Suwa

Suwa occupies a basin in central Shinano, where the lake and surrounding mountains shaped a distinctive religious and agricultural landscape. The Suwa family served as both local lords and priests of the Suwa shrine. In 1542 Takeda Harunobu defeated Suwa Yorishige, bringing the district into the struggles of the Sengoku age.

Takashima Castle was completed in 1598 near Lake Suwa. Suwa Yorimizu received the family's former territory in 1601 and became the first lord of the Takashima domain. The castle town subsequently served as a centre of domain administration.