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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Suwa.
Suwa, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Japan, offers a plethora of experiences to explore.
From savoring its rich cuisine to exploring the majestic Suwa Taisha shrine, the town brims with activities that cater to every traveler’s whim.
So pack your bags and get ready to lose yourself in the mystical allure of Suwa.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Suwa:
1. Suwa Taisha Shrine
Suwa Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grounds and admire the beautiful architecture of the shrine buildings, as well as attend ceremonies and festivals throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The Onbashira festival, which takes place every six years and involves the raising of enormous logs that are used to rebuild the shrine’s buildings.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and get the best photos. Consider hiring a guide or taking a tour to learn more about the history and significance of the shrine.
2. Takashima Castle
Takashima Castle, a historic castle located in Suwa, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the castle grounds, climb to the top of the castle tower for stunning views of Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains, and learn about the castle’s rich history.
Don’t miss: The annual Suwa Fireworks Festival, where fireworks are launched over Lake Suwa with the castle in the background, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the castle grounds can be uneven and hilly. Visit during cherry blossom season for a truly picturesque experience.
Also, if you’re interested in samurai history, be sure to check out the nearby Suwa City Historical Museum.
3. Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa is a natural freshwater lake located in the central region of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is the largest lake in the prefecture and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Lake Suwa, including fishing, boating, cycling, hiking, and hot spring bathing. During the summer months, fireworks festivals are held on the lake, attracting large crowds.
The lake is also famous for its “swan boats,” which are shaped like swans and can be rented for a relaxing ride on the water.
Don’t miss: The Onbashira Festival is a must-see event that takes place every six years in the Suwa region. The festival includes a daring log-riding ceremony and many other traditional performances and rituals.
Visitors can also check out the Suwa Taisha shrine located nearby, which dates back over 1,200 years.
Insider travel tips: For the best views of the lake, head to Lake Suwa Sky Park, a lookout point located on a nearby mountain.
If you’re interested in trying some local cuisine, be sure to sample some of the delicious soba noodles made from buckwheat, which are a specialty of the Suwa region.
Finally, if you’re visiting during the winter months, be prepared for cold weather and possible snowfall, but also take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy ice skating and other winter sports on the lake.
4. Kamisuwa Onsen
Kamisuwa Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring resort located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture.
What to see or do: Relax in the healing waters of the hot springs and experience a traditional Japanese hospitality and culture.
Visitors can also explore the features of the city, such as the Suwa Lakeside Fireworks Festival or the Suwa Taisha Shrine.
Don’t miss: Take a walk around the town to view the beautiful architecture of the traditional buildings, or visit the local Japanese sake breweries for some delicious drinks.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit Kamisuwa Onsen in the offseason, such as in the late autumn or winter.
Make sure to read up on hot spring etiquette before entering any baths, and be sure to try out the local cuisine, including soba noodles and oyaki dumplings.
5. Houro Museum
Houro Museum is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Suwa, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features a rotating collection of artwork from both Japanese and international artists. Visitors can expect to see a variety of medium including paintings, sculptures, installations, and more.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular exhibits at Houro Museum is the “Light Sculpture Garden” which showcases an impressive display of illuminated works of art.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the museum in the evening to see the “Light Sculpture Garden” in its full glory.
6. Suwa City Museum
Suwa City Museum is a cultural institution located in Suwa City, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Suwa City and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and displays related to the city’s religious traditions, festivals, crafts, and industry.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the Jomon pottery exhibit, which features some of the oldest and most well-preserved pottery items from Japan’s prehistoric Jomon period.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is conveniently located near Suwa Taisha, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, making it a great stop for visitors interested in learning about the region’s heritage.
7. Suwa Lakeside Hotel
A luxurious hotel situated on the shores of Lake Suwa in Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Suwa from the hotel rooms or take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Visit nearby sights such as the Suwa Taisha shrine and the Takashima Castle ruins.
Explore the local area by renting a bike or car.
Don’t miss: The hotel’s hot springs, which are rich in minerals and said to have healing properties. Indulge in a relaxing massage or beauty treatment at the hotel’s spa.
Try the local cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Insider travel tips: Book a room with a view of the lake for the ultimate experience. Take advantage of the free shuttle service to and from the nearby train station.
Ask the staff for recommendations on places to visit in the area.
