Jinchokan Moriya Historical Museum was built in 1991 for the preservation and display of the over 1600 documents collected by the Moriya family over the centuries.

The Moriya family is an influential household whose members have played a fundamental role in Suwa religious scene for generations. First shamanic figures who acted as intermediaries with the Spirit of Nature Mishaguchi, later high rank priests known as jinchokan who performed sacred rituals for Suwa Grand Shrine, they were held in high consideration by great warriors and noblemen alike.

Despite its small unassuming size, the museum is home to some extremely old historical texts dating as far back as the 11th century. At the entrance an impactful exhibition portrays the festival of heads (Ontosai), a primeval ritual where 70 severed deer heads are offered in sacrifice to the god.

The building itself is extremely interesting from an architectural and artistic point of view. The style of the museum designed by the local architect Fujimori Terunobu is neither modern nor classic, but has a unique taste you cannot quite place.
Inspired by the animism still practiced in Suwa, the architect uses natural materials such as wood, earth and stone whenever possible to create a sense of harmony with nature. In the decorative elements you can also find many mentions to local culture and geography such as the four tree trunks that adorn the entrance, a tribute to the traditional onbashira pillars which mark Suwa shrines.

A couple of minutes’ walk away you will find three curious teahouses created by the same architect. *The teahouses are private property and entrance is permitted only during certain tours and events.