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Suwa

Welcome to Suwa, Nagano—where hot springs and stunning lake views collide! Nestled amid the Japanese Alps, this charming town boasts the mesmerizing Lake Suwa and the historic Suwa Shrine. Dive into delicious local soba noodles, soak in soothing onsens, and trek scenic trails. Adventure awaits—so pack your bags and let Suwa charm your socks off!

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Recommendations

Landmark4.3/5

Lake Suwa

Nestled in the heart of Nagano, Lake Suwa is renowned for its stunning seasonal views, vibrant summer festivals, and the mesmerizing Suwa Taisha shrine, making it a picturesque destination for both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Landmark3.9/5

Takashima Castle

Landmark3.9/5

Takashima Park

Culture4/5

Suwa City Museum

Discover the rich heritage of Suwa City Museum, where captivating exhibits showcase the region's historical artifacts and cultural crafts, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic glimpse into Nagano's vibrant past.

Culture3.7/5

Suwashi Museum

Nestled in Suwa, the Suwashi Museum showcases exquisite traditional crafts and textiles, providing a vibrant glimpse into the region's rich artistic heritage, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Landmark4.1/5

Katakurakan

Landmark3.5/5

Suwa Lake Geyser Center

Landmark4.7/5

Mount Kirigamine

Landmark4.4/5

Tateishi Park

Tateishi Park offers stunning views of Lake Suwa, with its iconic cherry blossoms in spring and serene walking paths, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Landmark4.4/5

Miyasaka Brewing Co., Masumi

Culture4.4/5

Suwa Taisha Kamisha Honmiya

Shop4.2/5

Cella MASUMI

Landmark3.6/5

Lake Suwa Yacht Harbor

Culture4.1/5

Onbashira-kan Yoisa

Shop3.6/5

Suwa Station Park

Culture3.8/5

Suwa Garasu-no-Sato (Glass Museum)

Landmark3.9/5

Sawairi Trailhead

Eat$$$$4.2/5

Shimosuwa Unagi Kobayashi

Eat$$$$4.2/5

Furuhata

Eat$$$4.4/5

Yamabotan

Stays

Stay$$$$4.6/5

Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu Hotel

Boasting large hot spring baths and great Suwa Lake views, Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu provides Japanese-style guestrooms with a modern touch in a relaxing ambience. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby, and parking is available for free. Each spacious room comes with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, and features facilities like a wall-hanging flat-screen TV and a blu-ray player. Guests at Shinyu Kamisuwa Onsen can enjoy art works displayed throughout the property, or relax with in-room massages at an extra charge. The hot spring baths can be reserved for a private use. A gift shop and vending machines are available on site. The property is a 10-minute drive from JR Kamisuwa Station, and free shuttles are available from the station. Suwa Taisha Shrine is a 15-minute drive away. Guests can enjoy modern fusion-style Japanese multi-course meals, featuring seasonal speciality dishes.

Stay$$$4.1/5

Rako Hananoi Hotel

Boasting views of Suwa Lake, outdoor hot-spring baths and 1 restaurants, Hananoi Hotel is 7 minutes from JR Kamisuwa Train Station on the free shuttle (reservation required). Rooms have free WiFi and an LCD TV. You can experience Japanese-style accommodation with futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor, or Western room is available. All rooms have green tea, a fridge, and an en suite bathroom with a bathtub. Takashima Castle is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Suwa Shrine is 6 km away. Matsumoto City can be reached within a 25-minute express train ride. The hotel provides free on-site parking. Guests can reserve a hot-spring bath for private use at a charge. The hotel features a Mount Fuji view on a clear day. Yukata robes can be rented on site. A Japanese/Western buffet is offered for breakfast at Fuyo Cafe, which features lake views. The cafe also serves Japanese kaiseki multi-course dinner. Karin Restaurant serves a Chinese menu.

Stay4.35/5

Hotel Saginoyu

Just across the street from Lake Suwa, Hotel Saginoyu offers hot-spring baths, traditional multi-course dinners and a tea lounge. The air-conditioned rooms come with green tea and a private bathroom with a bathtub. In addition to Western-style rooms, Saginoyu Hotel has Japanese-style rooms with a tatami (woven-straw) floor and futon beds. Cable TV channels and a fridge are provided. About a 10-minute walk from JR Kamisuwa train station, the hotel is only 100 metres from the Suwa City Museum. Takashima Castle is a 5-minute drive and Suwa Shrine is a 20-minute drive. On-site parking is free. You can further relax with a massage after a hot-spring soak, or check out the gallery or shop. The hotel has both indoor and open-air hot-spring baths, as well as a foot bath. Japanese cuisine is served at the dining room for breakfast and dinner, and the hotel has a snack bar.

