10 Nagano Onsen Ryokan & Hotels Perfect for Exploring Shrines, Including the Power Spots at Suwa Shrine!
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Suwa Taisha in Nagano is considered a power spot due to its history and surrounding nature. It is characterized by having two shrines and four shrines, and is said to be beneficial for luck in competition and marriage. In addition, there are two onsen towns near Suwa Taisha, Kamisuwa onsen and Shimosuwa onsen, which have long been loved by worshipers. In this article, we will introduce Suwa Taisha Shrine and nearby spots, as well as onsen inns that we recommend when visiting!
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source:Contribution of anonymity
Suwa Taisha Shrine in Nagano is considered one of the best power spots in Japan due to its history and location surrounded by nature. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and even appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. There are approximately 25,000 branch companies all over the country, and this is the head office. The shrine is divided into ``Kamisha'' and ``Shimosha'' across Lake Suwa, and is characterized by its two shrines and four shrines, each with two shrines. All of the buildings at the shrine are impressive, and six of them are designated as important cultural properties of the country.
There is no set order for visiting the upper and lower shrines. Although they are located a little apart, please visit them together. The upper shrine is the main shrine of Suwa Taisha, and the benefits are prayers for victory, power to start new things, etc. If there is a battle that you want to receive power from, please visit. At the lower shrine, you can receive blessings such as matchmaking and family harmony.
source:Contribution of paramexico
One of the characteristics of Suwa Taisha is that nature is enshrined as a god. The upper shrine has a mountain as a sacred object, and the lower shrine has a yew tree and a cedar tree as sacred trees. Therefore, there is no "main hall" in the shrine to enshrine the object of worship. You can visit the majestic mountain towering near the shrine and the magnificent sacred tree from a place called the haiden. The nature of Suwa is so magnificent that it is understandable that ancient people worshiped it as a god. When visiting the shrine, pay close attention to the surrounding nature and return home with power!
One of the highlights of Suwa Taisha is the Onbashira. As its name suggests, it is a large tree that stands like a pillar in the four corners of the shrine. The origin of why the pillars were erected like this is unknown, and there are various theories such as the barrier theory. You can hardly see it at other shrines, so please take a look at it up close. The Onbashira Festival, in which the pillars are renewed once every six years, is the most famous of the Shinto rituals at Suwa Taisha and one of the three most unusual festivals in Japan. It is a powerful festival in which parishioners pull large fir trees from the mountains to the shrine.
Kamisha: About a 20-minute walk from Chino Station to Maegu, and a 30-minute walk to Main Shrine.
Shimosha: About 20 minutes on foot from Shimosuwa Station.
To get to the nearest station, take the Limited Express Azusa from Tokyo and travel to Nagano in two to two and a half hours. Whether the limited express train stops at Shimosuwa Station depends on the train, so please check in advance.
It takes about 20 minutes from Chino Station to Shimosuwa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. Buses and taxis are convenient for transportation between companies.
There are many onsen inns near Suwa Taisha! "Kamisuwa onsen" boasts one of the largest amounts of spring water in Japan at 15,000 kiloliters per day. "Shimosuwa onsen" has 20 hot spring sources, and it is attractive that you can enjoy various spring qualities. Suwa Taisha Akimiya's chozubachi is also said to use hot onsen. Both onsen are effective in relieving muscle pain and fatigue, making them perfect for resting during your trip♪The 10 onsen inns that are convenient for visiting are divided into the Kamisuwa onsen area and the Shimosuwa onsen area. I will introduce you.
In the second half of the article, we will introduce the surrounding sightseeing spots and gourmet information together♪
RAKO Hananoi Hotel is about 8 minutes by car from Kami-Suwa Station. A shuttle bus is available to take you to the hotel (reservations required). This hotel has the most guest rooms in the Kami-Suwa onsen area, so you can easily choose a room that suits your needs. You can rent a colorful yukata for 500 yen, which will make you feel even more like you're staying at onsen inn.
