Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Okaya City, Nagano! Experience Nature and Culture

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, Okaya City is a hidden gem known for its rich wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. It is particularly famous for the swans that migrate here every year, drawing birdwatchers and photographers from all over Japan.

But Okaya isn’t just about nature—it’s also a paradise for food lovers! Known as the "city of eel," it offers delicious local delicacies, including freshwater fish dishes and the famous Shinshu soba.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend stay, Okaya City is a perfect destination to unwind, immerse in nature, and explore its charming attractions.

1. Shionoe Onotate Park, where you can observe many wild birds

Shionoe Onotate Park is located within the Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park and is designated as Nagano Prefecture's "Forest of Little Birds." The chirping of small birds is beautiful, and it has been selected as one of Japan's "100 Soundscapes." Additionally, the park offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji, making it part of the "Top 100 Views of Mount Fuji in the Kanto Region."

Every Sunday in May and June, the "Little Bird Bus" operates, bringing participants from all over Japan for bird-watching events. This makes it a well-known birdwatching spot in Okaya City. From the observatory, visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking night view, making it a popular nighttime sightseeing destination.

Shionoe Onotate Park is a must-visit spot in Okaya City for those who love nature, birds, and beautiful scenery.

2. Lake Suwa – A Popular Spot for Migrating Swans

Lake Suwa is a large lake stretching across Okaya City, Suwa City, and Shimosuwa Town in Nagano Prefecture. If you visit Okaya City, this is a must-see attraction. The lake offers a beautiful natural landscape that visitors can enjoy throughout the year.

On weekends, the lake is lively with sightseeing boats and paddle boats. Seasonal activities such as firework festivals in summer and smelt fishing in winter make it a dynamic tourist destination.

One of the major attractions of Lake Suwa is its popularity as a migratory stopover for swans. Every year, hundreds of swans arrive, offering breathtaking views and making it a sought-after photography spot. Thanks to the efforts of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, nearly 200 swans migrate here annually, solidifying its status as a premier birdwatching location.

In winter, visitors can see these elegant swans with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. The best time to witness this is from early December to mid-to-late February.

Another fascinating winter phenomenon at Lake Suwa is the Omiwatari, where the lake surface cracks loudly, forming a long ridge-like ice pattern. This rare and mystical sight has made it one of the most unique winter attractions in Okaya.

The local sake "Kamiwatari," named after this natural event, is a specialty of Okaya. There is also a limited-edition traditional cloudy sake available in winter, making it a great souvenir for food lovers.

3. Okaya Silk Museum: A Place for Learning and Hands-On Experience

At the Okaya Silk Museum, visitors can see exhibits of machines and materials related to Okaya's silk industry, making it an educational tourist spot.

In the museum area, visitors can see the only exhibition of silk-reeling machines in Japan. A notable highlight is the only remaining French-style silk-reeling machine that was in operation at Tomioka Silk Mill when it was established in 1872, providing a sense of history. Additionally, the Miyazaka Silk Mill is housed within the Okaya Silk Museum, allowing visitors to observe a working silk-reeling factory producing raw silk.

The Community & Workshop Area hosts various events. At the Mayu-chan Workshop, visitors can enjoy making silk crafts such as silk cocoon dolls and corsages. Creating original silk cocoon crafts allows one to appreciate the unique texture and qualities of silk. These soft and fluffy crafts make excellent souvenirs from Okaya.

4. Ilf Dōgakan: A Museum Filled with Picture Books and Illustrations

Ilf Dōgakan is a popular municipal art museum located in Chūōmachi, Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture. It is a tourist attraction that features exhibitions of works by Takeo Takei, a renowned Japanese children’s book illustrator from Nagano, as well as various picture books from Japan and abroad.

The word "Ilf" was created by Takei by reversing the Japanese word for "old," symbolizing something new. On the third floor, Takeo Takei’s artworks are displayed, making it a must-visit spot for fans of his work, as well as for those who love picture books and children's illustrations.

On the second floor, special exhibitions of picture book illustrators from Japan and other countries are held. Original artworks by Maurice Sendak, an American illustrator famous for Where the Wild Things Are—a Caldecott Medal-winning picture book with over 20 million copies sold worldwide—are also displayed. The book was adapted into a film, making Sendak’s work familiar to many.

Seeing these original illustrations in person makes Ilf Dōgakan one of Okaya’s most famous museums and a must-visit destination for picture book lovers.

5. Experience Okaya’s Culinary Delights: Charcoal-Grilled Eel and River Fish Eel (Unagi)

Okaya City is home to Lake Suwa, the source of the Tenryu River, and has long been famous for its cuisine featuring eel and river fish. Eel is so beloved by the people of Okaya that it is even served in school lunches as a traditional local delicacy. This unique meal has been featured in the news as a gourmet school lunch experience. When visiting Okaya, a gourmet trip to explore the local food scene is highly recommended.

The method of preparing eel in Okaya follows the Kanto-style back-splitting technique but incorporates Kansai-style grilling without steaming, creating a fusion of both Kanto and Kansai culinary traditions. This unique cooking method represents the cultural blend of eastern and western Japan. Visitors to Okaya can enjoy this distinctive eel preparation at various restaurants in the city.

◎ Must-Visit Attractions in Okaya, Nagano

Okaya City is home to numerous fascinating attractions, making it a great travel destination. Its picturesque landscapes have made it a popular setting for films and TV dramas, perfect for fans of location-based tours.

Nature lovers will also appreciate Okaya’s beauty throughout the seasons. During winter, visitors can witness the graceful swans of Lake Suwa and the rare natural phenomenon known as Omiwatari (God’s Crossing). For birdwatching enthusiasts, Kotori no Mori (Little Bird Forest) offers a chance to observe a variety of bird species. No matter the season, Okaya has something special to offer—plan your visit and discover its charm!

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Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Okaya City, Nagano! Experience Nature and Culture