8. Suwako Hana Terrace
Suwako Hana Terrace is a nature-oriented shopping complex located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Suwako Hana Terrace is a perfect place to spend a leisurely day with family or friends. It has a range of shops, including fashion stores, green grocery stores, and restaurants.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture with Japanese-style wooden facades and the surrounding greenery.
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the chance to grab a meal at one of the restaurant terraces that boast a dazzling view of Lake Suwa, Mount Fuji, and the Japanese Alps.
The complex also offers a farmers’ market where visitors can sample fresh and organic produce.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should prepare for spending several hours at the complex, as there is a lot to see and do. It is recommended to bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
9. Suwa City Aquarium
A modern and well-maintained aquarium located in Suwa City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of marine life exhibits, including penguins, jellyfish, sharks, and more.
The aquarium also has regular dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as opportunities to touch and interact with some of the creatures.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the main Dolphin Show, which showcases the incredible intelligence and agility of these beautiful creatures. Also, don’t miss the exhibits featuring the unique and fascinating creatures that inhabit the waters around Japan.
Insider travel tips: – The aquarium can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to visit on a weekday if possible.
10. Suwa Wakasato Park
Suwa Wakasato Park is a large city park located in Suwa, Japan.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
11. Suwa Grand Shrine
Suwa Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine complex composed of four shrines located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: – Admire the gorgeous architecture of the shrine buildings, which showcase the distinctive Nagano style with steep, thatched roofs.
Don’t miss: – The impressive Torii gate standing at the entrance of the shrine, which is said to be one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.
Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to visit the shrine during annual festivals such as the Suwa Taisha Yabusame festival in May and the Onbashira festival held every six years in April (next one in 2022).
12. Suwa Lakeside Fireworks Festival
Suwa Lakeside Fireworks Festival is an annual event held in Suwa, Japan.
It features a spectacular display of fireworks that light up the night sky over Suwa Lake, one of the largest lakes in Japan.
What to see or do: The main attraction of the festival is, of course, the fireworks display, which lasts for around an hour and showcases a variety of colorful and creative pyrotechnics.
The festival also features music performances, food stalls, and other entertainment.
Don’t miss: The festival’s grand finale, which features a massive barrage of fireworks exploding over the lake in a breathtaking display of light and color.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. The festival attracts large crowds, so it’s best to come prepared with a picnic blanket or folding chair.
13. Takabotchi Highlands
Takabotchi Highlands is a beautiful mountainous area in Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a scenic drive through the Takabotchi Highlands and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Takabotchi Farm and taste the delicious locally produced dairy products.
Participate in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling to explore the stunning natural scenery.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to witness the stunning autumn foliage in Takabotchi Highlands, where the trees turn into a beautiful golden hue during October-November.
Visit the Takabotchi Observatory for a panoramic view of the entire region.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting Takabotchi Highlands early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the beautiful sunrise over the mountains. It is advisable to carry cash, as many small shops and restaurants in the area may not accept credit cards.
14. Taizi Harada Art Museum
Taizi Harada Art Museum is a modern art museum located in the scenic city of Suwa, Nagano Prefecture in Japan.
The museum is dedicated to exhibiting and preserving the works of Taizi Harada, a renowned artist famous for his unique and vibrant paintings.
What to see or do: Visitors can expect to see a plethora of modern and contemporary art pieces from Harada’s robust collection, showcasing his masterful use of bold colors and abstract forms.
The museum is also situated in an idyllic setting, offering breathtaking natural views of the surrounding mountains and forest.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the “Haradatei Garden,” a beautifully landscaped garden surrounding the museum that features a variety of natural elements, including waterfalls and stone bridges.
Also, take note of the museum’s impressive collection of tapestries, which are known to be some of Harada’s most striking works.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check out the museum’s official website before visiting, as the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring other artists.
Additionally, the museum’s gift shop is an excellent place to purchase works of art and souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
Finally, the museum is easily accessible via public transportation, but visitors can also take a leisurely hike to the museum if they’re up for the challenge.
15. Suwa Tashiro Shrine
Suwa Tashiro Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The shrine is known for its two torii gates, one located at the entrance and the other at the back of the shrine.
Visitors can explore the shrine’s grounds which includes a serene pond and garden area. In the Shinto tradition, visitors can make offerings and pray for good luck or safety.
Don’t miss: It is worth checking out the annual Onbashira festival which takes place every six years and involves locals riding giant logs down the hills to the shrine.
The logs are used as centerpieces to replace the pillars of the shrine.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the shrine is during sunrise or sunset when the light showcases the beauty of the shrine’s architecture.