6 Hidden Gems in Suwa, Japan, You Can’t Miss
What if the best part of your Nagano trip isn’t even in the guidebook? Suwa, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbours like Matsumoto and Nagano City, is the kind of place that quietly impresses—offering ancient shrines, panoramic views, historic architecture, and immersive natural experiences. This under-the-radar town proves that the best escapes are often the ones you never see coming. Here are six hidden gems in Suwa you won’t want to miss!
Suwa Taisha
Suwa Taisha stands as one of Japan’s oldest and most esteemed Shinto shrines, serving as the head shrine for over 10,000 Suwa-affiliated shrines across the country. Rather than a single structure, it comprises four distinct shrine complexes encircling Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture: the Upper Shrines—Kamisha Honmiya and Kamisha Maemiya, and the Lower Shrines—Shimosha Akimiya and Shimosha Harumiya. Each site is steeped in history and spiritual significance, with traditions dating back over a millennium.
Source: Japan Travel
A hallmark of Suwa Taisha is the Onbashira Festival, a dramatic event that takes place every seven years during the years of the Monkey and the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac. This centuries-old ritual involves felling sixteen massive fir trees, each over 150 years old and approximately 17 meters tall, from the surrounding mountains. These logs, known as Onbashira, are then transported to the shrine sites in a perilous procession where participants ride the logs down steep slopes—a testament to their courage and devotion. Once at the shrines, the logs are erected at the four corners of each complex, symbolising spiritual renewal and the enduring connection between the community and their deities.
Unique among Shinto shrines, Suwa Taisha’s sacred objects (shintai) are natural elements rather than man-made artifacts. For instance, at the Honmiya, the sacred object is Mount Moriya itself, reflecting ancient practices of nature worship. Similarly, the Akimiya and Harumiya shrines venerate sacred trees within their precincts, emphasising the shrine’s deep-rooted connection to the natural world.
Tateishi Park
Located on a hillside overlooking Lake Suwa, Tateishi Park offers one of the most scenic panoramic views in the area—particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The park gained fame as a model for a backdrop in the hit animated film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), making it a quiet pilgrimage site for anime fans. Whether you visit for photography or a reflective walk, Tateishi Park’s stunning scenery will leave you in awe.
Source: Suwa Tourism Association Official Website
Katakurakan
Step back in time at Katakurakan, a historical public bathhouse celebrated for its unique “Shinshu Roman” atmosphere. Built in 1928, it was originally part of a luxurious guesthouse for silk magnates and dignitaries. Its distinctive stone bath, filled with naturally warm mineral water, remains remarkably well-preserved in near-original condition. Bathing here is like slipping into the Taisho era—an exclusive opportunity to experience the elegance of retro luxury. The building itself is a blend of Western and Japanese architectural influences, adding to its charm.
Source: Suwa Tourism Association
Suwa Gokura
Suwa is a hidden paradise for sake lovers, and at the heart of its brewing tradition lies Suwa Gokura—a collective name for five historic sake breweries clustered in the Kamisuwa area. These breweries—Masumi, Reijin, Honkin, Maihime, and Yokobue—each have their own distinct flavour profiles, shaped by Suwa’s pristine mountain spring water, high-altitude climate, and centuries of craftsmanship. Visitors can stroll between them on foot, sample a wide variety of fresh brews, and chat with the brewers to gain firsthand insights into traditional sake-making techniques that have been carefully passed down through generations. Some breweries also offer guided tours, tasting rooms, and seasonal specialties that reflect the region’s terroir. It’s an immersive experience for anyone curious about the deep cultural roots and artistry behind Japan’s national drink.
Source: SUWA 5 KURA
Takashima Castle
Nicknamed the “Floating Castle of Suwa,” Takashima Castle once stood on a peninsula jutting into Lake Suwa, giving it the illusion of floating on water. Although the lake has since receded due to land reclamation, the castle still retains its poetic charm. Reconstructed in 1970 in traditional style, the main keep now serves as a modest museum offering insights into the region’s samurai history and the castle’s strategic importance during the Sengoku and Edo periods. In spring, the surrounding park bursts into color with cherry blossoms, making it a favorite spot for hanami (flower viewing).
Source: Suwa Tourism Association Official Website
Yokoya Gorge
For nature lovers, Yokoya Gorge offers a scenic escape filled with walking paths, waterfalls, mossy rocks, and tranquil river views. This 6-kilometer trail, mostly flat and family-friendly, follows the Shibu River and is adorned with four picturesque waterfalls, culminating at the impressive two-tiered Outaki Fall.
Source: Yokoya Onsen
In autumn, the gorge becomes a popular spot for leaf-peeping, with foliage turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The Yokoya Kannon Observatory, accessible via a short climb near Outaki Fall, offers panoramic views of this coloruful display.
Along the trail, visitors can find footbaths and rustic inns, perfect for pairing outdoor adventure with a relaxing soak. Notably, Yokoya Onsen Ryokan is renowned for its ferruginous hot springs, where the iron-rich waters take on a rust-like hue upon exposure to air.
In winter, the gorge transforms into a surreal, icy wonderland. The waterfalls freeze, and a glimmering layer of ice covers the rocky walls, creating a picturesque landscape. With appropriate footwear, most of the trail remains accessible, offering unique winter photography opportunities.
Suwa may not top every travel list—and that’s exactly what makes it special. From centuries-old shrines and atmospheric bathhouses to sake breweries steeped in tradition and natural landscapes that shift with the seasons, the hidden gems of Suwa offer a deeper, quieter kind of travel experience. So next time you’re in Nagano, don’t just pass through Suwa!
Don’t forget to check out our other travel guides here for more amazing destinations in Japan!