Said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan, Suwa Taisha Kamisha is visited by many tourists throughout the year. In the Edo period, it flourished as a castle town of the Takashima Domain, and in the Meiji period, it flourished as the center of the global silk industry.
Experience the history of Japan in Suwa City, be surrounded by Nature, and spend a blissful time.
COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended Information on Suwa City, so thank you.
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
Extra Edition: N takamatsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture – “Nezame no Toko”
On this day, foodie Kawanishi presents an extra edition‼️ I finally visited Nezame no Toko in Agematsu, Kiso District, a place I’d long wanted to see. Nezame no Toko is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges and is designated as a National Scenic Spot!!! Before the Meiji era there were no dams, and the rapids of the Kiso River carved this granite. After dams were built, water diversion lowered the Kiso River’s surface, making the rock formations appear even more massive. It seems the site was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1923 and managed as a prefectural park, and in 2020 it was elevated to part of the Central Alps Quasi-National Park!!!
You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall—the scenery changes with the seasons. The river’s blue color shows how clear the Kiso River is.
Also, surprisingly, there’s an Urashima Taro legend in landlocked Nagano Prefecture!? I’ve been curious about that for a long time.
It’s a truly lovely scenic spot and a good workout too! I think you should avoid going right after rain or wearing clothing that hinders movement. I recommend sneakers and clothes you can move easily in!!! Swimming is prohibited, so please be careful. Second-grade elementary school children can make it to Urashima-dō. Why not visit Nezame no Toko with your children to enjoy the beautiful views!?
On the way back, I stopped at Michi-no-Eki Hiyoshi Kisokoma Kogen and bought the station’s limited “morokoshi soft-serve” made with milk from Kaida Kogen! A faint, toasty corn aroma spreads through it—this was the most delicious soft-serve I’ve ever tasted!!! Please enjoy it if you can!
From time to time, foodie Kawanishi plans to bring you extra editions like this.
◎ Nezame no Toko
📍 Agematsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture
◎ Free parking: Available (check the website below)
◎ Website: https://kiso-hinoki.jp/colibri-wp/tourist/nezamenotoko/...
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
56th Takashima Castle Festival
Hello everyone! The hot weather continues. 💦
This weekend the forecast is uncertain, but the Takashima Castle Festival will take place on Sunday the 25th.
The festival commemorates the 1970 reconstruction of Takashima Castle’s keep. Along with Taiko drumming, a dragon-god dance, and kiyari work chants, the grounds will host a Suwa City recommended souvenir exhibition and sale, among other events.
・Date and time ⇒ Sunday, May 25, 2025, 9:00–15:00
・Location ⇒ Takashima Park
・Attractions ⇒ Stage performances and various vendors
・Parking ⇒ Suwa Lake Event Plaza (for visitors)
For details, please check the URL below!
https://suwacci.or.jp/suwayoiteko/lp/takashimajousai/...
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
May 13, 2025 Takashima Castle Wisteria
On this day, foodie KAWANISHI visited the wisteria at Takashima Castle (Takashima Park).
This year, I came to see the wisteria at Takashima Castle again! I think it will finish blooming by the end of this week.
At Takashima Castle, two rows of wisteria trellises stand side by side, and there are wisteria over the pond as well. The colors are stunning, with a beautiful contrast of purple and white!!! Usually, they reach their best around Golden Week.
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
Suwa Karin‑no‑Ki — a bakery committed to Hokkaido wheat and additive‑free dough
On this day I, food‑lover Kasai, visited Suwa Karin‑no‑Ki. The owner opened the shop in May 2012 with a strong desire to bake bread that parents can feel safe giving to children and babies.
The dough uses wheat from Hokkaido and contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or additives.
・Eggs ⇒ Eggs from chickens raised at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake
・Milk ⇒ Milk from Jersey cows raised on the Nobeyama Plateau
・Sausage and bacon ⇒ Additive‑free, showcasing the natural taste of the meat
・Wheat ⇒ Carefully selected Hokkaido wheat (e.g., Haruyutaka)
About 25 types of bread (including seasonal items) are usually on display; when I visited around 2:00 p.m., many items were already sold out.
The owner recommends enjoying the bakery's most popular bâtard with a dip of olive oil. I tried a rare matcha‑flavored melon pan and a rusk made from melon pan. The large, American‑style oat cookies were sold out that day, but they are excellent when available. Find your favorite bread and enjoy it!