The spa boasts a variety of elaborate baths, including an open-air bath overlooking Lake Suwa, a herbal bath using Eastern and Western herbs, and a bath made with obsidian that releases negative ions and is gentle on the skin. The "Jizake no Yu" bath is a specialty bath mixed with local Suwa sake, which has the effect of expelling waste products and leaving your skin smooth and supple. Men and women alternate between baths, so be sure to try out all the different types♪
There are 10 types of rooms with individuality, and both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms are available. In addition to rooms with a view of the magnificent Lake Suwa, there are also rooms with a view of the sacred object of Suwa Taisha, Mt. Moriya. Both seem to have power. We recommend the Japanese-style room, which is typical of a onsen inn. Even the standard type room is spacious with 10 tatami mats, so you can relax.
For dinner, we serve seasonal Japanese banquet cuisine that will satisfy all five senses. The chef says, "It took a lot of time and effort," as he pays close attention to detail from the preparation to the presentation of the food. Enjoy lively conversation over drinks.
Detailed information
Kamisuwa onsen Rako Hananoi Hotel
Nagano /Suwa/Resort Hotel
- address
- Nagano 2-1200-3 Takashima, Suwa City
- access
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Kami-Suwa Station
Kamisuwa onsen Shinyu is about a 10-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. Free transfer is available (reservation required). Founded under the owner's desire to "bring the best beauty and healing to women", we continue to provide healing that stimulates the five senses. In the lobby and guest rooms, you can enjoy works of art by healing artists and creators. There is also a free tour bus that goes around Suwa Taisha, so it would be nice to use it when visiting the shrine.
The private hot spring "Bisui Gensen," known for its skin-beautifying properties, boasts a high temperature of about 60°C and an abundant supply of about 50 tons of water per day. You can enjoy a semi-open-air bath overlooking Lake Suwa, or a tatami bath to keep your feet warm. There is also healing art installed in the women's bath. Enjoy the art while soaking in the hot water and let it soothe your body and mind!
In addition to rooms ranging from 6 tatami mats to 10 tatami mats depending on the number of people, there are also rooms available for special occasions, such as suites with open-air baths. Also, depending on the room, you can have dinner in your room, so please choose according to your preferences. The room "Shikitei" on the top floor is popular for its spectacular view overlooking Lake Suwa.
Breakfast is served in a private dining room. The stomach-friendly Japanese meal uses plenty of ingredients from Suwa. You can enjoy the taste of Shinshu. The miso used in the miso soup is from the miso storehouse attached to the restaurant. You can choose from red, white, or combination, and you can have more! Please try and compare!
Detailed information
Kamisuwa onsen Shinyu (main bath)
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 2-6-30 Kogan-dori, Suwa City
- access
- Approximately 10 minutes walk from Kamisuwa Station / Approximately 15 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway "Suwa IC"
Hotel Beniya is about a 10-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. A free shuttle bus is available with advance reservation. Outstanding location closest to Lake Suwa in the Kamisuwa hot onsen town. This is a large hotel with 132 rooms, so you can choose a room that suits your travel style. There is also a relaxing place where you can enjoy aromatherapy, so if you want to refresh yourself, please use it (separate fee is required).
onsen are available in the main building and the annex. We are proud of the large public bath with a view on the 14th floor, which is the top floor of the main building. You will be overwhelmed by the view of Lake Suwa and the Alps from 45m above the ground. The annex has a bedrock bath, mist sauna, footbath, and open-air bath, and the bedrock bath is especially popular. onsen and bedrock baths are sure to make your skin beautiful♪
There are three types of rooms: Japanese-style, Western-style, and Japanese-Western style. Some rooms have an open-air bath. The rooms facing the lake are the most recommended. All rooms have large windows with a good view of the lake, making the most of the advantage of facing the lakeside. Relax while gazing at the beautiful lake that looks like a painting.
