Enchanting Night Views! Introducing 16 Recommended Tourist Spots in Suwa

Suwa, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Nagano and home to the large Suwa Lake, is a scenic tourist destination often referred to as the "Switzerland of the East." Located about 2.5 hours by car from both Tokyo and Nagoya, Suwa Lake is perfect for a weekend getaway. It captivates visitors with its seasonal natural beauty, including Suwa Lake, Kirigamine Highlands, and Suwa Taisha, Japan’s oldest and most powerful spiritual site. Additionally, Suwa is brimming with diverse tourist attractions, such as the retro "onsen towns" that thrived as post towns.

Suwa is also known for hosting events that draw tourists, such as the summer fireworks festival and the Suwa Taisha Onbashira Festival. Since Suwa’s attractions are spread over a wide area, it’s recommended to check the map and plan your itinerary in advance. This time, we’ll introduce 16 charming tourist spots, ranging from classic to unique attractions.

1. Lake Suwa

When you visit Suwa, the first thing that will catch your eye is Lake Suwa. Located at the "navel" of Honshu, Lake Suwa is the largest in Shinshu and is often considered a symbol of Nagano Prefecture. Simply strolling through the Suwa Lakeside Park while enjoying a free footbath and admiring the breathtaking view is delightful. Beyond that, there are plenty of attractions to fully enjoy the charm of Lake Suwa.

In summer, large fireworks displays are held over the lake, while from autumn to spring, you can enjoy smelt fishing. Additionally, Lake Suwa offers swan-shaped pleasure cruises that operate year-round. A refreshing ride on Lake Suwa might just be what you need. One highly recommended activity is the "Duck Tour," a unique amphibious bus tour that dives into the lake from land and circles around it. This approximately one-hour cruise offers stunning views of the Alps, the Yatsugatake mountain range, and geysers that spout from the ground.

2. Takashima Castle

Built about 400 years ago, Takashima Castle is one of the "Three Great Lakeside Castles of Japan" and a must-see tourist spot in Suwa. At the time of its construction, the surrounding area was covered by lakes and wetlands, making it appear as though it floated on Lake Suwa, earning it the nickname "The Floating Island of Suwa." Even today, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Suwa from its main keep, making it a popular attraction.

The area around Takashima Castle is also home to Takashima Park, where seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms and wisteria bloom in abundance. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy flower viewing while exploring Suwa.

3. Kirigamine Highlands

A classic tourist spot in Suwa, rivaling Lake Suwa, is the Kirigamine Highlands, located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters. About an hour's drive from Shimosuwa Onsen, this area offers a breathtaking panorama of nature. At the end of your scenic drive, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake mountain range, and more. Surrounded by the vast highlands covered in seasonal plants, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from a movie. Visiting Suwa’s highlands promises a truly rejuvenating experience.

For active travelers, hiking is highly recommended. A roughly 4-hour course starts from the Kurumayama parking lot, passing through the 1,925-meter summit of Mount Kurumayama and circling the highlands. To enhance your Kirigamine sightseeing experience, consider stopping by the Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center. They provide explanations about the flora and fauna of the highlands and offer guided walks, making your visit even more enriching.

4. Yashima Wetlands

Located in the northwestern part of the Kirigamine Highlands, the Yashima Wetlands (Yashimagahara Wetlands) is a remarkable natural attraction in Suwa. It has been thriving for over 12,000 years and continues to grow at a rate of about 1mm per year. This dynamic natural wonder is a must-see and complements a visit to the Kirigamine Highlands, showcasing its changing beauty through the seasons.

Before starting your hike, consider visiting the "Yashima Visitor Center Azami-kan" in Suwa to gather information about the unique flora, fauna, and geological features of the area. Additionally, there are about four guided nature walks each day led by experienced naturalists. If you’re unsure about hiking alone, joining one of these tours can provide a safe and enriching experience.

5. Kurumayama Highlands

Another must-visit spot near Lake Suwa, alongside the Kirigamine Highlands, is the Kurumayama Highlands. This expansive highland area, centered around the main peak of Kirigamine, "Mount Kurumayama," offers a variety of attractions. In addition to its natural beauty, including small animals and alpine plants, it features facilities like museums, restaurants, and tennis courts, providing a diverse range of activities for visitors.