Stay$$3.95/5

Comfort Inn Suwa Inter

Offering bright rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, Confort Inn Suwa Inter is a 15-minute drive from Suwa-ko Lake. A buffet breakfast is served. A fridge and desk are provided, and all rooms have air conditioning. Guests can choose from a selection of free amenities in the lobby. Just a 1-minute drive from Suwa Interchange (IC) on the Chuo Expressway, the hotel is a 10-minute drive from JR Chino Train Station. Kamisuwa Onsen Hot Springs is a 15-minute drive away, while Fujimi Panorama Ski Centre is a 30-minute drive. The hotel has free parking.

Stay$$3.8/5

Hotel Route-Inn Kamisuwa

The Route-Inn Kamisuwa provides comfortable accommodation with free wired internet and free breakfast. Guests can slowly unwind in the public bath with free toiletries. JR Kamisuwa Train Station is a 5-minute walk away. Rooms come equipped with a desk, an LCD TV with videos on demand and a personal safe. A small refrigerator and complimentary tea are provided. The lobby has free-use internet PCs, and there is a coin launderette on site. Laptop rentals and dry cleaning services are available at the 24-hour front desk. European bread and various warm dishes are served at the breakfast buffet at Hanachaya. After guests order their meals at the front desk, local Japanese meals from the Shinshu-Suwa area are served for dinner in guest rooms. Kamisuwa Route-Inn Hotel is a 5-minute walk from Lake Suwa and a 15-minute walk from Takashima Castle. Suwa Taisha Shrine is a 20-minute drive away.

Stay$$$$4.5/5

Suhaku

Suhaku in Suwa offers recently renovated rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. Each room includes a sofa, tatami floor, and modern amenities such as a refrigerator and TV. Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and free WiFi. The property features a lounge, public bath, lift, and daily housekeeping service. Free off-site private parking is available. Located 28 km from Matsumoto Airport, Suhaku is situated in a hot spring area. Nearby attractions include Lake Suwa and the Suwa Castle Ruins.

Stay$$3.7/5

HOTEL ROUTE-INN SUWA INTER

Hotel Route-Inn Suwa Inter in Suwa offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, baths, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy Japanese and European cuisines at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides massage services and a buffet breakfast. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, electric vehicle charging station, and free on-site private parking. Located 34 km from Matsumoto Airport, the hotel is praised for its bathroom comfort and breakfast provided by the property.

Stay3.8/5

Hotel Beni Ya

Overlooking picturesque Lake Suwa, Hotel Beniya features luxurious hot spring spas, stone sauna and a relaxation sky lounge. It is a 10-minute walk from JR Kamisuwa Station, and free shuttles are available from the station. Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property for free. Guests can unwind in the large hot spring baths on the top floor with the great lake views, or receive relaxing massages at one of on-site salons. Some cosy baths can be reserved for private use at an additional charge. Beniya Hotel offers both Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding and rooms with Western beds. All rooms are air-conditioned, and come with a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. Yukata robes and green tea bags are included. Suwa Shrine is a 10-minute drive and Takashima Castle is a 5-minute drive from the property. Suwa City Museum of Art is within a 5-minute walk.

Stay4.6/5

民宿すわ湖

Stay4.6/5

萃sui-諏訪湖

Lakefront ryokan with rooms that open onto private hot-spring baths. The communal bath looks across Lake Suwa to the mountains.

