20 Best Things To Do And See In Suwa Region, Nagano Prefecture
Source: GoNAGANO (© Nagano Tourism Organisation)
Located just over 2 hours’ train ride from north of Tokyo, the Suwa region in Nagano Prefecture is an area rich in history, culture and nature. Dotted with hot springs, captivating nature wonders, and cultural heritage sites celebrating unique festivals, Suwa region connects you to Shinto culture which dates back more than 1,200 years.
Suwa Region
Source: GoNAGANO (© Nagano Tourism Organisation)
At the heart of Nagano Prefecture is Lake Suwa- the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. Surrounding Lake Suwa is the Central Highland area where Tateshina and the other mountains of Yatsugatake soar into the horizons. Okaya City, Suwa City and Shimosuwa Town are situated along Lake Suwa while Chino City, Fujimi Town, and Hara Village are nestled in the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountain Range.
Get to the Suwa Region from Tokyo via the Azusa Limited Express, and alight at Chino Station, Kamisuwa Station or Okaya Station. The journey time is about 2.5 hours.
Read on to explore 20 must-visit attractions and top activities to enjoy in the Suwa region.
Click on the respective listings to find out more.
History and Cultural Attractions
(1) Okaya Silk Museum (Silk Fact Okaya)
(2) Honjin Iwanami House
(3) Nidec Music Box Museum “Suwa no NE”
(4) Suwa Taisha Shrine
Nature, Cycling and Walking Tours
(5) Cycling around Lake Suwa
(6) Foot Bath
(7) Bicycle Return and Onsen at Katakurakan Bath House
(8) Fujimi Panorama Resort
(9) Nakasendo Walk
Food and Sake
(10) Yanano Unagi Kankoso Okaya Main Store
(11) Lakehood Okaya
(12) Clasuwa
(13) Tateshina Farmers' Market (Haramura store)
(14) Five Suwa Gokura Sake Breweries Tour
Chino Tabi Tours (Inaka Experience in Chino City)
(15) Shinshu Kanazawa Town (Historic Post Town) Walking Tour
(16) Cooking With The Village Grannies
(17) Katsuyama Soba Shop- Soba Dumpling Workshop
(18) Yamaura Stay Kinkei
Accommodation
(19) Chosenkaku Kameya, Shimosuwa Onsen
(20) Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu Hotel
History & Culture Attractions
(1) Okaya Silk Museum (Silk Fact Okaya)
From the early Meiji era to the early Showa era, Okaya City led the nation in silk production. Learn about Okaya’s silk culture and craftsmanship through Okaya Silk Museum’s collection of approximately 30,000 exhibits, including French and Suwa silk reeling machines, documents, and silk industry archives.
Visitors can even observe cute silkworms and watch the process of making silk from silkworms at the adjacent silk factory. Bring home some silk products from the store as a memento.
Wondering where silkworm pupae go after silk extraction? The thoughtful locals created an original brand of domestic eel- “Silk Unagi”, unique to Kankoso and Okaya. These eels are raised from premium feed which contains blended silkworm pupae, resulting in high-quality eels which have low fat content, and a soft and fluffy texture. Yanano Unagi Kankoso Okaya Main Store is one of the rare places where you can savour this precious delicacy.
Location: 1-4-8 Goda, Okaya, Nagano 394-0021, Japan
Access: 20-min walk from Okaya Station or 5-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily (closed on Wed, the day after a holiday, year-end and New Year holidays- December 29th to January 3rd)
Admission Fee: ¥510 (adult), ¥310 (student), ¥160 (child)
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(2) Honjin Iwanami House
Located at the junction of the Nakasendo and Koshu roads, this historic landmark (once premium accommodation for royalty and key Japanese leaders) dates back more than 220 years ago. The traditional Japanese-style house is beautifully preserved, down to the built-in escape rooms and hatches to protect VIPs from possible dangers.
In the back room , there is an open tatami seating area facing a stunning Japanese garden, selected as one of the top 100 Japanese gardens in Japan. Tableware and old armour used by princesses during the Edo period are also on display, so you can feel the atmosphere of those days.