Kurumayama Highlands also boasts a ski resort. Not only can you enjoy skiing in winter, but in summer, you can take a lift to ascend near the summit and explore Suwa's scenic beauty. If you're driving, take advantage of the Venus Line, a scenic drive connecting Yashima Wetlands, Kirigamine, and Kurumayama Highlands, for a breathtaking sky-high driving experience in Suwa.

6. Suwa Taisha

Affectionately known as "O-Suwa-san," Suwa Taisha is the head shrine of the approximately 25,000 Suwa shrines across Japan. It is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is the largest spiritual power spot in the Suwa area, with two shrine complexes comprising four shrines located on either side of Lake Suwa. Suwa Taisha has been worshipped as the guardian deity of wind and water, as well as the god of bravery.

The Upper Shrine (Kamisha), which includes Honmiya and Maemiya, is located in the Kami-Suwa area (Maemiya is near JR Chino Station), while the Lower Shrine (Shimosha), consisting of Harumiya and Akimiya, is situated in Shimosuwa. Dedicated to the deities Takeminakata-no-Kami and Yasakatome-no-Kami, visitors are encouraged to choose a shrine to visit based on their current life stage. Explore the magnificent scale and powerful spiritual presence of Suwa Taisha.

7. Kiotoshizaka (Wood Sliding Slope) of the Onbashira Festival

The Onbashira Festival of Suwa Taisha, held every seven years in the years of the Tiger and Monkey, is the largest festival in Suwa and renowned throughout Japan. A unique and sacred ritual of Suwa, the festival involves sliding massive fir trees, aged over 150 years, down a steep slope with participants riding on them. This event is considered one of Japan's Three Great Strange Festivals. Originally, the festival was a ritual to replace the 16 Onbashira pillars of the four precincts of Suwa Taisha by transporting the logs from the mountains. However, thrilling events such as "Kiotoshi" (wood sliding) and "Kawakoshi" (river crossing) are known to be dangerous, sometimes resulting in casualties. This tradition of dedicating new Onbashira pillars to Suwa Taisha, risking life and limb, reflects the passionate and robust spirit of the people of Suwa, who have passed down this ancient ritual rooted in Jomon-period tree worship.

One of the festival's highlights is the "Yamadashi Festival," where the felled fir trees are pulled out of the mountains. During this event, the logs are slid down the steep slope of Kiotoshi-zaka, which serves as the stage for the festival at both the Upper Shrine and Lower Shrine of Suwa Taisha. The Kiotoshi-zaka of the Lower Shrine is especially popular with tourists on festival days. The slope features a 35-degree incline stretching about 100 meters, and standing at the top can be intimidating. Witnessing the brave men of Suwa risk their lives as they ride the Onbashira down the slope is an awe-inspiring sight. Visiting Kiotoshi-zaka will give you a profound appreciation of the grandeur of the Onbashira Festival.

8. Manji Stone Buddha

A unique power spot near Lake Suwa that has gained attention is the Manji Stone Buddha. Located near the Harumiya of the Lower Shrine of Suwa Taisha, this stone Buddha stands at a height of 260cm and was carved in the mid-17th century by a local stonemason. According to legend, the stonemason was tasked with carving a stone torii gate by the local lord. However, when he began carving a large stone in the area, it started bleeding, prompting him to carve a Buddha instead.

In 1974, the stone Buddha was rediscovered by artist Taro Okamoto during his visit to Suwa Taisha, bringing it national attention. When visiting Suwa Taisha, take a moment to pay your respects to this stone Buddha, which is believed to embody divine power.

Please note that there is no parking near the Manji Stone Buddha. It is recommended to park at the Suwa Taisha Harumiya parking lot and visit the Buddha after paying your respects at Harumiya. Be cautious of the uneven terrain around the site.

9. Lake Suwa Geyser Center

A popular spot among tourists visiting Suwa is the Lake Suwa Geyser Center, which answers the simple question: "How do hot springs emerge from underground?" The geyser was discovered in 1983 during hot spring drilling and was said to spout up to 50 meters high at the time, making it the second tallest geyser in the world.

Currently, the geyser reaches about 5 meters high, but the sight of hot spring water erupting from the ground is still impressive. Be cautious to avoid burns while watching. After the geyser eruptions, which occur several times a day, you can enjoy making hot spring eggs inside the facility. They take about 20 minutes to cook.

10. Suwa City Museum

The Suwa City Museum is a tourist spot themed around "Exploring the Time, Nature, and Faith of Suwa." The region of Suwa, surrounded by Nagano's mountains and home to a beautiful lake, has developed unique traditions such as the "Onbashira Festival" and "Omiwatari." This museum offers a deeper understanding of the culture and environment that gave rise to these traditions.

