The shrine sits beside the Togawa River and features a sacred Japanese cedar tree, blending so gradually into residential Shimosuwa streets that visitors say it 'emerges from ordinary town' rather than announcing itself.

Almost no historical documents from the Lower Shrine (which includes Harumiya) survived through the centuries. Nearly all records about Suwa Taisha come from the Upper Shrine across the lake.

Harumiya means 'Spring Shrine' because the deity traditionally resides here from February to July, then moves to nearby Akimiya (Autumn Shrine) for the rest of the year in a seasonal ritual unique to Suwa Taisha.

During the Edo Period, Shimosuwa became the most important post town along the entire 69-station Nakasendo highway because it was the only stop with natural hot springs and sat next to Suwa Taisha.