The Great Camphor of Tamazono Inari

Suwa Shrine is the chief shrine of Nagasaki City. Deep in its broad grounds, standing quietly at the very back, is the embracing great camphor of Tamazono Inari Shrine. Known to those in the know as a power spot, it draws a steady stream of quiet visitors. The tree was already growing here when Tamazono Inari was founded, and it has weathered the seasons for centuries alongside the Inari deity.

It is said that by laying your hands on the trunk and embracing it, you receive strong life force together with the power of the Inari deity. Away from the bustle, joining your hands quietly before this aged giant, you can feel your mind grow calm.

Highlights

• The embracing great camphor of Tamazono Inari, marked by centuries of weather
• A particularly quiet inner sanctuary within the vast grounds of Suwa Shrine
• The approach to Tamazono Inari, lined with vermilion torii gates
• The strong life force of the Inari deity felt when you embrace the giant tree

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh green season young leaves grow lush, and the life force of the camphor feels especially strong. Summer brings cool shade, and autumn brings clear, quiet air. In winter, with few visitors, a special time flows in which you can face the great tree in stillness.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kaminishiyama, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, within the grounds of Suwa Shrine
• Access: From in front of Nagasaki Station, take the Nagasaki Electric Tramway toward Hotarujaya and get off at the Suwa Jinja stop, right by the shrine. From the stop it is about five to ten minutes up the stone steps to the camphor
• It stands before Tamazono Inari at the very back of the Suwa Shrine grounds
• No admission fee. The precinct is open for worship
• Visiting together with Suwa Shrine is recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Late spring and early summer, when young leaves are lush, is when the camphor life force feels strongest. On a quiet weekday morning you can savor the vermilion torii and the giant tree in peace.
• Avoiding crowds: During Kunchi and the New Year, when Suwa Shrine is busy, relatively few people make it all the way to the camphor at the back. Even so, weekdays are best for a calm visit.
• Time needed: About twenty to thirty minutes for the camphor and Tamazono Inari alone, or around an hour if you also visit the Suwa Shrine main hall.
• Nearby real spots: Besides Suwa Shrine in the same grounds, Meganebashi Spectacles Bridge and the Chinese temples of Kofukuji and Sofukuji are reachable on foot or by tram.
• Budget feel: Worship is free. The tram is handy for city sightseeing, and a one day pass pays off on days with many hops on and off.

A Quick Tip

The grounds have many stone steps, so wear shoes you can walk in easily. The camphor stands at the very back of the Suwa Shrine grounds, so follow the signs toward Tamazono Inari. Suwa Shrine has many highlights, including guardian figures tied to prayers, so take your time to explore.

📚 Sources

The information about the great camphor tree of Tamazono Inari Shrine was compiled by our editorial team from Nagasaki City tourism information, guidance on Chinzei Taisha Suwa Shrine, and interpretive signs on the grounds. The account of the great camphor, the sacred tree of Tamazono Inari Shrine standing deep within the broad grounds of Suwa Shrine, follows these public references. Because worship hours may change with the operations of Suwa Shrine, please confirm the latest information from Nagasaki City or the shrine before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to view the grounds of Suwa Shrine and reach the great camphor.
• What to prepare: You walk stone steps and the grounds, so comfortable shoes make the visit pleasant.
• Getting around: It is within the grounds of Suwa Shrine, so you can walk there together with worshipping at the shrine.
• Worship manners: As a sacred tree, take care not to touch the trunk or roots and worship quietly.