10 Ways to Enjoy Suwa in Winter: Ice Fishing, Skiing, Hot Springs, Stargazing and More
Source: Suwa Regional Development Bureau, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division
The Suwa region in Nagano Prefecture is a cultural and natural retreat just over two hours from Tokyo by train. Known for its hot springs, Shinto heritage sites, and seasonal festivals, the area boasts history that spans more than a millennium. At its centre lies Lake Suwa, Nagano’s largest lake, framed by the Yatsugatake Mountains. Cities such as Suwa, Okaya, and Shimosuwa lie along the lake, while Chino, Fujimi, and Hara are nestled in the surrounding highlands.
In winter, the region takes on a serene, snow-dusted charm. In especially cold years, visitors may be fortunate enough to witness Omiwatari, a rare natural phenomenon where ice ridges form on Lake Suwa. Beyond this spectacle, visitors can enjoy wakasagi (smelt) fishing from the warmth of heated dome boats. The nearby Yatsugatake Highlands also offer excellent opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing, making the Suwa region an ideal winter getaway. Convenient access via the Azusa Limited Express allows travellers to reach Fujimi, Chino, Kamisuwa, Shimosuwa and Okaya Stations from Tokyo in approximately 2.5 hours.
Outdoor & Nature Experiences
(1) Suwako Wakasagi LAKEHOOD
(2) Fujimi Panorama Resort
(3) Yatsugatake Stargazing Event
Cultural & Historical Sites
(4) Okaya Kinu Kobo "Okaya Silk Studio"
(5) Shimosuwa Past and Present Museum Oideya
Local Food & Culinary Experiences
(6) Shinshu Sanroku Cafe Terrace
(7) Tocoro Terrace
(8) Kanten (Agar) Tour
Accommodation
(9) Mominokisou
(10) Onyado Maruya
(1) Suwako Wakasagi LAKEHOOD
Suwako Wakasagi LAKEHOOD offers wakasagi (smelt) fishing experiences on Lake Suwa in Nagano. Guests can fish from roofed dome boats equipped with heating and a cooking area to fry freshly caught fish, offering a cosy and interactive experience. Learn how to fish for smelt by fish schools.
While waiting for the fish to bite, guests can relax in cozy dome boats, up to a maximum capacity of 32 people. The experience offers the opportunity to enjoy freshly fried tempura made from the catch (with extra charge). It is a great way to enjoy both the winter scenery and local culinary traditions.
Various pricing plans are available (apart from 1-day plan), including short 2-hour sessions. The fishing season runs from late September to March.
Location: 1-5933-7 Minato, Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture, 394-0044 Japan
Access: 31-min drive from Okaya IC, 10-min drive from Suwako Smart IC or 18-min walk from Okaya Station
Operating season: Late September to around March (with early closing)
Opening hours: [1-day plan] 7am - 3pm, [2-hour plan] 9am - 11am / 10am -12pm / 11.30am - 1.30pm, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Fee: 1-day plan: ¥4,600 (adult), ¥4,000 (child), 2-hour plan: ¥3,800 (adult), ¥3,200 (child)
*A separate fishing ticket (¥1,000) for adults is required.
Website
(2) Fujimi Panorama Resort
Source: 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. In winter, the resort transforms into an ideal snow getaway with stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the Yatsugatake Mountains. The resort operates from mid December to early April in winter, offering various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Ski enthusiasts can choose from 7 ski courses for all levels, including a kids' park. The beginner courses feature slower lifts for a smooth start. After skiing, guests can enjoy hearty on-the-slope meals like curry, cream stew, and more.
Tickets such as ski lift and gondola ticket options, including day passes, afternoon passes, and discounted bundles with meal vouchers can be purchased in advance via their website. Season passes and special packages for families and children are also available.
Location: 6666-703 Fujimi, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture, 399-0211 Japan
Access: 7-min drive from Suwaminami IC
Operational Dates* for 2024-2025 Season:
14 December 2024 - 5 April 2025
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am - 4pm (Closed on Tue, Sat & Sun)
Gondola operating hours: 8.30am - 4pm (last descent: 4.30pm)
Lift operating hours: 8:30am - 4:30 pm (from 8:00 am on weekends and public holidays)
*Please check the Fujimi Panorama Resort website for updates on the start of the winter season.
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(3) Yatsugatake Stargazing Event
Located at 1,300 metres elevation in Hara Village, Yatsugatake Shizen Bunkaen (Yatsugatake Nature and Culture Centre), known as the “Starry Village”, is a prime spot for stargazing. The centre offers a guided star-gazing event where participants can first enjoy a planetarium show introducing constellations and then view the night sky outdoors using large telescopes, with staff providing guidance. The event runs on select weekends from June to December.
*Please check for updates on the event schedule here.
(4) Okaya Kinu Kobo "Okaya Silk Studio"
Okaya city, located in Nagano Prefecture, was once a thriving centre of Japan’s silk industry and remains notable for its historical role in textile production during the Meiji era, contributing significantly to Japan’s modernisation and global silk trade. Today, visitors can experience this legacy at Silk Fact Okaya (Okaya Silk Museum) and Okaya Kinu Kobo "Okaya Silk Studio" in Okaya city. Explore the history and silk-making process, from silkworm cultivation to fabric production, through exhibits at Okaya Silk Museum. Next, try traditional reeling and dyeing techniques at the workshop in Okaya Silk Studio.
Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich silk-making heritage at Okaya Silk Workshop, originally the office of Yamaichi Hayashigumi Silk Mill. This historical gem is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property, making it the perfect setting for an authentic hands-on experience.
Beyond admiring the craftsmanship, visitors can try their hand at traditional silk weaving or experiment with plant-based dyeing techniques. For those looking for a quick yet rewarding activity, the coaster-making workshop is an excellent choice. Participants can select their preferred silk thread color from a curated selection and, within about 30 minutes, create a beautifully handcrafted coaster to take home as a unique souvenir.
One of the workshop’s greatest charms is its warm and knowledgeable instructors—elderly artisans who have spent a lifetime mastering the art of silk weaving. Their patient guidance ensures that even absolute beginners feel at ease. Synchronise your hands and feet in rhythm with the loom, become fully immersed in the process, experiencing the same meditative focus that silk artisans have practised for centuries.
Okaya Kinu Kobo "Okaya Silk Studio"
Location: 1-13-17 Chuo-cho, Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture, 394-0027 Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Okaya Station, 10-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: Tue, Sat & Sun 9am - 4pm (Closed on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri)
*A reservation is required for the workshop. Please email info@tintt.jp
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(5) Shimosuwa Past and Present Museum Oideya
Shimosuwa Konjakukan Oideya is a multi-cultural facility featuring two museums: Gisho-do Clock Workshop and Hoshigato Museum Yanone-ya. Visitors can explore the history of time, learn about the mechanics of clocks, and even participate in a clock-making workshop.
On the first floor, visitors can find a tourism information space, digital signage displays, a shop, a rest space, and even a foot bath (Onbashira Kamiyu), all available free of charge. Gisho-do Clock Workshop offers exhibits on the history and mechanics of clocks. One of the highlights is the watch and clock assembly experience, where former Seiko Epson (formerly Suwa Seikosha) engineers guide visitors through assembling wristwatches and table clocks. Hoshigato Museum Yanone-ya explores the relationship between obsidian and people during the Jomon period, featuring dioramas of ancient obsidian mining pits and interactive exhibits.
Source: Shimosuwa Konjakukan Oideya
Additionally, Shimosuwa Konjakukan Oideya is also home to the world’s first full-scale reconstruction of the Water-Driven Astronomical Clock Tower (Suiun Gisho-dai). Step inside to witness its intricate gears, power system, and waterwheel-driven mechanisms in action, offering a rare glimpse into ancient timekeeping technology.
The town also celebrates its cultural connection to Osamu Tezuka, often hailed as the "God of Manga." A visionary Japanese cartoonist, animator, and storyteller, Tezuka laid the foundation for modern manga and anime with iconic works such as Astro Boy, Black Jack, Princess Knight, and Phoenix. As the hometown of his wife, Mitsuko Tezuka, Shimosuwa hosts several exhibits that honour his life and creative legacy, offering fans a meaningful look into his world.
At Shimosuwa Konjakukan Oideya, visitors can view a special Astro Boy x Suwa Taisha collaboration manhole cover as a tribute to Tezuka's iconic character. The museum also offers a limited-edition manhole card, making for a unique and memorable souvenir.
Location: 3289, Shimosuwa Town, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture, 393-0015 Japan
Access: 10-min walk from Shimosuwa Station. 15-min drive from Okaya IC
Opening hours: [Mar-Nov] 9am - 5pm, [Dec-Feb] 9am - 4pm
Fee: ¥600 (adult), ¥300 (primary and secondary school students)
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(6) Shinshu Sanroku Cafe Terrace
Located in Shimosuwa town of Suwako lakeside, Shinshu Sanroku Café Terrace offers a relaxing dining experience surrounded by stunning mountain views. This charming café offers set meals with dessert or elegant course-style dining, made with locally sourced ingredients, creating a perfect blend of flavour and freshness.
Beyond its culinary offerings, the café’s second-floor craft shop showcases the artistry of Shinshu Sanroku Workshop’s “Sanroku Temari” collection. These traditional, intricately woven temari balls are transformed into unique, handcrafted accessories, including delicate earrings and piercings, each a one-of-a-kind creation by skilled artisans.
The cosy interior provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal. Additionally, the café offers parking and bicycle rentals, making it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the area.
Location: 4705-3 Higashi Akasuna, Shimosuwa Town, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture, 393-0046 Japan
Access: 15-min walk from Shimosuwa Station. 10-min drive from Okaya IC
*At the time of publication, the store has suspended dine-in service. However, takeout service is available on Fridays and Saturdays. For the latest updates, please check the website or contact the store directly.
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(7) Tocoro Terrace
Source: Tocoro Terrace
Tocoro Terrace (トコロテラス) is a unique destination dedicated to the art of tokoroten and kanten (agar) production. Combining a modern agar factory with a stylish café, this establishment offers visitors an immersive experience that blends culinary delights with educational insights into these time-honoured Japanese superfoods.
