【STORY】

The Suwa-Taisha shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, was established on the foundation of a natural faith that originated with people during the Jomon period (From about 1300 to 2300 years ago) and their connection to nature. It served as a place for dialogue with various gods within nature, including prayers for abundant harvests, victory in battles, and the prosperity of descendants. Means such as drums have been used for this dialogue over the years.

In particular, the Osuwa Daiko (Japanese drum), which has a rich history and culture in this region, evolved from the Kagura (sacred dance) offered to the Suwa-Taisha shrine and became a cultural art form that pioneered and developed the style of contemporary ensemble drumming. Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, a bearer of this tradition, will guide you to two representative shrines and temples in the region, allowing you to experience the history and stories of this region, which have overcome political challenges, while immersing yourself in the worldview of the Suwa faith.

Finally, there will be a dedication performance of the Osuwa Daiko to the Suwa Daimyojin, the deity of Suwa-Taisha, where gods and buddhas coexist. Deepen your appreciation for this region through this reenactment of the communication that humans originally had with nature and the understanding of the local culture and natural faith.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Explore Suwa-Taisha shrine, considered one of the oldest shrines in the country, and Buppou-syoryuji Temple with a guide to discover the world of natural faith.
  
• Experience the essence of natural faith up close through a special "dedication performance of Osuwa Daiko" at Buppou-syoryuji Temple.
  
• Engage in an exchange with Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, the guardian of Osuwa Daiko, who played a pivotal role in shaping today's Japanese drumming culture, and hear about his passion for the drums.
  

【PRICES】

162,500 yen (tax included) for 1~2 person/group
166,250 yen (tax included) for 3 persons/group
170,000 yen (tax included) for 4 persons/group
190,000 yen (tax included) for 5 persons/group
193,750 yen (tax included) for 6 persons/group
197,500 yen (tax included) for 7 persons/group
201,250 yen (tax included) for 8 persons/group
205,000 yen (tax included) for 9 persons/group

【SCHEDULE】

[14:00] Meeting at Chino Station West Exit
・After registration, we will take a taxi to Suwa-Taisha Upper Shrine Main Hall.

[14:30] Suwa-Taisha Upper Shrine Main Hall
・First, we will explore Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine Main Hall with guidance from Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto.
・You will gain an understanding of the unique concept of natural faith through discussions about the history of the Suwa-Taisha shrine, its architecture, and the Onbashira Festival.

[15:30] hen, we will travel by taxi to Buppou-syoryuji Temple.

[16:00] Buppou-syoryuji Temple
・Buppou-syoryuji Temple has a strong connection with the Suwa-Taisha shrine, as it inherited and protected the essence, when the shrine's associated temple was destroyed during anti-Buddhist movements.
・We will provide insights into the connections and background that go beyond the shrines and temples.

[16:40] Buppou-syoryuji Temple
・At Buppou-syoryuji Temple, we will specially present a dedication performance with the Osuwa Daiko (Japanese drum) in front of the revered Suwa Daimyojin.
・The climax will include a special prayer by the head priest, where we will collectively send our wishes to the Gods and Buddhas.
・Through hands-on drumming experiences and interactions with Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, we invite you to truly experience the spirituality of the people who pass down the culture in this region.

[17:30] Taxi Transfer (Return to Chino Station)

[18:00] Arrival at Chino Station, concluding the tour.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：4 hours
• Meeting point：JR Chino Station Ticket Gate Exit (there is only one ticket gate)   [MAP]
  1-1 Tsukahara, Chino-shi, Nagano, 391-0001
  
• Access：
  ・From Shinjuku, it takes approximately 2 hours by Limited Express Azusa
  ・From Nagoya, it takes about 2 hours to get to Shiojiri, and approximately 30 minutes on the Chuo Main Line at Shiojiri
  ・From Matsumoto Station, it takes approximately 30 minutes by Limited Express Azusa
• Minimum number of participants：1 people
• Tour conductor for 24 hours：Yes（English Interpreter Guide）
  
• Accompanying National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter or Local Licensed Guide Interpreter：No
• Language support：Japanese, English（English Interpreter Guide）
  *If you do not need an English interpreter-guide, the price will be different.
   Please make a reservation here.
  
• Meals (included in a tour fee)：No
• Included：
  ・Taxi fee
  （Gathering at the station ⇨ Suwa Taisha Kamisha Hongu(main shrine) ⇨ Buppou-syoryuji Temple ⇨ Dissolution at the station）
  ・Guide fee
  ・English Interpreter Guide fee
  ・Performance experience fee
  ・Buppou-syoryuji Temple prayers and Ohuda(amulet) fee
• Excluded：
  ・Purchase Omamori (amulets) at Suwa-Taisha Shrine and Buppou-syoryuji Temple
• Clothes：From November to March, it gets very cold so a jacket is required.
• Special support：Infants are required to sit on laps.
• Other things to note：Please come to the meeting point by 13:55.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)

【TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS】

Before booking the tour, please confirm the Tour Terms & Conditions and save the document.
Check [TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS]（Japanese）

【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg. 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

10 to 8 days before the departure date of the tour　20%
7 to 2 days before the departure date of the tour　30%
The day before the departure date of the tour　40%
On the day of the departure date of the tour　50%
After the tour departed, No show　100%