A city with a lake featured in Your Name: Suwa

Japan Travel Diary 13 - Nagano Edition

📍Suwa City

In Nagano Prefecture, Japan, there is a small city called Suwa, home to the lake featured in the anime *Your Name*. It’s a great place to visit when traveling to Matsumoto City or Nagano City, as it’s located nearby. 😊

Suwa City is home to Lake Suwa, the second-largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa. From Kami-Suwa Station, it’s just a 10-minute walk to this vast lake. 🛥️

Many visitors head straight to Tateishi Park to see the grand scenery depicted in *Your Name*, but I recommend first enjoying the view of Lake Suwa up close before heading to the park. You’ll be treated to stunning lakeside scenery.

On clear days, especially during sunset, the city becomes even more beautiful, bathed in the warm hues of twilight. 🌅

Additionally, a 15-minute taxi ride from Kami-Suwa Station along a winding road will take you to the famous Tateishi Park. The sunset view from here is breathtaking, and the word "spectacular" doesn’t do it justice. It’s so mesmerizing that you might find yourself sitting there until the night view takes over.

This is a quiet and charming small city, perfect for those who want to enjoy beautiful scenery in a tranquil atmosphere. 😊

🚉 How to get to Suwa City from Matsumoto City:

Take the Chuo Line Limited Express or Shinonoi Line from Matsumoto Station -> Arrive at Kami-Suwa Station (20-40 minutes).

🚉 How to get to Suwa City from Nagano City:

Take the JR Shinano Line from Nagano Station -> Get off at Shiojiri Station,
Transfer to the Chuo Main Line -> Arrive at Kami-Suwa Station (about 2 hours).

🛥️ How to get to Lake Suwa from Kami-Suwa Station:

About a 15-minute walk.

🌅 How to get to Tateishi Park from Kami-Suwa Station:

25-minute walk OR take a taxi.

-❗️ The road is steep and mountainous, so taking a taxi is recommended. It takes about 10 minutes and costs around 1,500 yen.

‼️ Important notes for returning to Kami-Suwa Station from Tateishi Park:

Most locals travel by car. The path is steep, sparsely populated, and includes a small cemetery along the way. It’s recommended to arrange a round-trip taxi ride (negotiate with the driver when heading to the park).

If you must walk back, make sure to descend before it gets completely dark, as the path becomes very dimly lit.