1. Suwako Army Duck Tour: Ride from Land to Lake!
Our adventure around Suwako began with one of the most exciting Suwa Lake activities — the Army Duck Tour. This amphibious vehicle starts on land and drives straight into the lake, creating a splash-filled thrill for all ages! The moment when the vehicle enters the water is truly the highlight. Our 4-year-old daughter was provided with a free life jacket, making the experience safe and enjoyable for the whole family.
Suwako lakeside walking trail near Shinyu — ideal for pre-dinner strolls during your Suwa Lake activities stay
Cruising Suwako and watching yachts on this scenic Suwa sightseeing tour.
2. Stay by Suwako: Family Comfort at Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu
We stayed at Shinyu, a popular Suwa onsen ryokan located right on the edge of Suwako. The highlight of this stay was definitely the panoramic onsen bath, where we could soak while enjoying beautiful lake views, especially during sunset. The kids’ dinner plate was also delightful — our daughter loved the fried shrimp and colorful fruit selection.
Although we loved Shinyu, we also recommend its sister ryokan, SUIHAKU, which was newly renovated in May 2025. It offers two types of hot springs, making it a top choice for those wanting to fully experience Suwa onsen ryokan culture. It’s on our list for the next trip!
3. Explore Suwa’s Sacred Sites: Suwa Taisha Shrine Tour
On the second day, we explored Suwa Taisha, one of the most historically rich Shinto shrines in Japan. Suwa Taisha consists of four main shrines — Honmiya, Maemiya, Harumiya, and Akimiya — each featuring a unique sacred pillar (Onbashira). We managed to visit all four shrines in two days and collected special goshuin stamps from each as a keepsake.
You should allow about 4–5 hours to complete all four shrines comfortably by car. The experience is both spiritual and scenic, as the shrines are beautifully nestled within nature.
Onbashira sacred pillar
4. Japanese Sake Tasting at Masumi: Discover Suwa’s Five Breweries
To conclude our trip, we visited Masumi Sake Brewery — one of Suwa’s famed “Suwa Gozo” sake producers. Here, adults can enjoy a paid tasting experience. According to reviews on Tripadvisor, a tasting flight of 4 types cost 500 yen as of 2020. Prices may have changed, so be sure to check the official site for the latest info.
While we only had time to visit Masumi, Suwako is home to five historic sake breweries: Masumi, Reijin, Honkin, Yokobue, and Maihime. If you’re a sake enthusiast, a Suwa sake tour is a must.
5. Scenic Viewpoint: Suwako from Tateishi Park
We finished our Suwako adventure with a visit to Tateishi Park, a panoramic viewpoint made famous as a filming location in the anime “Your Name.” The view of Suwako from here is breathtaking, especially on a clear day when you can see the Yatsugatake and Northern Alps.
Tateishi Park is about 15 minutes by car or taxi from Kamisuwa Station. While it’s walkable, the uphill path can be steep — we recommend driving if you’re with young children.
🔗Useful Travel Links
Start planning your Suwako adventure today with these helpful resources:
- Search for stays at Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu 👉Find prices on Agoda
- Book Kamisuwa Onsen SUIHAKU 👉Find prices on Agoda
- Check latest info on Suwako Army Duck 👉Find prices on Official site
- Masumi Brewery 👉Official English site
Suwako Is the Ideal Destination for Family-Friendly Japan Travel
From thrilling lake activities to hot spring retreats and cultural treasures, Suwako offers something for every traveler. Plan your next family trip to Suwa Lake and make unforgettable memories!
📒Continue Exploring Nagano
Looking to expand your Nagano adventure?
- Discover the best of the region in our Nagano Travel Guide
- Read about our stay at Takamine Onsen and Ikenodaira Marsh
- Visit historic temples and charming hot spring towns in Shibu Onsen and Zenkoji