Breakfast is buffet style. We offer a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese and Western dishes. You can also enjoy Shinshu-style flavors such as fuki miso from Shinshu and nozawana. Omelettes freshly prepared by the chef and rice balls that are carefully made one by one are popular menu items.
Detailed information
Kamisuwa onsen Hotel Beniya
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 2-7-21 Kogan-dori, Suwa City
- access
- 10-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line (free shuttle available with advance reservation). About 6 km from Chuo Expressway Suwa IC, about 15 minutes. In front of Lake Suwa.
“Sousen no Yado Suhaku” is about an 8-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. Free transfer is available (reservation required). We are proud of having two hot springs in the hotel. There is a celebration plan setting, so it is also recommended for use on special days. They lend out playing cards, Jenga, and other games, so it would be great for girls traveling together♪
The two hot springs are named "Red Spring (brown hot water)" and "White Spring (transparent hot water)" from their respective colors. "Vermilion Spring" is a rare colored hot spring in Kamisuwa onsen, and it warms your body. "Shiro no Izumi" is also expected to have a beautiful skin effect that will delight girls. Please enjoy the moist feeling after bathing. From the open-air bath on the top floor, you can enjoy a superb view of Lake Suwa♡
There are 42 rooms in total, and there are three types: Japanese-style, Western-style, and Japanese-Western style. There is also a special room with an open-air bath. The Japanese-style room on the lake side is recommended. The spacious 10 tatami mat room has a terrace and balcony with a view of Lake Suwa. Relax and enjoy the lakeside scenery!
You can also experience cruising on nearby Lake Suwa! If you want to be rocked leisurely, try the stylish "Suwan." If you want to enjoy the scenery from any angle, try the new sightseeing boat "Suwaco Starmine." You can enjoy an elegant boat trip while cruising around the nature-rich Lake Suwa.
Detailed information
Kamisuwa onsen Sosen no Yado Suhaku
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3-2-2, Kogan Dori, Suwa City
- access
- 7 minutes on foot from JR Kamisuwa Station, 15 minutes by car from Suwa I.C.
“Kamisuwa Onsen Nunohan” is about an 8-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. With a long history of 160 years since its founding, this inn has been loved by intellectuals. It is also famous for being visited many times by singer Hibari Misora! You can feel the beauty of Japanese architecture in the hall, which is conscious of "light and shadow", and you can enjoy seasonal plants in the atmospheric Japanese garden.
The alkaline hot springs are also known as "hot springs for beautiful skin", leaving your skin silky smooth after soaking in it and smooth after bathing♪ There are 4 types of baths, including an indoor bath made of cypress and an open-air bath with a garden. “Iwa Roten” is a dynamic open-air bath with large rocks.
There are 10 tatami mat Japanese-style rooms and special detached rooms. If you are curious about the rooms loved by cultural figures, please go to the special room! The 10-tatami Japanese-style room has a bed on the mountain/town side, and a futon on the Lake Suwa side, so please choose according to your preference.
Detailed information
Kamisuwa Onsen Nunohan
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3-2-9 Kogan-dori, Suwa City
- access
- 7 minutes walk from Kamisuwa Station on the Chuo Line. 15 minutes by car from Suwa IC.
Hotel Saginoyu is about a 10-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. An inn with a history of over 100 years, it has a retro atmosphere typical of a long-established ryokan. It is said that Japanese painters and calligraphers used to stay here to create folding screens and calligraphy. Works from that time are exhibited in the museum gallery according to the four seasons.
The amber colored hot water comes from our own source. It is effective for muscle pain and recovery from fatigue, and gradually relaxes the body. You can enjoy the spacious open-air bath, which is completely free-flowing from the source. There is also a footbath in the courtyard with a view of the garden. Soothe your tired feet from your trip!
In addition to Japanese-style rooms, Japanese-Western style rooms, there are also rooms with open-air baths. In addition to the 12-tatami Japanese-style room, the Japanese-Western style room with two beds is a spacious and popular room. It's perfect for group trips.
