Suwa-jinja Shrine in Hajikano, one of 127 Shwa-jinja Shrines in Yamanashi Prefecture, enshrines Takeminakata no Mikoto. The main hall was rebuilt in 1793 by Tuchihashi Fumizo, a member of the Shimoyama Carpenters’ Association. It features detailed carvings of rising and descending dragons and other birds and beasts, and is designated a cultural property of Yamanashi Prefecture.
The sacred white-bark magnolia tree standing behind the main hall is believed to be well over two thousand years old. It is thought to have germinated from the tree that was used to make a cane for a legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, Yamato Takeru. People have believed from the ancient times that caring for this sacred tree prevents disasters.
The shrine was once home to a cedar tree called the Large Cedar Tree of Hajikano, which was one of three big cedars on the Koshu-kaido Road along with the Yatate Cedar at Sasago Pass and the Large Cedar of Hashidate at Kaina-jinja Shrine in Ichinomiya. Vibration and smoke from the steam locomotives running along the railway near the shrine destroyed it. Only a stump remains now.
The sacred white-bark magnolia tree standing behind the main hall is believed to be well over two thousand years old. It is thought to have germinated from the tree that was used to make a cane for a legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, Yamato Takeru. People have believed from the ancient times that caring for this sacred tree prevents disasters.
The shrine was once home to a cedar tree called the Large Cedar Tree of Hajikano, which was one of three big cedars on the Koshu-kaido Road along with the Yatate Cedar at Sasago Pass and the Large Cedar of Hashidate at Kaina-jinja Shrine in Ichinomiya. Vibration and smoke from the steam locomotives running along the railway near the shrine destroyed it. Only a stump remains now.