Stay4.3/5

Nunohan

Stay4.1/5

Kami-suwa Onsen Hama no Yu

Stay4/5

ルーピアイン南湖

Stay3.5/5

Suwa City Hotel Naritaya

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

10 h

Private Snowshoeing and Snow Monkey Tour in Nagano

Experience the best of Nagano winter in one unforgettable private tour—combining snowshoeing in the sacred forests of Togakushi and a visit to the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques relax in natural hot springs. This seasonal experience is available only for a limited winter period. Unlike standard shared tours, this is an exclusive private experience focused on comfort, safety, and flexibility. Your guide, Hama—an English-speaking UIMLA-certified mountain leader and registered nurse—provides professional guidance tailored to winter conditions. Travel in a new Subaru Forester Hybrid 4WD, ideal for snowy mountain roads, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. The standard capacity is up to 4 guests, but groups up to 8 can be arranged upon request, with an additional certified guide for safe pacing and support. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of limited time while enjoying a premium, safe, and meaningful experience in Japan’s winter wilderness. ❄️

$1,667.18

5/5

8 h

Private Matsumoto Castle and Azumino Craft Immersive Culture Tour

Embark on an exclusive 8-hour journey through the scenic heritage and artisanal soul of the Japanese Alps. Relax in the ultimate comfort of a high-end luxury van as you travel seamlessly between the historic streets of Matsumoto and the tranquil landscapes of Azumino. This immersive tour offers a perfect balance of architectural history and hands-on artistry. Explore two National Treasures—the majestic Matsumoto Castle and the historic Former Kaichi School—before savoring a fresh lunch at Japan’s largest wasabi farm. The highlight of your afternoon is a personalized craft session where you can choose between traditional wooden chopstick making or professional glassblowing at The Art Studio 8. Follow this with a visit to either the Rokuzan Art Museum or the Chihiro Art Museum, based on your preference. Designed for discerning travelers, this private experience ensures a deep, mindful connection to local craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of Nagano’s alpine region.

$1,462.95

5/5

2 h

A Self-Guided e-BIKE Tour Around Lake Shirakaba and Forest Trails

・Start the tour with a safe ride along the lakeside bike path to get used to the e-bike's controls. ・Drink the natural water from the lake coming from 200 metres below the ground. Take your own bottle with you on tour if you have one! ・Enjoy a pleasant cycling experience while feeling the highland breezes and mountain views. Our bikes make it easy to ride up even steep hills which looks impossible to climb! ・A downhill section will take you all the way down the Venus Line! Feel like your on a rollercoaster thrill ride that's sure to refresh you! ・Take the bike path through the forest. A spectacular view awaits you.

$35.11

5/5

Private Charter Service to Visit Snow Monkey Park

Book a transfer service with a private driver to and from the Snow Monkey from a variety of locations! Snow Monkey Park: established in 1964, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to naturally bathe in hot springs. Open all-year-round, the park is one of Nagano's most popular destinations. YOU MUST message us the total amount of people, total amount of luggage, and drop off location after your booking. FAILING TO DO SO MAY CAUSE DELAYS TO YOUR TRAVEL PLAN. All routes can also be conducted in reverse. We will arrange the vehicle best suitable for your group. Available Vehicle: 12 Seater Hiace (8 seater with luggage) 17 Seater Microbus (14 seater with luggage)

$608.59

4.8/5

Kamikochi Private Autumn Escape: Walk Through Vibrant Fall Colors

Discover Kamikochi, a pristine alpine valley at 1,500m. Walk quiet trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy pure air. Travel smoothly with a private guide, with photos gifted after. ❑ A Special Day in Kamikochi Kamikochi offers breathtaking beauty each season. Beat the intense heat and enjoy a cool 22°C (71°F) paradise with shaded trails, crisp air, and icy rivers in summer. Witness a golden, fiery-red wonderland framed by majestic peaks in autumn. You may glimpse monkeys, stoats, or a rare Japanese serow. With clean air and open views, this vehicle-free sanctuary is a serene escape. ❑ Why Private? Public transport is slow, crowded, and inflexible, since private cars are restricted. With your own car to the entrance and an English-speaking guide to manage transfers, the journey is smooth and tailored to you. ❑ A Personalized Journey We guide you to quiet trails, viewpoints, and hidden spots others miss. Wildlife, scenery, and alpine calm are photographed and gifted afterward as memories.

$171.65

4.3/5

Private Edo Period Tour Matsumoto Castle and Nakasendo Trail

Discover Matsumoto Castle and Edo-era Narai-juku on a Private Photo Tour ❑ A Special Day in Nagano Step back into Japan’s Edo period on this private day tour. Begin at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, a National Treasure. Continue to Narai-juku, a preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail, where wooden houses, craft shops, and tea stalls line the streets, giving a glimpse of living heritage. ❑ Why Private? Visiting by public transport means transfers, waits, and little flexibility. With private car and guide, travel is smooth and flexible. Spend more time at the castle, wander Narai-juku’s alleys, or enjoy a tea break—your day adapts to your interests. Lunch at a local spot offers authentic flavors away from crowds. ❑ A Personalized Journey This is more than famous sights. Each tour reflects your pace, whether history, photography, or food is your focus. Moments are captured with a camera and gifted afterward as memories.