Enjoy matcha tea prepared by the head of the house while admiring the garden and immersing yourself in the beautiful moment.
Location: 3492 Yokomachi, Shimosuwa, Suwa District, Nagano 393-0012, Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Shimosuwa Station, 15-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (closed on Wed)
Admission Fee: ¥800 (adult), ¥400 (middle school students and below)
(3) Nidec Music Box Museum “Suwa no NE”
Nidec, the music box pioneer of Suwa, conveys minute production traditions and history of music boxes at Nidec Music Box Museum “Suwa no NE”. Visitors can learn, listen to, and create music boxes.
View these antique music boxes and listen to the delicate sounds of music.
During the music box workshop, you can choose your favourite music from 700 titles ranging from J-POP to classical music, then pick a container for your music box. Experience the joy of making a custom music box, the charm of Suwa, and enjoy listening to beautiful sounds.
Location: 5805 Shimosuwa, Suwa District, Nagano, Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Shimosuwa Station, 15-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm daily (closed on Mon, will close on Tue if Mon falls on a holiday). [For the month of August only] 9.00am - 5.30pm daily
Admission Fee: ¥1,000 (adult), ¥500 (primary and secondary school students)
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(4) Suwa Taisha Shrine
Suwa Taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, celebrated for its unique Onbashira Festival which happens once every 7 years. There are 4 shrine complexes which make up Suwa Taisha Shrine, namely Honmiya and Maemiya of the Kamisha located on the southern shore of Lake Suwa, and Akimiya and Harumiya of the Shimosha on the northern shore of Lake Suwa.
At Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, there is an impressive Kaguraden (shrine hall) behind the torii gate. Its grand shimenawa (shrine rope) is renewed every seven years during the Onbashira Festival.
Next, proceed to Shimosha Harumiya where you can find the sacred “Manji no Sekibutsu” (the Stone Buddha) nearby. The unique shape of this two-metre-tall natural boulder became well known thanks to praise from prominent figures such as the artist Taro Okamoto. Visitors can travel between the Kamisha and Shimosha areas following a path along the lakeside of Lake Suwa, which covers many interesting attractions such as Suwa Lake Geyser Centre where Kamisuwa onsen gushes forth, and Takashima Castle.
Shimosha Akimiya and Shimosha Harumiya
Location: 193 Daimon, Shimosuwa, Suwa District, Nagano 393-0092, Japan
Access: 13 to 19-minute walk from Shimosuwa Station, 31 to 35-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: 24 hours
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Nature, Cycling and Walking Tours
(5) Cycling around Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa is at the centre of the Suwa region, and there is plenty to do along its shores. Explore the Suwa region on foot or bike via the 16-kilometre cycling/jogging track that surrounds the lake. Numerous bicycle rentals are available within the Suwa area, as well as at the lakeside.
One recommended bicycle rental store is Lake Suwa Rental Bike Shop, which has a bike rental and return stop located in Shimosuwa Konjakukan Oideya (a science museum). This is a preferred bike rental shop as it has multiple locations for bicycle rental and return.
Location: 3289 Tachimachi, Shimosawa, Suwa District, Nagano 393-0000 Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Shimosuwa Station, 15-min drive from Okaya IC
Cost: ¥1,000 (up to 2 hours), ¥2,000 (up to 4 hours)
(6) Foot Bath
Experience soaking your feet in a Japanese hot spring, albeit in a public setting. Relieve your cycling fatigue at several footbaths which can be found throughout Suwa region. Located along Lake Suwa, Suwako Heights footbath is where you can catch a picturesque view of Mt Fuji on clear days.
Fun fact: There are footbaths on the train platforms at Kamisuwa Station. Have a relaxing footbath while waiting for your train.
(7) Bicycle Return and Onsen at Katakurakan Bath House
Wondering where to take a break or return your rental bike? We recommend Katakurakan Bath House, a historic bath house built in the early Showa period.
