Things to do in Suwa
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Top 10 attractions in Suwa
Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa is located roughly in the center of Nagano Prefecture, with an elevation of 759 m and a circumference of 16.2 km, making it a large lake in the prefecture. In winter, when the lake freezes over, you can see anglers ice fishing for smelt through holes in the ice, as well as ice skaters. Furthermore, after 10 or more consecutive days of temperatures dropping below -10°C, the contraction and expansion of the ice cause it to crack and rise over 1 m, accompanied by a loud sound. This rare phenomenon is known as "Omiwatari." At the lakeside "Suwa Lake Geyser Center," you can see a rare geyser that erupts up to 40–50 m high approx. every 1 hour. Inside the center, there is also an indoor swimming pool and a slide show introducing "Omiwatari."Okaya · 2.8km from Suwa
Tateishi Park
Suwa · 1.8km from downtown
Suwa Lakeside Park
Suwa · 1.2km from downtown
Takashima Castle
It's a three-story ancient castle that showcases the history of Takashima Castle and offers a view of Mount Fuji from the east terrace.Suwa · 206m from downtown
Katakurakan
Katakurakan is located in Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is a nearly century-old building with an architectural style that blends different cultural elements. Katakurakan was originally built to provide welfare facilities for local residents, including an auditorium, hot spring baths, and more.Suwa · 1km from downtown
Universal Studios Japan
There are thrilling rides themed around Hollywood's superstar movies, fantastic performances by popular cartoon characters, and more, so everyone can have fun! Featuring the world's first Nintendo theme park, experience the world of Super Mario in an immersive way! Festive limited parades and float tours! Everyone is a protagonist in this enthusiastic parade where everyone is full of passion and vigor! Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) in Osaka is one of the world's five Universal Studios theme parks, which opened for business in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. It is similar in design to Universal Studios Orlando in the U.S., with popular parks such as Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Waterworld, and more than 60 fun-filled attractions. With these attractions, you can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan is also home to popular themed IP parks such as “Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)”, “Minion Park” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Whether it's interacting with the minions, riding on Mario Kart, or traveling through the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, it's an unforgettable experience that is full of excitement. △“Super Nintendo World” is the world's first Nintendo theme park built by Nintendo in cooperation with Universal Studios Japan. With the globally popular Super Mario as the protagonist, the game's Kuba Castle, Princess Brigitte's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom are reproduced 1:1 in a super-realistic way, providing immersive experiences of the world of Super Mario! △The “Freeze Ray Sliders” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” will get you involved in a huge farce and heat wave with the minions! The Minions have finally fulfilled their ambitions! All of humanity will be a part of the mayhem at the Minion Park! △Embracing a variety of areas with unique characteristics, wonderment and surprise, Universal Studios Japan covers a whole spectrum of world-class entertainment through thrilling rides and shows themed on blockbuster Hollywood movies, as well as seasonal events for all ages to enjoy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will reproduce the world from the Harry Potter™ stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale at Universal Studios Japan.Japan · Osaka
Romanetto
Okaya · 4.9km from Suwa
Matsumoto Castle
The predecessor of Matsumoto Castle was Fukashi Castle. At the beginning of the Muromachi period, Ogasawara Sadamune, a retainer of the Ashikaga Takahashi clan, was entrusted with the guardianship of Shinano, and the castle was built. In the 17th year of Tenten (1548), when Takeda Shingen of Kohi defeated Ogasawara Chang of Forest City, this place was used as a base for advancing from Higashi Shinano to Kitashinano. The scale of Shenzhi City gradually expanded. During this period, Kiso Yoshimao, Ogasawara Zhenzhong, Ogasawara Zhenqing, and Ogasawara Hidezheng served as the city lords of Shenzhi City respectively. After the fall of the Takeda clan, Ogasawara Masaki, who inherited his father's land, changed the name of Fukashi Castle to Matsumoto Castle. In the 18th year of Tensho (1590), Toyotomi Hideyoshi destroyed the Hojo clan in Odawara, entered Kanto, and transferred the city to Ishikawa. After that, Toyotomi received a salary of 80,000 stone and began to build a five-story and six-tiered tower. It was not until the era of Kang Chang, the son of Shuzheng, that it was finally completed (that is, the prototype of the existing Songyuan Castle). The Tsukimi and Tatsumi turrets used in the castle were built in the early Edo period. After that, he went through the Ogasawara clan, the Toda Matsudaira clan, the Horita clan, and the Mizuno clan. Matsumoto Castle is a typical flat city. The castles of Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru are roughly square. The tower is set in the southwest of Honmaru, surrounded by the concave Ninomaru lacking the north, and surrounded by the square Sannomaru on the outside.Matsumoto · 25.7km from Suwa
Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Area
Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Area is located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, on a plateau at an altitude of 1,300 m. This medium-sized ski resort is known for its panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps, and features 12 ski runs to suit the diverse needs of skiers. The resort uses an artificial snowmaking system to extend its operating season. As an important part of the Yatsugatake Highland four-season resort area, the outdoor area, outside of winter, transforms into a hiking and camping base, while retaining two beginner ski runs for use as a summer grass skiing area. In terms of ecological conservation, the surrounding area preserves a pristine coniferous forest belt and features a 3 km nature observation trail, with snow animal tracking activities held regularly in winter. This resort, which combines skiing with highland ecological experiences, maintains a moderate operating scale while becoming a preferred destination for family ski trips in the Kanto region through its refined services.Hokuto · 28.9km from Suwa
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disney Resort is a themed resort offering more than can be enjoyed in just a day. Here you'll find two Disney theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – as well as six Disney hotels, several Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the shopping and dining complex Ikspiari, and a convenient monorail line around the Resort. Enjoy the parks and stay for the shopping, dining, and more at Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disneyland, the Kingdom of Dreams and Magic, consists of seven themed lands, each offering fun attractions in line with its theme, as well as a variety of unique shops and restaurants. · World Bazaar: A bustling early 20th century American town center · Adventureland: A world of adventure rich in nature and cultural diversity · Westernland: America's “Wild West” abounding with the frontier spirit · Critter Country: A neighborhood of friendly creatures and their stories · Fantasyland: A world of fairytales and dreams replete with Disney magic · Toontown: A fun-filled neighborhood where Mickey and his friends live · Tomorrowland: A land of tomorrow where science and technology are in harmony Have a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland with your Disney friends! 1. “it's a small world”: As children of the world sing, enjoy the “happiest cruise that ever sailed.” 2. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast: Board magical cups that seem to dance through this enchanting story. 3. Big Thunder Mountain: A wild ride with sudden drops and turns on runaway mine train. 4. Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Fly high through the sky on Dumbo's back. 5. Splash Mountain: A thrilling trip on a log boat awaits you! 6. Minnie's Style Studio: Minnie Mouse, as a fashion designer, will greet guests wearing her latest design. Visit her office and pass through the workroom, then enter the photo studio for a photo with Minnie!Japan · Urayasu
Experiences you can't miss in Suwa
Featured Day tours in Suwa
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Private Tours in Suwa
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Free things to do in Suwa
Lake Suwa
Okaya · 2.8km from SuwaTateishi Park
Suwa · 1.8km from downtownSuwa Lakeside Park
Suwa · 1.2km from downtownTakashima Castle
Suwa · 206m from downtownKatakurakan
Suwa · 1km from downtownUniversal Studios Japan
Japan · OsakaBook now for todayRomanetto
Okaya · 4.9km from SuwaMatsumoto Castle
Matsumoto · 25.7km from SuwaSun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Area
Hokuto · 28.9km from SuwaTokyo Disneyland
Japan · UrayasuImmediate access, Book now for today
What travellers say about Suwa
小兵妞妞17 February 2023
5.0
It's not bad. You can go around. There are other attractions nearby, all around the lake. Nice place. There are some ski resorts around. If you are tired, you can stay in the hot spring hotel here at night. It's very comfortable.
Lake Suwa
tt梦幻小妖22 August 2019
5.0
When the minimum temperature in Lake Suwa remains below minus ten degrees Celsius for more than 10 consecutive days, the ice on the lake surface will contract and expand, causing a loud noise and cracks to occur. The ice will bulge upwards by more than one meter, a rare phenomenon called "God's Crossing".
Tateishi Park
zhangfeifei21 January 2023
5.0
There is a free foot bath in the lakeside park. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake while soothing your tired feet after visiting the shrine. If you are lucky, you can also encounter the eruption of the nearby geyser. This geyser and seven hot springs have gushing outlets.
Suwa Lakeside Park
Anonymous user20 October 2026
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Universal Studios Japan is truly a world-class theme park and an absolute must-visit when travelling to Osaka! The attention to detail, creativity, and immersive atmosphere are simply outstanding. Every themed area is beautifully designed, making you feel as though you've stepped into another world.Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are particularly impressive, featuring breathtaking environments and incredible attractions. Beyond the thrilling rides, the park offers fantastic entertainment, unique merchandise, and endless photo opportunities.Although the park can get crowded, the experience is absolutely worth it. Arriving early and planning ahead will definitely help you make the most of your visit.Overall, Universal Studios Japan delivers an exceptional combination of excitement, imagination, and unforgettable memories. Highly recommended for visitors of all ages. Definitely one of Osaka's highlights!
Universal Studios Japan
Upton18 September 2020
5.0
The morning hot springs are open from 5 to 9 p.m. If you miss this time, you can wait until the second time slot, which runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Romanetto
_TI***e317 April 2025
5.0
Very beautiful castle, especially with cherry blossom trees in full bloom
Matsumoto Castle
Anonymous user20 October 2026
5.0
One of our trip highlights is Tokyo Disneyland! Got this for a lower price compared to other booking platforms using a discount coupon. Adding the tickets to the Tokyo Disney Resort app was super easy, and it made preparing for the trip more convenient. Glad that we were able to book through Trip.com!
Tokyo Disneyland