Exhibits showcase the history of Suwa's faith and the daily lives of its people using audio, video materials, and animations. Discover the secrets behind Suwa's unique energy. Another highlight is the "Jinguji Onsen (Foot Bath)" located within the museum grounds. After exploring the museum, relax and enjoy the hot springs. The foot bath is free to use, so don't forget to bring a towel for drying your feet.

11. Kamisuwa Onsen

Kamisuwa, which prospered as the temple town of Suwa Taisha’s Upper Shrine, is home to sulfur-rich hot springs that have long soothed the fatigue of worshippers. Although the water temperature is relatively high, the onsen offers skin-beautifying effects and relieves physical pain and fatigue, such as backaches. Additionally, a limited-time "Kamisuwa Onsen Town Walk" tour is held, guided by people wearing yellow vests, providing a chance to explore the area.

In the Kamisuwa area, there are several relaxing spots where you can enjoy foot baths without changing clothes, such as the Lakeside Park Foot Bath and the Kamisuwa Station Foot Bath. Taking a break during your stroll around Kamisuwa is best enjoyed in these hot springs.

12. SUWA Glass Village Museum

The SUWA Glass Village Museum offers a unique experience different from other glass museums. The triangular-roofed building, located near Lake Suwa, is a landmark and a hands-on glass museum that both adults and children can enjoy. The museum features a workshop where you can try making glass beads (tonbo-dama) and showcases attractions like Japan's largest crystal ball. Shopping at the museum's store is also a delight, offering elegant glass crafts, accessories, and Nagano's specialty products.

Visit SUWA Glass Village to explore the diverse beauty of glass.

13. Kitazawa Museum of Art

The Kitazawa Museum of Art in Suwa is one of the world's leading museums, featuring numerous works by prominent Art Nouveau artists such as Émile Gallé, the Daum brothers, and René Lalique, who flourished in late 19th-century Europe.

The Art Nouveau style, influenced by Eastern art, often uses nature as a motif. The museum’s collection of unique glass vases and decorative items invites visitors into a fantastical world. Additionally, the museum houses an impressive collection of modern Japanese paintings, including works by the master Kaii Higashiyama. Known as a highly satisfying tourist spot, it offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of both Eastern and Western art.

14. Sanritz Hattori Museum of Art

The shores of Lake Suwa are not only known for their stunning scenery but also as a perfect destination for an "art-hopping" experience, showcasing both Eastern and Western masterpieces. The Sanritz Hattori Museum of Art houses a collection of around 600 items, ranging from tea utensils and antique paintings to modern Western paintings.

Among its treasures is the nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the Raku ware tea bowl "Fujisan" by Hon'ami Koetsu, along with other precious artifacts. Surrounded by the magnificent nature of Lake Suwa, the beauty of these artworks is further enhanced. Take your time to find a favorite piece during your visit.

15. Suwa City Harada Taiji Art Museum

This museum showcases the works of Harada Taiji, a painter and graphic designer born in Suwa City. His "Naïve Art" (Primitive Art) captures nostalgic Japanese rural landscapes with a gentle and heartwarming touch, offering a soothing experience. It’s a perfect spot to connect with the charm of Showa-era Japan, making it highly recommended for fans of retro aesthetics.

16. Takeya Miso Kaikan

Located in front of the geyser symbolizing Suwa’s hot springs, Takeya Miso Kaikan is a tourist spot opened in 2001 by Takeya Miso, a company founded in the Meiji era. It offers a comprehensive look at miso, a product nurtured by the pure water and clean air flowing from Kirigamine and the Northern Alps. From the days when miso was made in every household to the modern era of instant miso soup, this museum provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of miso and its significance in Japanese cuisine.

The adjoining shop "30SHOP" features limited-edition miso products and unique miso-themed items you can’t find elsewhere. At the dining area "30BAR," you can enjoy rare treats like "Goma Miso Soft Cream." Be sure to try them.

◎ Summary

Suwa, with its scenic beauty that has captivated tourists from ancient times to the present, offers countless attractions. From hiking and hot springs to exploring the town and visiting power spots, the area around Lake Suwa encompasses all the delights of domestic tourism. With its convenient access, just 2–3 hours by train or car from urban centers, Suwa is a strong candidate for a weekend getaway destination.

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Enchanting Night Views! Introducing 16 Recommended Tourist Spots in Suwa