Source: Katakurakan
End your cycling expedition with a rejuvenating dip in the bath house, where a gothic-style facade is combined with a Japanese-style interior.
Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from Katakurakan and choose to return it here or at any of the 6 bicycle rental & return locations listed here.
Bicycle rental cost: ¥1,000 (2 hours), ¥2,000 (3 hours or more).
Location: 4-1-9 Kogandori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027, Japan
Access: 8-min walk from Kamisuwa Station, 15-min drive from Suwa IC
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (closed on 2nd and 4th Tuesday in the month)
Bathing fee: ¥850 (adult), ¥550 (child)
(8) Fujimi Panorama Resort
Fujimi Panorama Resort is a ski area located on the eastern slopes of Mt Nyukasa in Fujimi Town, in the central-eastern region of Nagano Prefecture.
Source: Fujimi Panorama Resort
During the green season, the slopes transform into walking/hiking trails and mountain bike paths. In the early summer season, a wide variety of highland flowers come into bloom. Visitors can even try paragliding or take a gondola to the walking trail, enjoying a panoramic view of the Yatsugatake Mountains. The resort is also home to Japan’s largest mountain bike field, it has a variety of downhill courses for beginners as well as advanced riders.
Location: 6666-703 Fujimi, Suwa District, Nagano 399-0211 Japan
Access: 7-min drive from Suwaminami IC
Opening hours: [April-September] 8.30am - 4.00pm, [October] 8.30am - 3.30pm
Gondola round trip ticket cost: ¥2,200 (adult), ¥1,100 (child)
Website
(9) Nakasendo Walk
Source: GoNAGANO (© Nagano Tourism Organisation)
Explore the Nakansendo (“the road through the mountains”)- 533km long historic highway connecting Kyoto (former imperial capital) to the Tokugawa shogunate’s newly installed seat of power in Edo (Tokyo). Some of the best parts of the old road pass through the countryside, and deep into the mountains of Japan’s Central Alps.
The area around the Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya (Shimosuwa-juku) intersects with the Koshu Kaido (one of the 5 highways developed by the Edo shoguante), which connects Nihombashi in Edo to Shimosuwa-juku, passing through the Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture) along the way.
Among the 69 post towns covered in this route, Shimosuwa-juku was the only hot spring town along the Nakasendo that traverses Nagano Prefecture, making it a popular stop for travellers seeking to soothe their weary bodies. Even today, you can still see traces of this history throughout the town.
Food & Sake
(10) Yanano Unagi Kankoso Okaya Main Store
Source: cheeserland.com
With over 70 years of history in Okaya, the town of eels, Kankoso Okaya Main Store is surrounded by the beauty of nature- mountains and rivers. The unagi specialist prides itself in carefully selecting high-quality fatty eels which are then cut open from the back (Kanto-style), skewered and char-grilled without steaming (Kansai-style). The sweet and rich sauce is packed with eel umami.
Its signature is none other than the "Silk Unagi," unagi fed with silkworm pupae discarded during silk production, known for its light fat and can only be enjoyed here.
Location: 5-18-14 Kawagishihigashi, Okaya, Nagano 394-0045, Japan
Access: 18-min taxi ride from Okaya Station, 18-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8pm (Closed on Thur)
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(11) Lakehood Okaya
Experience a wholesome lunch on this floating cafe (barge) on the lake. Head up to Lakehood Okaya observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of Yatsugatake Mountains stretching across Lake Suwa. This is also a great photo spot.
On the menu, there are unique fusion dishes such as Kashmir-style Chicken Chili Curry and Cod roe cream pasta with lemon foam. Looking for a quick bite? Check out their signature LAKEHOOD Croissant sandwich and quench your thirst with refreshing Melon Soda and Lemonade.
(12) Clasuwa
Shinsyu Juicy Pork
At Clasuwa, diners can indulge in a delicious, fun and healthy experience- enjoy scrumptious food, have fun as well as boost body and mental health. Clasuwa signatures include Shinsyu Juicy Pork which is known for its rich, juicy flavour with a clean and crisp aftertaste. Additionally, dig into local and seasonal vegetables at the salad bar. Take in the scenic view of Lake Suwa while enjoying your meal.