◎ Bread Workshop Suwa Karin‑no‑Ki
📍 Suwa City Ote 2‑1‑2
☎ 0266‑55‑4343
◎ Hours: 10:00 – 19:00
◎ Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
◎ Parking: Nawate Parking Lot (parking voucher available for customers who purchase)
◎ Payment: Cash, PayPay
◎ Website: https://treeofkarin.weblike.jp//
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
The other day, the organizing committee for the Autumn Fireworks (formerly called the National New Fireworks Competition) met and adopted the name “National New Fireworks Challenge Cup 2025.”
And the launch times have now been decided‼️
Please note that the start times for the launches will differ, so be careful when you come! Thank you‼️
https://suwako-hanabi.com/shinsaku/...
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
It’s gradually getting warmer!
Two weeks ago, surprisingly, glutton Kasai was laid up with the flu. My temperature reached nearly 39°C, but somehow my appetite stayed strong (´~`)! Please take care, everyone... Since I took time off two weeks ago, I’ll be back this week as energetic and hungry as ever!
Everyone, the cherry blossom season is approaching 🌸 Aren’t you starting to want to see some cherry blossom photos? These photos are from past years, but Suwa City has many great cherry blossom viewing spots. If you have any recommended cherry blossom viewpoints, I would be very grateful if you could share them!!!
Glutton Kasai prefers dumplings to flowers, but www I’ll still post plenty about Suwa City’s cherry blossom viewing spots! Looking back at last year’s posts, it was around mid-April!
Hi there! This is glutton Kasai!
I caught the flu last week… It was awful! I had a high fever… BUT I still had a voracious appetite!!! Can you believe it? It’s true… Everyone, please take care!!!
These days, Suwa City is gradually warming up. The o-hanami season is coming!
O-hanami is a traditional Japanese spring event. We enjoy a feast while watching the cherry blossoms bloom. These pictures were taken earlier.
This year, I’ll keep researching the best cherry blossom viewing spots and the best times to see them!!!
I checked last year’s post; it was in mid-April! Please take a look!!!
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
★Lake Suwa / Kami-Suwa Onsen — A Ryokan with Delicious Food: Hama no Yu
※Kami-Suwa Onsen: The Yutama Legend
At Kami-Suwa Onsen there is a “Yutama” legend that says the goddess of Suwa Taisha was carrying bathwater for her makeup on cotton as she moved from the Upper Shrine (Kamisha) to the Lower Shrine (Shimosha). Some of that water fell along the way and formed the hot spring known as Yutama.
Now, in this cold season don’t we all want to soak in a warm onsen? Food lover Kasai turns into “steam-emitting Kasai” when he sweats in winter, with steam rising from his head, haha. Lately I’ve actually gotten hooked on onsens! First, I’d like to introduce the local Kami-Suwa Onsen!!! For the first feature, we received cooperation from Hama no Yu!!! Above all, Hama no Yu’s baths let you enjoy the garden view, and their baths are made from the now-rare black granite. And the ultimate feature is their heat retention!!! This heat retention is one of their strongest points in the whole country!!! Please stay with them and enjoy their baths, which are available 24 hours a day!!!
• Men’s Bath
There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a herbal bath. Men can relax and recover from fatigue in the herbal bath♨. A dry sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath is open 24 hours!
• Women’s Bath
There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a lavender bath. In the women’s bath you can especially enjoy the lavender bath♨, with its delightful fragrance and excellent relaxing effect. A mist sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath and the lavender bath are open 24 hours!
☆ Private Bath “Asa no Yu”
A private bath is available where families can soak together in private, so if you have small children you can enjoy the onsen without worry, just like at home♨. Fee: 45 minutes / 2,200 yen (tax included)
• Source: Nanatsugama Source (a mixed spring of Shin-Mitsugama No.1 source, Shin-Mitsugama No.2 source, Ayame source, and Yanaginami source)
• Water Quality: Simple sulfur spring (weakly alkaline, hypotonic, high-temperature spring)
• Indications: Neuralgia / Muscle pain / Joint pain / Frozen shoulder / Motor paralysis / Joint stiffness / Bruises / Sprains / Chronic digestive diseases / Hemorrhoids / Sensitivity to cold / Convalescence / Recovery from fatigue / Health promotion
Everyone, please consider staying at Hama no Yu to enjoy this proud onsen and the ryokan’s pride—its delicious meals!!!
https://www.hamanoyu.co.jp//
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
※ Emergency Bulletin!!!
The National New Fireworks Competition will be relaunched!!!