$197.95

3.7/5

12 h

VIP Snow Monkeys Park Customized Private One Day Tour

Snow Monkey Park Witness wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, surrounded by snowy forests. A rare, iconic wildlife experience you won’t find anywhere else. Zenkōji Temple Visit one of Japan’s most sacred temples, open to all. Walk through ancient halls, try the famous underground passage, and feel deep spiritual calm. ⛷️ Hakuba Snow Resort Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Japanese Alps with powder snow, stunning views, and runs for all skill level. It is a Special requirement on your desire for extra money. You can book our tour for Multiple days, we will provide you modern vehicles according to persons. You can Customize tour on your desire.

$550.00

3/5

3 h

Ebike Tour in Lake Shirakaba and Tateshina Highland Japan

This is a guided tour by E-Bike (electric bicycle) between "Shirakaba Lake" and "Tateshina Highland," two major tourist attractions in Chino City. The tour stops at places of interest along the route and introduces the history and geological formations of the area with the help of a guide. At the end of the tour, after a 15-minute stroll through the forest, you will be guided to the "Tateshina Otaki Fall," which suddenly appears, where you will be served a "Yatsugatake Sandwich" from the popular Auberge Terra in Tateshina Highlands.

$110.04

2 h 30 mins

Tateshina highland Trekking and Ride

After walking with a guide along the Yokoya Gorge Trail, a popular trekking route on the Tateshina Plateau, you will then take an electric bicycle (e-bike) on a cycle tour along the 'Marchen road'.

$110.04

1 h

Lunch at the Lake Shirakaba with its superb views

This is a special lunch experience only available on this day, with part of the space with a spectacular view by Lake Shirakaba reserved for private use. A sommelier who runs a wine shop in Shimosuwa, Nagano Prefecture, will be your host, and you can enjoy a one-plate meal made with the bounty of the Yatsugatake mountains, paired with local liquor and soft drinks, mainly wines from Nagano Prefecture.

$102.54

4 h

Private Osuwa Daiko Performance Tour for Suwa Spiritual Essence

Explore Suwa-Taisha shrine, considered one of the oldest shrines in the country, and Buppou-syoryuji Temple with a guide to discover the world of natural faith. Experience the essence of natural faith up close through a special "dedication performance of Osuwa Daiko" at Buppou-syoryuji Temple. Engage in an exchange with Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, the guardian of Osuwa Daiko, who played a pivotal role in shaping today's Japanese drumming culture, and hear about his passion for the drums. *Please note that masks are required during the experience to prevent infection.

$646.95

4 h 30 mins

Private Yatsugatake Highland Guided Electric Bike Tour

Ride a bicycle through the forests of the plateau. The eMTB makes it easy to ride on hills and gravel roads, which are a bit difficult for ordinary bicycles. Enjoy a homemade lunch with delicious vegetables such as mini-tomatoes and corn, which are unique to Hara-mura, a highland vegetable production area. Safe and secure tour with two guides and a support vehicle. You can also buy lots of souvenirs during the cycling. Feel the fresh Haramura wind and sunshine.

$210.90

3 h

Kirigamine Guided E-bike Tour

Starting from the shores of Lake Shirakaba, you cycle with a guide on a fashionable e-Bike along the Kirigamine Venus Line with its spectacular views from the Yatsugatake Mountains to Mt.Fuji. Before setting off, a safety course is given, so even first-time e-bike riders can feel at ease. You can also start the tour by refilling your bottle of clean spring water at a spring water spot by Lake Shirakaba early in the tour. This is a special guided tour where you can experience the rich nature of Lake Shirakaba and the Yatsugatake Mountains first-hand. The views are so spectacular that you will want to take photos. At Kurumayama-kata highland, halfway along the Kirigamine, you can get off the e-Bike and have a relaxing time at a café on the plateau. This tour is a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Kirigamine.

