◆Myojin Stone◆
The Myojin Stone is a giant boulder shaped like an ellipsoid, about 2.5 meters in its long axis, 1.8 meters in its short axis, and 1.2 meters tall. No one knows exactly how long it has rested here, but it is thought to have come from the Ina Mountain Range during an ancient flood of the Mibuzawa River.
This rock has long been revered by local people as a mysterious stone that, while easily moved by a child’s strength, does not budge even in major floods. At some unknown point in time it became enclosed by a tamagaki fence and has been regarded as a sacred spot serving as a place for worship of Suwa Taisha from a distance.
The origin of the name is unclear, but it is said to have begun when the deity Suwa Daimyojin was invited from Suwa Taisha and, until the shrine building (Mibuzawa Suwa Shrine) was completed, the sacred object was enshrined on this rock and rituals were performed. Since then, whenever the shrine has been rebuilt or renovated, it has become customary to use this rock as a temporary resting place for the sacred object.
●Details of Myojin Stone
・A request to visitors
Local residents cherish this stone.
When entering among the stones and pushing them, please take care not to break the shimenawa ropes or sakaki decorations.
・Facilities
There are stairs with handrails.
・Toilet
None.
・Parking
None (please use the parking lot in front of nearby Mibuzawa Suwa Shrine).
・Contact
Toyooka Tabijikan (0265-49-3395)
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