After a good meal, shop for Clasuwa's original products or enjoy homemade bread and coffee at the café.
Location: 3-1-30 Kogandori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027 Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Kamisuwa Station, 15-min drive from Suwa IC
Opening hours: [Restaurant] 11am - 2pm daily & 5.30pm - 8pm (Fri - Sun)
[Shop & Café] 9am - 7pm daily (irregular rest day)
(13) Tateshina Farmers' Market (Haramura store)
Tateshina Farmers’ Market (Haramura store) is a farmers’ market which offers a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits grown in the region, as well as meat products, wine and sake. Numerous highland vegetables are available for purchase, such as celery from Haramura which produces the largest quantity in Japan. Some rare finds include barrel fermented miso bean paste and stick-shaped agar.
Source: 808 Kitchen & Table
The farm also manages a cafe restaurant- 808 Kitchen & Table and a bakery cafe- 808 Café adjacent to the market. The cafe restaurant serves dishes made with seasonal vegetables and fruits from the farmer’s market. At the bakery, bread is freshly baked every morning using carefully selected flour and ingredients from Tateshina and Yatsugatake.
Tateshina Farmers’ Market (Haramura store)
Location: 18101-1 Kamisato, Hara, Suwa District, Nagano 391-0111 Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5.30pm daily
808 Kitchen & Table
Opening hours: 10am - 5.30pm [Lunchtime] 11am - 3pm (Closed on Wed, 1st and 3rd Tue)
808 Café
Opening hours: 10am - 5.30pm L.O 5pm (Closed on Wed, 1st and 3rd Tue in the month)
Website
(14) Five Suwa Gokura Sake Breweries Tour
At the Suwa City Tourist Information Centre or any of the 5 breweries, visitors can purchase the Gokuraku Set (¥3,000) which provides access to all 5 breweries. Each brewery offers 4 to 5 sake samples, so you can enjoy the distinct flavours and aromas of the curated selection of sake.
Access: 5-min walk from Kamisuwa Station, 15-min drive from Suwa IC
Opening hours here
Chino Tabi Tours (Inaka Experience in Chino City)
Exciting tours led by Chino Tabi, a leading tour operator in Chino will take you out of the city and straight into the beautiful Chino inaka (countryside). Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery, and experience local hospitality in rural Japan.
(15) Shinshu Kanazawa Town (Historic Post Town) Walking Tour
Embark on a laid-back walking tour (1.5 to 2 hours) in Oike, a small village in Kanazawa, Chino, and experience local history through the eyes of local guides such as Grandpa Ito. They will lead the tour and engage you in humorous stories about the town’s history, and the good old days.
Relax and unwind on a leisurely walk through this countryside town, listen to the sounds of the river, gaze at towering mountains and sprawling fields. Find yourself clearing your mind as you walk down the hilly path and observe the surrounding nature.
Chino Tabi Office
Location: Chino 3506 (Chino Station building), Chino, Nagano, 391-0001, Japan
Fee: From ¥4,180 (adult), complimentary for children aged 12 and below
^A minimum of 2 participants is required / Solo travellers can participate for the price of 2 pax.
Tour information
(16) Cooking With The Village Grannies
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Experience countryside living for yourself and learn how to prepare classic Chino dishes from a local family.
Source: Chino Tourism Organization
During this experience, you will learn how the locals use naturally freeze-dried foods to create sumptuous cuisine.
Chino Tabi Office
Location: 3506 Chino (Chino Station building), Chino, Nagano, 391-0001, Japan
Fee: ¥9,020 (adult), ¥5.500 (child)
^A minimum of 2 participants is required / Solo travellers can participate for the price of 2 pax.