$63.39

2 h

Private Canoe Tour: Shirakaba Springs & Highlands

You will spend a special time floating in a canoe in the midst of nature at Lake Shirakaba, located at an altitude of 1450m. Take a canoe to the headwaters of Lake Shirakaba and experience the coldness of the water directly. Head to a local shrine affiliated with Suwa Taisha to learn more about the history and beliefs of the area.

$52.02

2 h

E-bike Tour through Forests and Springs on a 1000m Plateau

A local guide who loves Tateshina will take you to the best local scenery. You can leisurely cycle around this area while enjoying the rich sound and scenery of the water provided by Mt. Yatsugatake. (For Tateshina Otaki Course) You can walk through a fantastic virgin forest. (For the rice terrace course) You can also tour an agar factory that takes advantage of the local climate and get a glimpse of the unique way of life in this area. (For Otome Falls course) You can enjoy the negative ion water spray of Otome Falls up close. This is an overseas-style E-bike suitable for the terrain of this region. You can rest assured that you can row easily even on slopes without breaking a sweat.

$78.02

1 h 30 mins

Horse riding Experience in Nature Rich Lake Shirakaba

The Yatsugatake area flourished most during the Jomon period, when it was prosperous and peaceful for over 10,000 years, and is still a place where people cherish their relationship with nature while making use of the limited blessings of nature. Since ancient times, there have been many people who were skilled at horseback riding, and during the Kamakura period, the jockeys who were in charge of Yabusame events in Kamakura were also people from Suwa. Hope Lodge, which has been operating at Lake Shirakaba for several decades, has continued to offer horseback riding experiences here for many years and continues to teach many people how to interact with horses. Why not spend some special time in a place rich with nature and get a glimpse of the lives of people who have been working with horses for many years?

$214.57

2 h

Enjoy a private Osuwa Daiko performance in the great nature

Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, the inheritor, will provide an explanation of Osuwa Daiko and nature beliefs, followed by a dedicatory performance. After the performance, participants will have the opportunity to experience playing Osuwa Daiko, including a brief lesson on a simple piece. Capture a commemorative photo with Lake Shirakaba in the background, then return to the meeting point and disband. You can choose from two performance styles. ・Performance by one Yamamoto Makoto It is an overwhelming performance by the soke. The continuous beating of several drums by a single drummer is a sight to behold. ・Performance by 4 members of Osuwa Daiko drum formation Osuwa Taiko was the first in Japan to create the "Kumidaiko" style, in which the taiko drum is the main part of the performance. Be sure to watch for their performance.

$845.26

1 h

Agar Factory Tour and Tasting Experience at Chino City

Be amazed by the surprising background and history that makes Chino City the top producer of agar in Japan! Receive a guided tour through the workshop, with staff providing easy-to-understand explanations. Explore the rich water resources that contribute to delicious miso and sake in the Suwa-Chino area, embodying the wisdom of predecessors who shaped Japan's traditional cuisine. Conclude the experience with a tasting of agar, as Irise Co., Ltd. shares various ways to incorporate agar into different dishes, driven by the concept of promoting health and happiness for everyone.

$19.51

1 h 30 mins

Meditation Experience in Nature with Primeval Forest and Springs

The primeval forest covered in fresh moss looks just like the world of a Ghibli movie! It's a mysterious and mysterious space. You can sharpen your five senses and refresh yourself while bathing in the negative ions of Tateshina Otaki and Taki-no-Yukawa. You can feel a lot of natural energy. Yoga instructor Chihaya Dan will give a lecture, and you will meditate in nature and experience time ``spending time in nature without thinking about anything.''

$50.72

48 h

Jomon 2-Day Historical Spirits Tour

Exploring the Secrets of 10,000 Years of Peaceful Jomon Era In today’s world, we are witnessing frequent international conflicts and wars, threatening peace on a global scale. Additionally, we face global warming, extreme weather, and related food crises, which contribute to a growing sense of insecurity. We believe the Jomon period in Japan holds the key to the peace people seek and the coexistence with nature needed to protect the planet. The Jomon period is unique in world history for having maintained peace for over 10,000 years. In Hara Village, Nagano Prefecture and Yatsugatake, a region where the Jomon culture flourished, many messages left by Jomon people remain. This tour invites you to feel the spirit of peace the Jomon people cultivated, based on the messages they left behind. This special journey will allow you to touch the Jomon spirit and search for clues to a better future. Let’s discover the essence of peace by learning from the past.