Detailed information
Kamisuwa onsen Hotel Saginoyu
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3-2-14 Kogan Dori, Suwa City
- access
- About 10 minutes on foot from JR "Kami-Suwa Station" / About 15 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway "Suwa IC"
About a 7-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station, Shibu no Yu is a hot spring inn. You can enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese-style architecture in the hall, and the lobby with an atrium that extends all the way to the top floor. The floor is made of tatami mats, so slippers are not used. Walking on tatami mats with bare feet or onsen spring tabi warms your heart♪
The bath is fed by a private source that has continued since the Taisho era. The golden hot water, which is as thick as honey, is effective in relieving fatigue, cooling down, and of course, beautifying the skin.
The rooms are basically Japanese-style rooms, but there are also special Japanese-Western rooms available. The standard room is a Japanese-style room with 10 tatami mats. The amber-colored fittings create a retro and relaxing atmosphere. The gentle glow of the lanterns made from locally produced silk is said to be popular with women as well!
Breakfast is a Japanese set meal using local ingredients. A wide variety of side dishes are all tasted elegantly. The miso soup is especially delicious! It will soothe your tired body.
Detailed information
Shibu-no-Yu, an inn with free-flowing hot onsen water from Kamisuwa Onsen
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3-3-24, Kogan Dori, Suwa City
- access
- 7 minutes walk from JR Chuo Line Kamisuwa Station / 15 minutes via Chuo Expressway Suwa IC Koshore Line
About 10 minutes on foot from Shimosuwa Station "Tetsukosen Honkan". Founded more than 100 years ago, this elegant inn has 9 rooms and is recommended for those who like a retro atmosphere. The interior of the building is decorated with works of art created by craftsmen who followed the tradition of Suwa Taisha carpenters. "Iron mineral spring" is the name of the water that springs deep in the mountains near the inn, and for more than 450 years, it has been familiar to locals as "mysterious water" instead of medicine. It is said that the military commander Takeda Shingen healed the soldiers. You can taste it in the hall, so please try it!
The bath is fed by Suwa's famous hot spring "Tanganoyu". It's an indoor bath only, but you can take a bath 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy onsen anytime during your stay. The slightly hot water warms the body from the core and relieves fatigue.
The layout and structure of the 9 rooms are all different. You can enjoy different designs in each room. The rooms, which retain the old-fashioned atmosphere, have an irresistible atmosphere for those who like Japanese architecture. Some rooms do not have toilets as they are built in a traditional style. Please be careful when making a reservation!
Breakfast is a Japanese set meal. You can enjoy ingredients from Shinshu, mainly mountain vegetables such as mountain vegetables. We are particular about preparing a small stove and an iron pot so that the miso soup does not get cold.
Detailed information
Shimosuwa onsen Iron and Mineral Spring Main Building
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3437 Yudamachi, Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun
- access
- 10 minutes from JR Shimosuwa Station, Okaya IC. 15 minutes by car from C.
Shimosuwa Onsen Chosenkaku Kameya is located next to Suwa onsen Akimiya, about a 10-minute walk from Shimosuwa Station. With a total of 9 rooms, it has a history of over 300 years and was once used as a sleeping place for imperial princesses and feudal lords. Since it started business as the current "Kameya", it has been loved by great writers such as Ryunosuke Akutagawa. There is also an exhibition room where you can feel the history of that time.
The hot water is effective for relieving fatigue and sore muscles, and is said to make your skin smooth. In the private bath in the basement, you can enjoy 100% free-flowing "Nishiki no Yu", which is said to be the hot spring of the gods. The open-air bath is located right next to the rustling of the trees of Suwa Taisha. Enjoy a luxurious time while gazing at the darkening sky.
All rooms are Japanese-style. All rooms are spacious, and the purely Japanese atmosphere will make you feel relaxed. In the rooms adjacent to Suwa Taisha Shrine, you can feel the comfortable breeze blowing from the shrine. All nine rooms, including the room favored by the literary master Shimazaki Toson, offer a relaxing time while looking out at the garden.
