Things To Do
in Suwa
Suwa is a picturesque town located in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Suwa Lake being a prominent feature. The town is also famous for its historic shrines, such as the Suwa Taisha Shrine, which dates back over 1,200 years.
Visitors to Suwa can enjoy the serene atmosphere, traditional festivals, and delicious local cuisine.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Lake Suwa. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore and take in the beautiful scenery.
Visit the Suwa Shrine, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Take some time to explore the surrounding nature trails.
Head to a local onsen to unwind and relax. Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Take a hike at the nearby Kirigamine Plateau for stunning mountain views. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Visit the Suwa City Art Museum and appreciate local and contemporary art. Participate in any workshops if available.
Head to a izakaya for a casual dinner experience. Sample various local dishes and enjoy a few drinks with locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and lakes.
- Rich cultural heritage with historic temples and shrines.
- Access to hot springs (onsen) for relaxation and wellness.
- Significant outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Limited job opportunities, especially for non-Japanese speakers.
- Higher living costs compared to other rural areas.
- Public transport may be less frequent than in larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for tourists and newcomers.
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options than in larger urban centers.
Best Activities in Suwa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the historic Suwa Taisha Shrine and explore the beautiful surrounding area.
Explore the scenic trails and beautiful nature in the Suwa region through various hiking routes.
Enjoy water-based activities such as boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the picturesque Lake Suwa.
Tours
Uncover the best of Suwa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Suwa
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset.
A popular spot for its panoramic views of the Suwa Basin and the Chino Valley, particularly during autumn when the foliage is at its peak.
Provides a picturesque setting overlooking the town of Suwa and Lake Suwa.
Features beautiful traditional architecture and scenic surroundings, especially during the Onbashira Festival held once every 6 years.
Food in Suwa
Suwa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty noodle dish made with locally grown buckwheat and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. Try it at Soba Dokoro Kaya, a renowned soba restaurant in Suwa.
Must-Try!
A crispy breaded pork cutlet topped with a rich miso-based sauce. Visit Misoya for a delicious rendition of this local favorite.
A sweet red bean soup served with mochi (rice cake). Sample this warm, comforting dessert at traditional tea houses like Oshiruko An.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Suwa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market for a wide array of fresh produce, local snacks, and street food stalls offering delicacies like yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) and takoyaki (octopus balls).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Suwa, Japan, it's customary to bow as a sign of respect when greeting someone, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
It's respectful to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments such as ryokan (Japanese inns) in Suwa, as is the custom in many parts of Japan.
In Suwa and many other parts of Japan, it's polite to maintain a quiet demeanor on public transport, such as trains and buses, so as not to disturb others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Suwa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Suwa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Suwa, Japan. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Suwa, Japan, cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. Mobile payment methods such as QR codes and IC cards are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Suwa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy mild temperatures.
Warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful lake.
Stunning fall foliage, pleasant temperatures and many local festivals.
Great for enjoying winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, and attending the Winter Festival.
Suwa at Night
Hiking in Suwa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area featuring lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
Known for its panoramic views of Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains, this area offers several hiking trails with beautiful wildflower scenery.
A popular hiking destination with multiple trails ranging from easy to difficult, showcasing stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
This highland area is perfect for hiking with a variety of trails that lead through forests, past lakes, and offer views of the surrounding peaks.
A fascinating hiking area where you can explore caves formed by lava and see ice formations, combined with a short hike to the caves.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Suwa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Suwa by plane.
Located in Narita, Chiba, this is one of the major international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, approximately 250 km from Suwa.
Situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, this airport serves the Kansai region, approximately 360 km from Suwa.
Located on an island in Ise Bay near Nagoya, this airport is about 210 km from Suwa and serves the Chubu region of Japan.
Located closer to central Tokyo than Narita, Haneda is a major domestic and international airport, around 230 km from Suwa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group, representing the majority of the population in Suwa.
Includes a small percentage of the population, consisting mostly of individuals from other Asian countries and Western nations.
A significant demographic in Suwa, reflecting the aging population trends seen in many rural areas of Japan.
Includes high school and university students, as well as young professionals, making up a smaller proportion of the demographic.
The Soul of Suwa
Discover the essence of Suwa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a popular sport in Suwa, with various local clubs and schools participating in competitions throughout the year.
Soccer has a strong following in Suwa, with community leagues and youth teams actively playing and competing.
Baseball is a traditional favorite in Japan, and Suwa has its own local teams that enjoy spirited games, especially during summer.
Volleyball is popular among both men and women in Suwa; local clubs often have tournaments and friendly matches.
Cycling is a favored activity in Suwa, inspired by the beautiful mountainous terrain and numerous cycling routes in the area.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced widely in Suwa, with available classes for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Suwa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, some restaurants in Suwa offer vegetarian and vegan menus. Look for establishments like Green Leaf Cafe, which cater to these dietary preferences.
Locating gluten-free options can be challenging in Suwa due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. However, communicating your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff can often yield accommodating customized dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Suwa with these cultural adventures.
