Lake Suwa
A serene caldera lake in Nagano, famous as the real-life inspiration for 'Your Name.' and host to spectacular fireworks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Lake Suwa
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene caldera lake in Nagano, famous as the real-life inspiration for 'Your Name.' and host to spectacular fireworks.
"The iconic 'Your Name.' viewpoint at Tateishi Park offers breathtaking sunset views over Lake Suwa."
🎯 Anime Fan Pilgrimage
Visit Tateishi Park for the iconic 'Your Name.' anime view. Go at sunset for the best atmosphere!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Lots of walking and exploring around the lake and parks. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tateishi Park Viewpoint
Tateishi Park
Iconic panoramic views of Lake Suwa, famously inspiring the 'Your Name.' anime. Perfect for sunset shots.
Suwa Fireworks Festival
Lake Suwa
One of Japan's largest fireworks displays, lighting up the summer sky with over 40,000 fireworks.
Onbashira Festival
Suwa Taisha Shrine
A unique and daring festival held every seven years, involving the transport of massive sacred logs.
Lakeside Gardens & Walkways
Lake Suwa shoreline
Enjoy serene strolls, beautiful gardens, and peaceful waterside paths. Great for relaxation and photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Anime Pilgrimage Hotspot
Seasonal Spectacles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Anime Fan Pilgrimage
Visit Tateishi Park for the iconic 'Your Name.' anime view. Go at sunset for the best atmosphere! 
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Lots of walking and exploring around the lake and parks. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking at Tateishi Park can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider taxis or public transport.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Anime Fan Pilgrimage
Visit Tateishi Park for the iconic 'Your Name.' anime view. Go at sunset for the best atmosphere!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Lots of walking and exploring around the lake and parks. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking at Tateishi Park can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider taxis or public transport.
🎆 Fireworks Spectacle
The Suwa Fireworks Festival is huge! Book accommodation well in advance if visiting then.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Suwa for its stunning natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and iconic connection to the anime 'Your Name.' The views from Tateishi Park are a major highlight, especially at sunset. While generally not crowded, major events like the fireworks festival can draw large numbers.
"Went to the eastern side of the lake. Scenic view. A place for stroll and relax over a cup of coffee and hotdog."
Yuan Tze
"It is a lake in the Kiso Mountains, in the central region of Nagano Prefecture. The lake has a natural hot spring under its surface. It has several gardens and walkways the lake. Calm waters. Wear comfy shoes, hat, sunscreen, take water. Not crowded, some tourists and a number of locals exercising and walking. Free entry. Great place for photography."
s vivekananda
"I came to the lake because of Touhou Project and Your Name. This place is quite comfortable for a stroll. View is beautiful especially if you stand in a distant and high ground."
Lord King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kamisuwa Station, which is the closest station to Lake Suwa. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Yes, there is free parking available near the lake, but it can be limited, especially at popular spots like Tateishi Park. Arriving early or considering public transport is recommended.
Yes, Lake Suwa can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, but it's a long journey. An overnight stay is recommended to fully enjoy the area and its surroundings.
While you can walk along the lake's edge, renting a bicycle is a popular way to explore the area. Local buses also connect various points of interest.
Yes, Kamisuwa Station is on the JR Chuo Main Line, making it accessible by train. Local buses also serve the area around the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Suwa itself and most of its surrounding parks and walkways are free to enter. Special events like the fireworks festival may have associated costs for viewing areas.
Lake Suwa is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible 24/7. However, facilities like restrooms and visitor centers will have specific operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general access to Lake Suwa. However, for major events like the Suwa Fireworks Festival, booking accommodation and any specific viewing tickets well in advance is crucial.
Yes, Lake Suwa is famous for the Suwa Fireworks Festival in late July/August and the unique Onbashira Festival every seven years.
Tateishi Park is particularly popular for sunset views, offering a picturesque scene that inspired the anime 'Your Name.'
📸 📸 Photography
Tateishi Park offers the most iconic 'Your Name.' inspired view. The lakeside gardens and walkways also provide beautiful, serene photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The lake's natural beauty, surrounding mountains, and seasonal events like fireworks make it a fantastic location for photography.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. The golden hour at Tateishi Park is especially recommended for its cinematic views.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Lake Suwa or its parks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots, especially at sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the towns surrounding Lake Suwa, such as Kamisuwa and Suwa City, offer various dining options, from local eateries to more upscale restaurants.
Look for Shinshu soba noodles, local sake, and fresh fish from the lake. Many restaurants offer regional specialties.
Several cafes and restaurants along the lake's edge offer pleasant views. It's worth exploring the lakeside promenade for options.
Yes, there are many scenic spots along the lake where you can enjoy a picnic. Some parks may have designated picnic areas.
During the fireworks festival, expect many food stalls and vendors to be set up. Restaurants near the viewing areas will likely be very busy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the fireworks festival is spectacular, it can be overwhelming for very young children due to the crowds and noise. Visiting during the shoulder seasons or on a regular weekday will offer a more relaxed experience for families. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, and the changing seasons offer diverse photographic opportunities, from vibrant autumn leaves to the serene winter landscape. Don't miss the chance to capture the Suwa Fireworks Festival if you're visiting in summer; it's a prime opportunity for stunning night photography.
Remember to bring a tripod for low-light conditions and consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the lake and its surroundings. Exploring the various gardens and lakeside paths will reveal numerous unique compositions. 🌸 Anime & Pop Culture Fans
+5 Many visitors recreate scenes from the movie, sharing their experiences online. The tranquil atmosphere of the lake perfectly mirrors the film's aesthetic. Beyond 'Your Name.,' the region's natural beauty and cultural significance might appeal to fans of Japanese culture. The unique Onbashira Festival offers a glimpse into ancient traditions, and the numerous hot spring towns provide a relaxing way to immerse yourself in local life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Your Name.' Connection
+5Many visitors come specifically to experience this connection, often sharing their photos and videos online, further solidifying Lake Suwa's status as a must-visit for 'Your Name.' enthusiasts. The resemblance is so strong that it evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder for those familiar with the movie. It's a unique blend of natural beauty and pop culture significance that draws a diverse range of travelers.
+1Seasonal Events and Natural Wonders
Summers in Lake Suwa are marked by spectacular fireworks displays. The Suwa Fireworks Festival, held annually in late July and August, is one of Japan's largest, featuring over 40,000 fireworks. This event draws massive crowds and is a highlight for many visitors.
Even more unique is the Onbashira Festival, a daring and ancient ritual held every seven years. This festival involves participants riding massive logs down steep slopes to be used as pillars for the Suwa Taisha Shrine, showcasing a powerful display of tradition and courage. Autumn brings a different kind of beauty with stunning fall foliage painting the landscape in vibrant colors, making it an ideal time for photography and leisurely strolls.
The lake's natural hot springs also contribute to the region's appeal, with nearby towns offering relaxing onsen experiences. 
Social
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