If you're on a relaxing trip, why not spend some time in the gardens that VIPs used to visit? You can spend some elegant and relaxing time listening to the murmuring of the trees and the spring.
Detailed information
Shimosuwa onsen Chousenkaku Kameya
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3492 Kinoshita, Yokomachi, Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun
- access
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Shimo-Suwa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, approximately 15 minutes by car from Okaya IC on the Nagano Expressway
Shinshu Shimosuwa onsen Gingetsu is about a 10-minute walk from Shimosuwa Station. A single inn with a total of 15 rooms, it is located on a hill overlooking Lake Suwa. The atmosphere is calm and you can relax as if you were at home. We also have a service that allows you to choose a yukata for women.
The famous hot spring "Wata no Yu" is 100% free flowing from the source. As the name suggests, the water is soft like brocade, and is gentle on the skin. In the open-air bath in the garden, you can enjoy the scent of cypress and feel like you are bathing in the forest. You can guess. Give it a try ♡
There are 13 Japanese-style rooms and 2 special Japanese-Western rooms. The Japanese-style rooms are 8 to 12 tatami mats in size, and all rooms are spacious. There are also rooms on the Lake Suwa side, so if you want to enjoy the view, please check when you make a reservation!
Detailed information
Shinshu Shimosuwa Onsen onsen
Nagano /Suwa/ ryokan
- address
- Nagano 3306 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun
- access
- 10 minutes walk from Shimosuwa Station on the JR Chuo Line. From Chuo Expressway Suwa IC, head towards Shimo-Suwa. Enter R142 and turn left after about 200 meters.
Detailed information
Yamanekotei Main Store
Shimosuwa / Soba
- The average budget
- ¥2,000~¥2,999
- address
- Nagano 3574 Tatemachi, Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun
- business hours
- [Mon] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Tue] Closed [Wed] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Thu] 11:00 - 15:00 18 :00 - 21:00 [Fri] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Sat] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Sun] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 ■ Business hours Closed when sold out
- Regular holiday
- Tuesday
source:Contribution of kunchansan
The Manji Stone Buddha is located about a 5-minute walk from the Shimosha Shrine of Suwa Taisha. It is a historic stone Buddha that was built in 1660 and is said to be a stone Buddha that "controls things." Its unique shape, with its head resting on a 2-meter-tall stone, is said to have been highly praised by the famous artist Taro Okamoto. When you visit, walk around the statue three times while chanting your wish in your heart.
"Lake Suwa" is a famous movie "Your name. A place that is also considered a sacred place. It is said that the town with a lake that appears in the story was drawn with reference to this scenery♪ Let's take a walk around the magnificent Suwa Lake and relax your mind! You can also enjoy it on a pleasure boat. From the nearby Tateishi Park, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Suwa. If time permits, please try to stretch your legs.
When it comes to gourmet food in Shinshu, it's soba noodles! Yamanekotei Honten, which is conveniently located in front of Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, is recommended when visiting. This is a restaurant where you can enjoy hand-made stone-ground soba noodles. Single guests are also welcome and there are counter seats, so it is safe for women traveling alone.
source:Contribution of TSUYOSHI_236
This original dessert "Soba Chichi" is also a popular item. Made only with buckwheat flour, fresh cream, and agar, it has a refreshing sweetness that is very delicious. The menu is limited in quantity and is given priority to women, so if you see it, please try it!
Detailed information
Yamanekotei Main Store
Shimosuwa / Soba
- The average budget
- ¥2,000~¥2,999
- address
- Nagano 3574 Tatemachi, Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun
- business hours
- [Mon] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Tue] Closed [Wed] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Thu] 11:00 - 15:00 18 :00 - 21:00 [Fri] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Sat] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 [Sun] 11:00 - 15:00 18:00 - 21:00 ■ Business hours Closed when sold out
- Regular holiday
- Tuesday