Things to do in Suwa

No. 14 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Kurumayama Kogen SKYPARK

Che Shan Plateau Ski Resort offers 8 types of ski trails, catering to everyone from young beginners to seasoned experts. With over 70% sunny days during the snow season, the view from the 1925-meter summit of Che Shan is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama. On clear days, you can see famous Japanese mountains such as Mount Fuji, Southern/Northern/Central Alps, and Yatsugatake Mountains.

No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

Kirigamine Ski Area

Kirigamine Ski Area is located in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. It is located on the Kirigamine Plateau at an altitude of about 1,600 meters and is adjacent to the volcanic Lake Suwa. It is a family-friendly and natural ski destination in central Nagano Prefecture. Compared with large ski resorts such as Hakuba and Shiga Kogen in Nagano Prefecture, Kirigamine is known for its medium scale and low passenger density, which is suitable for skiers who seek a quiet experience. The ski resort has many ski trails, 60% of which are beginner trails. The slopes are gentle and equipped with magic carpet facilities, which are especially suitable for parents and novices to practice. The intermediate trails are concentrated in the mountainside area, overlooking the Suwa Basin and the winter panorama of Mount Fuji in the distance. Some ski trails are open at night, and the snow scenery under the light is intertwined with the starry sky, creating a unique atmosphere. The ski park also has small jumps and wave trails to attract snowboard enthusiasts to challenge.

Suwa Taisha Kamisha Honmiya

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."

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Nagawa

Echo Valley Ski Area

The Echo Valley Ski Area in Nagawa-cho, Ogura-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is located in a valley at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,800 meters. Thanks to the unique geographical environment, the area has an annual sunny rate of more than 80%, and the stable climate conditions provide reliable guarantees for skiing. The ski resort cleverly uses the natural barriers of the two ridges to form a double-slope terrain that is less affected by wind, effectively reducing the interference of strong winds on the skiing experience. The design of the ski trails takes into account both diversity and safety. The wide and flat main slope is suitable for practicing sliding skills and snowboard giant turns, while the 35-degree steep slope provides a challenging space for advanced skiers. The specially planned slow practice area adopts a gentle slope design and cooperates with an independent cable car system to form a friendly environment for beginners. The resort uses scientific traffic line planning to naturally connect ski trails of different difficulty levels, allowing family tourists and professional skiers to share the snow space. As a characteristic ski destination in Nagano, its operating concept that combines Alpine skiing culture with Japanese mountain characteristics shows a unique charm of winter sports.

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Chino

Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill Ski Resort

Located in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill Ski Resort is a resort that is suitable for all types of ski enthusiasts. The resort's ski slopes are compactly designed to suit beginners and family visitors, while also providing a wealth of challenges for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The snow conditions here remain stable from the beginning of the season to the end of the season, ensuring the continuity of the skiing experience. The resort is equipped with a full range of park facilities, including permanent snowpack courses for practice, to meet the needs of skiers of different levels. In addition to skiing, visitors can also enjoy the surrounding natural scenery and other winter activities. The resort has complete facilities, including catering, rentals and ski lessons, to facilitate the various needs of visitors. In terms of transportation, the resort is conveniently located and there are a variety of transportation options available in the surrounding area, making it easy for visitors to reach. Whether it is a family trip or a ski enthusiast, it provides a comfortable winter vacation experience.

No. 3 of Ski Resorts in Kitasaku District

Shirakaba 2 In 1 Ski Field

Shirakaba 2 in 1 Ski Resort is located in Tateshina Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, adjacent to Lake Shirakaba. It is a comprehensive ski resort formed by the merger of two ski areas. The ski resort covers an area of ​​about 38 hectares, with 9 ski slopes and 6 cable car routes, suitable for all types of skiers. The ski resort has a sunny rate of up to 80%, and from the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Yatsugatake, the North and South Alps, etc.   The "Core House 2 in 1" center in the ski resort provides services such as ski equipment rental, catering and souvenir shops. The restaurant serves a variety of meals to meet the dining needs of tourists from all over the world. In addition, the ski resort also has a children's park, providing entertainment facilities such as sleds and snow carousels, suitable for family tourists.   Shirakaba 2 in 1 Ski Resort has become one of the popular ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture with its diverse ski slopes, beautiful natural scenery and complete facilities, suitable for all types of skiers and family tourists.

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya

The Suwa Taisha Shrine in Nagano is the headquarters of 2,500 Suwa shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to the god of farming and hunting. The shrine is divided into upper and lower shrines. Upper shrine is divided into the main palace and the former palace. The main palace is located in Suwa City. , the former palace is located in Chino City. Shimosha is divided into Autumn Palace and Spring Palace, both located in Shimosuwa Town. Most people visit Shimosha, because it is adjacent to Lake Suwa, with beautiful scenery and natural quietness. The shrine has a history of thousands of years and is one of the oldest religious buildings in Japan. However, due to the advanced age, the specific origin still needs further research and verification. Suwa Shrine is the site of the Imperial Pillar Festival, which is one of the three major festivals in Japan. There will be well-trained men holding wooden pillars and quickly slide down from the hillside. The festival is more lively and more exciting to watch.

No. 16 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Pilatus Tateshina Snow Resort

Located in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Pilatus Tateshina is a comprehensive ski resort that combines high-altitude skiing experience with natural beauty. With an altitude of 2,240 meters, a slope of up to 33 degrees, and a 4,000-meter-long ski route, it is an ideal destination for ski enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Yatsugatake Mountains, the resort has different scenery in each season, with snow in winter and suitable for hiking and camping in summer. The resort's iconic facility is a large cable car that can accommodate 100 people, which takes visitors from the foot station at an altitude of 1,771 meters to the top station at an altitude of 2,240 meters in just 7 minutes. The slopes are designed to suit all types of skiers, with beginner and intermediate slopes each accounting for 40%, and special slopes accounting for 20%, providing a variety of choices for skiers of different levels. In general, Pilatus Tateshina, with its high altitude, high-quality snow quality and rich activity facilities, provides visitors with an ideal winter resort destination that combines skiing, nature exploration and family fun.

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Harumiya