At the heart of Tocoro Terrace is its café, where guests can savour freshly made dishes featuring tokoroten and kanten, known for their refreshing texture and health benefits. Highlights include curry rice, pasta, and hamburg steak, all enhanced with kanten.
For those curious about the production process, Tocoro Terrace offers factory tours and exhibits, providing a firsthand look at how tokoroten and kanten are crafted. These guided experiences showcase the traditional methods behind this beloved ingredient, highlighting its history and health benefits.
Tocoro Terrace offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, inviting visitors to explore the culinary and health benefits of tokoroten and kanten in an immersive setting.
Location: 1545-1, Shiga Akanuma, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, 392-0012 Japan
Access: 8-min drive from Suwa IC
Opening hours: [Cafe] 11am - 5pm (Lunch: 11am - 2.30pm), [Store] 10am - 6pm
(Closed on Thursdays, 31 Dec - 2 Jan)
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(8) Kanten (Agar) Tour
Each winter, from December to February, Chino City offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of traditional kanten (agar) production. This guided tour takes visitors through the kanten factory and fields, where they can experience the region’s centuries-old craft alongside local producers.
At the heart of this experience is the Irisen Kanten Factory, a family-run establishment with over 80 years of history. Here, Mr. Chino, the factory’s owner—who shares his surname with the city—provides an engaging and easy-to-understand explanation of kanten’s history and the meticulous production methods passed down through generations. Guests can witness the intricate process firsthand, from ingredient selection to the final freeze-drying stages. A highlight of the tour is the “tendashi” experience, where visitors can carefully place freshly made kanten onto drying racks, immersing themselves in a time-honoured tradition.
Participants can also get hands-on by customising and tasting their own tokoroten, a refreshing noodle-like dish made from fresh kanten jelly. Mr. Chino, known for his adventurous spirit, also introduces visitors to his innovative kanten-based products, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. The tour concludes with an opportunity to purchase Irisen’s specialty items, including freeze-dried kanten sticks, kanten snacks, and freeze-dried fruit, which make for perfect souvenirs at reasonable prices.
For those seeking an authentic and interactive experience of Japan’s culinary heritage, this tour offers a rare glimpse into the enduring art of freeze-dried food culture in Chino.
Location: Exact location to be provided upon reservation
Access: 25-min drive from Chino Station
Activity Period: From December to February
Fee: Adult (aged 13+): from ¥3,190 per person (max 20 participants), Child (ages 3-12): ¥1,100
Tour Information
(9) Mominokisou
Source: Mominokisou
Mominokisou offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Yatsugatake Mountains. Guests can enjoy the Momino-yu hot spring, sourced from 1,300 metres underground. After a renovation in 2019, Mominokisou introduced a luxury room with an outdoor bath, as well as more affordable accommodation options.
Source: Mominokisou
For those looking for an extra touch of luxury, the private open-air bath in the new building's special room is a must-try. This exclusive feature, available in only one room, offers a secluded and serene environment where guests can soak in the natural beauty of Haramura while enjoying complete privacy.
Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Haramura Village, guests can enjoy the changing seasons, indulge in fresh highland vegetables, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of Japan’s countryside.
Location: 17217-1729 Harayama, Haramura Village, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture, 391-0115, Japan
Access: 11-min drive from Suwa Minami IC
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(10) Onyado Maruya
Nestled at the foot of Suwa Taisha Shrine, Onyado Maruya is a historic ryokan with roots tracing back to the Edo period. Once a waki-honjin (secondary lodging for dignitaries) along the Nakasendo route’s Shimosuwa-juku post station, the inn preserves the elegance of old-world Japan. The current building, restored in 1993, incorporates the architectural style of the old inns from that era.
The inn offers an exclusive and relaxing experience, accommodating only three groups per day in rustic rooms designed to reflect the ryokan’s historical architecture. Guests can enjoy private hot spring baths sourced from natural flowing mineral water and savour breakfast around a traditional hearth (irori). The meals are crafted using local and seasonal ingredients, adding a touch of authenticity to the dining experience.
Enhancing the inn’s inviting atmosphere is the heartfelt hospitality of the owner’s family. Guests are greeted with warmth and attentiveness, while the grandmother takes the time to thoughtfully explain each dish, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. The peaceful ambiance of the building, combined with the kindness of its hosts, makes Onyado Maruya an unforgettable destination for those seeking a deeper connection to Suwa’s history and culture.
Location: 3304 Tate-machi, Shimosuwa Town, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture, 393-0015 Japan
Access: 11-min drive from Shimosuwa Station
Website
*This article is brought to you in partnership with Suwa Regional Promotion Bureau.
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Just over two hours from Tokyo, the Suwa region in Nagano blends nature, culture, and tradition. Centered around Lake Suwa and backed by the Yatsugatake Mountains, it’s known for hot springs, ancient Shinto sites, and seasonal festivals. In winter, the area transforms into a serene retreat, with highlights like Omiwatari—rare ice ridges on the lake—and wakasagi fishing from heated boats. With nearby skiing and snowshoeing, Suwa offers an ideal, easily accessible winter escape.