Tourist spots and events around Lake Suwa

Lake Suwa is a large lake located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by abundant nature, it’s a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy a variety of activities and events.

It also gained attention as a pilgrimage site for fans of the hit movie Your Name., since it served as the model for the lake that appears in the film. In this article, we will introduce recommended spots and events around Lake Suwa.

1. Kamisuwa Onsen

Kamisuwa Onsen is a popular hot spring area, boasting one of the largest outputs of hot spring water in Japan. Its daily output is about 15,000 liters, and there are said to be around 500 hot spring sources. There’s even a legend that in the past, if you dug into the ground, hot springs would gush forth.

The hot spring town is located on the eastern shore of Lake Suwa. Many inns and hotels offer panoramic views of the lake, and you can also enjoy open-air baths with a sense of freedom. The waters are said to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, chronic eczema, and adult diseases.

Did you know that Kamisuwa Onsen has a legend called the “Yutama Legend,” which is connected to Japanese mythology? Long ago, two deities named Takeminakata-no-Mikoto and Yasakatome-no-Mikoto quarreled. Yasakatome-no-Mikoto, who was the consort, moved from Kamisuwa to Shimosuwa.

At that time, Yasakatome-no-Mikoto soaked medicinal hot spring water into cotton, carried it as "Yutama," and along the way, droplets of that water fell to the ground—those drops are said to have become Kamisuwa Onsen.

2. Tateishi Park

Tateishi Park is an observation park located at an elevation of 934 meters. It’s a popular spot where you can view both Lake Suwa and the Alps mountain range at the same time. It has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunset Points in Shinshu," the "New Three Major Night Views of Japan / Top 100 Night Views," and the "Shinshu Hometowns Scenic Hills."

The night view of the Suwa Lake area from the observation deck is like a painting—it's famously beautiful. The park not only has a wide terrace space but also playground equipment and a clock tower that makes it great for families with kids. It's also known as a habitat for the Japanese national butterfly, Omurasaki, and is dedicated to nature conservation.

Additionally, Tateishi Park is said to be the model for the depiction of the fictional town of “Itomori” in the movie Your Name. The beautiful lake scene in the movie looks just like the view of Lake Suwa from Tateishi Park. In recent years, many people visit as a pilgrimage spot for fans of the movie.

3. Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival

The Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival is one of Japan's top fireworks festivals, held every year on August 15. Over 40,000 fireworks are launched over the lake, creating an impressive display that attracts many visitors every year. The continuous launch of starmine fireworks and the massive Niagara-style display are made possible by the unique setting of Lake Suwa.

The festival is held in two parts. Part one features a competition where ten fireworks experts from both inside and outside Nagano prefecture compete using 10-inch fireworks and starmine displays, selecting the most impressive firework. The participating pyrotechnicians are top-class, regularly featured in Japan’s major fireworks festivals, making it a rare and luxurious collaboration.
Part two is a fireworks show using starmine displays. One of the highlights is the large aquatic starmine called the "Kiss of Fire."

The finale features a massive Niagara that stretches about 2 km, delivering a grand conclusion. Since the fireworks are launched over the lake, their reflections on the water surface of Suwa Lake make for a stunning view. Watching from Tateishi Park, mentioned earlier, is highly recommended.

4. Smelt Fishing (Wakasagi Fishing)

At Lake Suwa, you can enjoy wakasagi (Japanese smelt) fishing from around mid-September to March. You board a “dome boat,” which is a boat with a dome house, so you don’t have to worry about the cold. Some dome boats even have toilets, making them convenient. Of course, you can also rent a small boat and move freely to your chosen fishing spot. All necessary fishing gear is available for rent.
Wakasagi fishing doesn’t require advanced skills, so even beginners can easily catch fish, which is part of its appeal. The rods and equipment are small and lightweight, making them easy to handle for women and children. You can also take home the smelt you catch!

You can book wakasagi fishing services through inns, sightseeing boats, or pleasure boats. It’s a great two-for-one experience where you can enjoy sightseeing at Lake Suwa as well. After fishing, why not warm up in a day-use hot spring bath?

5. Omiwatari (The God’s Crossing)

In winter, Lake Suwa sometimes shows a natural phenomenon called "Omiwatari" (The God’s Crossing). Omiwatari occurs when the ice expands and contracts due to temperature changes, causing it to rise up like a mountain ridge. It’s a beautiful and rare sight.

It appears when the ice on the lake surface becomes at least 10 cm thick and the temperature stays around minus 10 degrees Celsius for several days. This usually happens between January and February, when the lake surface is completely frozen. However, it only lasts for a few days to a few weeks before it disappears.

Omiwatari doesn’t happen every year, making it a rare phenomenon that might only be seen once every few years. The last confirmed occurrence was from February 1 to February 27, 2018. Before that, it was in 2013. Due to recent global warming, it’s becoming less frequent, but hopefully, we’ll see it again in the coming winters.

6. Takashima Castle

Takashima Castle was once a water castle floating on Lake Suwa. Because of this, it was also called "The Floating Castle of Suwa." During the Edo period, land reclamation reduced the lake, and the castle lost its water castle appearance. However, it is still considered one of Japan’s Three Great Lakeside Castles, along with Matsue Castle in Shimane and Zeze Castle in Shiga.

It was built in 1592 (Bunroku Era Year 1) and served as the government office and residence for the lords of the Suwa Domain. The castle was dismantled due to the abolition of feudal domains in the early Meiji period, but the remaining stone walls and moat were turned into Takashima Park and opened to the public.

Today, the main keep, gates, turrets, and walls have been restored, and visitors can explore inside the restored keep. The castle is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, drawing many visitors in spring.

7. Enrei-Ono-dachi Park

Enrei-Ono-dachi Park is located near the summit of Shiojiri Pass in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture. From the observation deck, you can see a panoramic view of Lake Suwa with Mt. Yatsugatake, the Southern Alps, and even Mt. Fuji in the background.

Also known as "Bird Forest," the park is famous for the chirping of various birds. It’s been selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan." Take a moment to enjoy listening to the birdsong when you visit!

It’s also known as a great spot for watching the sunrise and sunset. Stay until evening to enjoy the sunset and then take in the night view.

◎ Summary

Just sightseeing around Lake Suwa is already enjoyable, but since you’re there, you’ll want to explore the surrounding attractions as well! Around Lake Suwa, you can experience different events unique to each season while enjoying the changing scenery throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Be sure to visit various spots and make the most of your trip!

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Tourist spots and events around Lake Suwa