As currently planned,
1) Staggered event schedule ⇒ September 6, 13, 20, 27 (planned) · Held rain or shine (postponed for typhoons or disasters)
2) Tournament format: after preliminary rounds, the final championship will be decided (planned for October 26)!
3) No paid box seats
The exact launch times and other details will be decided in April by the newly formed executive committee. After that, we expect to provide everyone with more detailed information. Stay tuned!!!
Be sure to make your plans and book your accommodation!!!
★ Breaking NEWS!!!
The Zenkoku Shinsaku Fireworks Competition Tournament is coming back this autumn!!!
For now, this is all the information we can share.
1. Staggered event schedule (instead of a single-day event)
2. Tournament style ⇒ Preliminary rounds on each Saturday in September: Sep 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th (plan)
3. No paid seats! You can watch for free!!!
An executive committee will form in April. After that committee meets, we will provide more detailed information.
Please look forward to it!!!
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
This event began with the hope of using the cold climate and nature of the Suwa region to purify Lake Suwa and revitalize the community. It now marks its 31st year.
With participation from residents of six cities and towns, the motto is “Let’s create it together! Let’s light it together! Let’s connect with the town!” as we aim to build towns and people who love their local area. While showcasing and sharing the charms of the Suwa region, about 20,000 lights will connect towns and people to convey the spirit of the Suwa Country Winter Thanksgiving.
Let’s create it together! Let’s light it together! Let’s connect with the town!
Come spend an evening in the magical Suwa region for one night only.
Event date: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM (17:00)
Location: Lights will be lit at various sites across the six Suwa municipalities
*Event details will be updated on the official website as they are decided.*
Ice Candle official site http://www.ice-candle.jp//
★Locations where ice candles will be lit
・Around Kamisuwa Station shopping street
・Yanaginami Park
・Komeikan-dori
・Namiki-dori
・Shimazaki 1 Sannomaru-dori
・Takashima Castle
・Tenaga Shrine
・Suwa Taisha Kamisha Miyamachi-dori, Shanonokaze and North Approach
・Around the entrance to Sazanami Road near Kamikawa Ohashi Bridge
・Starbucks Coffee Suwa Jonan store
・Starbucks Coffee Suwa Lake SA (upbound) store
・Starbucks Coffee Nakaoki store
・Sake Brewery Street to Motomachi area
・Viole Hall
・Yukouji Ikiiki Genkikan
・Kamisuwa Onsen ryokan district
・Suwakko Land
・Okaya City Museum of Art and Archaeology
・Yotsukado Yukemuri Hiroba
・Shimosuwa-juku Tatemachi-dori
・Chino City Hall (in front of the building)
・Public Suwa Tokyo University of Science
・Deli & Cafe "K" (inside Yatsugatake Nature and Culture Park)
・Fujimi Kogen Pension Village
(in no particular order)
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Suwa Tourism Association posted.
Wakamasu Bakery 🥖 @wakamasu_bakery (Instagram)
A beloved shop frequented by regulars, I visited Wakamasu Bakery. The bakery has run for three generations from the founder to the current owner, moving from the original Ina shop to Suwa, and has continued for 99 years!
Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together 🍞 Wakamasu began in Ina in the great-grandfather’s time, and the shop is linked to Nagano’s soul food, the gyūnyū pan (milk bread)!!!
Pop-up signs in the shop explain the products and highlight their commitment to domestic wheat and sudakito (sudaki sugar), a mineral-rich sugar made from 100% cane. Their beloved “Milk Ball” is famous, and many regulars come just for it 🥖
・A long-time favorite, the soft French-style roll filled with milk cream: the Milk Ball
・Owner’s pick: Cream Bread filled generously with homemade custard cream
・A recent hit: Croque Monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese
・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of savory baked breads are available.
◎ Wakamasu Bakery
📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-3488
◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00
◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/...
Regular customers are hooked on Wakamasu Bakery’s Milk Ball! The owner’s great-grandfather started Wakamasu Bakery in Ina. Wakamasu Bakery has been in business for 99 years. Later, the owner’s father moved the shop to its current location in Suwa. Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together.
Between you and me, Wakamasu Bread is connected to gyūnyū pan (milk cream bread).
Nowadays the owner uses domestic wheat and sudaki sugar (a Japanese sugar rich in minerals). She is particular about ingredients.
These are the regular offerings:
・Regular customers come for the Milk Ball.
・The owner’s recommendation is Cream Bread with homemade custard cream.
・A recent trend is the croque monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese.
・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of cooked breads.
◎ Wakamasu Bakery
📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-3488
◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00
◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/...
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