Tour information
(17) Katsuyama Soba Shop- Soba Dumpling Workshop
Source: Chino Tourism Organization
Buckwheat flour is not limited to making soba noodles, it can also be used for making snacks such as soba dumplings and custard. At Katsuyama Soba Shop, together with Miyasaka san, a creative soba craftsman from Chino city, you can learn about the history of Shinshu soba and 3 types of buckwheat flour, each with a distinctive scent, flavour and appearance in a 2-hour soba dumpling making workshop.
During the workshop, you will compare the 3 types of buckwheat flour with different grinding levels and learn about their unique characteristics. Next, make soba dumplings using a custom blend of soba flour, and finally enjoy a tea time with soba sweets made by Miyasaka san. Discover how soba flour can be transformed into various shapes and flavours, as you learn all about soba from Miyasaka san who is passionate about perfecting his craft. Look forward to a wonderful soba dumpling workshop at Katsuyama Soba Shop.
Location: 2332 Kanazawa, Chino, Nagano, 391-0012 Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Aoyagi Station, 15-min drive from Chino Station
Soba Dumpling Workshop hours: 4pm - 6pm (reservations required)
Fee: From ¥5,610 (adult), ¥2,255 (child)
^A minimum of 2 participants is required / Solo travellers can participate for the price of 2 pax.
Soba lunch hours: 11.30am - 2.30pm daily (Closed on Wed, 1st and 3rd Tue)
Tour Information | Website
(18) Yamaura Stay Kinkei
Enjoy a rural retreat at Yamaura Stay Kinkei- a rustic farmhouse overlooking the entire Yatsugatake mountain range. This hidden getaway is perfect for long-term stays, equipped with a washing machine and kitchen. The large windows offer views of the surrounding mountains, and the sound of the nearby river creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Breakfast and dinner can be delivered from nearby restaurants, creating opportunities to interact with local residents and enjoy regional cuisine, a unique experience only available at this farm stay.
Besides Kinkei, Yamaura Stay also owns three other farmhouses; Kiyomizu, Hanato, and Shibumichi. Free transfers are available between JR Chino Station and the farmhouses for check in and check out. The farmhouses are located 10-30 minutes by car from Chino Station.
Yamaura Stay Office
Location: 3506 Chino (Chino Station building), Chino, Nagano, 391-0001, Japan
Website
Accommodations
(19) Chosenkaku Kameya, Shimosuwa Onsen
Chosenkaku Kameya is an extraordinary inn famous for its history and legacy, loved by literary figures. It has been operating as a honjin (accommodation for Japanese noblemen) since the Edo Period (1603-1867). Historical figures such as Princess Kazunomiya, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Tekkan and Akiko Yosano, and Toson Shimazaki are among those who have stayed at this inn.
Step into this gateway to history and admire its sophisticated yet cosy interior. The regional hot spring directly flows into the onsen here.
Location: 3492 Yokomachi Kinoshita, Shimosuwa, Suwa District, Nagano 393-0000, Japan (next to Suwa Taisha Akimiya)
Access: 11-min walk from Shimosuwa Station, 15-min drive from Okaya IC
Website
(20) Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu Hotel
Miko no Shizuku Suite with Open-Air Bath
Overlooking Lake Suwa, Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu Hotel presents a luxurious and relaxing stay. They offer a broad range of guest rooms, including rooms with open-air baths overlooking the lake and tastefully furnished with decorative aesthetics inspired by Lake Suwa, as well as other unique and reasonably priced rooms.
Miko no Shizuku Suite with Open-Air Bath: This room has a universal design suitable for wheelchair users. It offers a panoramic view of Lake Suwa
Yamagami Japanese-Western Room
Source: Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu Hotel
Yamagami Japanese-Western Room [Partial Lake View]: This room was renovated in March 2024. It is recommended for up to five guests and has a design that mixes Japanese and Middle Eastern styles. The room offers a partial view of Lake Suwa.
Location: 2-6-30 Kogandori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027, Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Kamisuwa Station, 15-min drive from Okaya IC
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*This article is brought to you in partnership with Suwa Regional Promotion Bureau.
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