms of happiness! The secret to this long life may lie in the abundance of delicious foods, such as apples, Shinshu soba noodles, and fresh horse meat (basashi).

Nagano is also home to numerous spiritual sites blessed with divine protection. In this article, we introduce five carefully selected power spots—sacred shrines and temples that are said to bring happiness and blessings to visitors.

1. One of Japan’s Most Mysterious and Powerful Spiritual Sites! Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous temples. It is unique as it is non-sectarian, meaning people of all beliefs and backgrounds can visit and pray. Zenkoji is so well-known that it has even inspired the Japanese proverb “Led by an ox to Zenkoji”, which refers to how unexpected encounters or invitations can lead to good fortune.

One of Zenkoji’s famous features is the Hatoji Plaque, where five pigeons are hidden within the kanji characters of Zenkoji. However, the temple’s greatest mystery is its main deity, the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai Statue. Even though the temple’s grand unveiling ceremony occurs once every seven years, no one is ever allowed to see the sacred principal image, making it an absolute hidden Buddha that remains unseen to this day.

Despite this, Zenkoji welcomes everyone, regardless of social status or gender, and promises all believers a peaceful journey to paradise, making it one of Japan’s most powerful spiritual sites.

2. A Spiritual Site with Four Shrines That Must Be Visited Together! Suwa Taisha, the Shrine Without a Main Hall

One of Japan’s oldest shrines, Suwa Taisha in Nagano Prefecture, is famous for the Onbashira Festival, a grand event held every seven years. The shrine complex consists of four separate shrines surrounding Lake Suwa: Kamisha Honmiya, Kamisha Maemiya, Shimosha Harumiya, and Shimosha Akimiya. Unlike most traditional shrines, Suwa Taisha has no main hall, a feature that reflects the ancient way of worship before shrine buildings were introduced, proving its long and rich history.

The Kamisha (Upper Shrines) enshrine Mount Moriya as a sacred object, while Shimosha Harumiya reveres a sacred cedar tree, and Shimosha Akimiya honors a sacred yew tree, making Suwa Taisha a shrine deeply connected with nature worship. As a result, it attracts countless worshippers from all over Japan who seek blessings for abundant harvests, the forces of nature, and the essence of life itself.
Suwa Taisha is also home to many spiritual power spots, including the four-legged gate of Kamisha Honmiya, donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the Kaguraden ceremonial hall. Visiting all four shrines is said to multiply the blessings one receives.

3. Kozenji Temple – A Historic Temple with Moss-Covered Paths, Glowing Moss, and 700-Year-Old Sacred Cedars

Kozenji Temple, located in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture, is a famous ancient temple also known for its beautiful Kozenji Garden, a designated national scenic site. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, this serene temple enshrines the Fudo Myo-o, a secret Buddhist statue, as its main deity. It is also home to Benten-do Hall, the Main Hall, the Sanmon Gate, and a stunning three-story pagoda, all of which are nationally recognized cultural assets.

The temple’s stone pathway is covered with glowing moss, a rare natural phenomenon that fascinates visitors. Walking along this moss-covered path leads to a majestic shrine surrounded by ancient cedar trees. Kozenji is home to 17 sacred cedar trees, each with a trunk circumference of over four meters, with the most famous being the Three Cedars, which are believed to be over 700 years old. These ancient trees are considered the most powerful spiritual spot in the temple.

In addition to its mystical atmosphere, Kozenji Temple also offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, especially in spring when the weeping cherry blossoms bloom magnificently.

4. The Ultimate Power Spot – Ikushima Tarushima Shrine, Where the Land Itself is the Sacred Object

In Shimonogo, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, there exists an undeniably powerful spiritual site known as Ikushima Tarushima Shrine. Its sacred object is none other than the land of Japan itself! With such an immense divine presence, there is no greater power spot than this.

The shrine enshrines two deities: Ikushima Okami, who grants vitality to all living things, and Tarushima Okami, who bestows satisfaction and fulfillment upon all creation. What makes Ikushima Tarushima Shrine truly unique is that the main shrine is built on a small island floating in a pond, known as Ikegokoro-no-Miya—an architectural style believed to date back to ancient shrine traditions.

Additionally, the shrine holds historical significance, with strong ties to warlords and the imperial family. It houses a sub-shrine dedicated to Suwa Shrine, donated by Sanada Nobuyuki, as well as ancient documents such as Takeda Shingen’s prayer records. Another must-visit power spot within the shrine grounds is the majestic 800-year-old keyaki tree, which is believed to bring blessings for marital harmony and safe childbirth.

5. The Super Power Spot of Four Deities – Yohashira Shrine, Where Every Wish Comes True

Located in the heart of Matsumoto City, famous for Matsumoto Castle, Yohashira Shrine is a deeply revered spiritual site. The name "Yohashira" refers to the four enshrined deities: Takamimusubi-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, Amaterasu Omikami, and Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami. Each of these gods represents connections and relationships, making Yohashira Shrine known as “the deity of wish fulfillment”.

Because of this, many visitors from all over Japan come to pray for their desires to come true, whether in relationships, work, or life decisions. It is not just a beloved local shrine but a nationally recognized place of spiritual power.

Every year, from October 1st to 3rd, the Shinto Festival (Shintou-sai) is held, making the shrine a lively gathering place. Locals affectionately refer to it as "Shinto-san." The shrine is located in the central area of Nawate Street, a historical district named after the ropes used to measure the outer moat of Matsumoto Castle, making it an easily accessible and convenient destination for visitors.

◎ Summary

How did you like our selection of five powerful spiritual sites? From Zenkoji Temple and Suwa Taisha, some of Japan’s most famous power spots, you may have even recognized a few of these sacred places!

With towering 3,000-meter-class mountains like Okuhotakadake and Yarigatake, Nagano is often referred to as "the roof of Japan." Since ancient times, people have believed that gods dwell in the mountains, leading to the worship of cliffs, sacred peaks, and shrines dedicated to nature itself. In this sense, one could say that the entire Nagano Prefecture is a massive power spot.

As you walk through the majestic mountains, feel the divine energy of these sacred places, and enjoy the delicious local specialties like Shinshu apples and Ichida persimmons, why not take the time to explore Nagano? Who knows—your lifespan might even be extended by a few years!

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Japan’s Happiest Prefecture! 5 Powerful Spiritual Sites in Nagano for Blessings