Suwa Bettei SUHAKU

Located near the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Lake Suwa is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere. Its 16-kilometer lakeside path lined with cherry blossoms is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while visitors can enjoy beautiful views from sightseeing boats on the lake itself. When the weather is clear, Mount Fuji is visible from the lake’s north side—an unforgettable sight.

Suwa Bettei SUHAKU, a hot spring ryokan traditional inn located on the eastern shore of Lake Suwa, is the only inn in the area with two distinct types of hot springs: the reddish-brown Aka-no-yu and the clear Shiro-no-yu. Open-air baths located on the topmost 6th floor of the inn allow guests to enjoy a relaxing soak while admiring the lake.

The ryokan has 35 rooms decorated in both traditional Japanese-style and modern Japanese-Western style. Six of the rooms face the lake and can accommodate up to four guests each. These premium rooms offer seasonal views of Lake Suwa that change beautifully depending on the time of day and season.

On arrival, guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of locally produced apple or quince juice. Meals served at the inn also showcase the seasonal flavors of Nagano Prefecture. Guests dine in a stylish restaurant with an open kitchen, where chefs prepare each dish in front of them using Nagano’s finest seasonal ingredients, such as Shinshu premium beef, Shinshu salmon, Ginjo pork, wasabi, and locally grown vegetables.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the lake, and in summer, fireworks light up the night sky. Autumn brings colorful foliage, and in winter, visitors can try ice fishing for wakasaki (Japanese smelt). On rare occasions, visitors may witness a natural phenomenon known as omiwatari, where cracks form in the frozen lake, creating ice ridges. Sightseeing cruises around the lake on a swan-shaped boat leave from an embarkation point in front of the inn, or visitors can rent an electric fat bike to explore the area on two wheels.

Lake Suwa is surrounded by numerous attractions, such as Suwa Taisha Shrine, art galleries, and glass-blowing studios. Despite its beauty and charm, Lake Suwa remains a hidden gem, as yet largely undiscovered by international tourists, so it’s the perfect destination for your next trip.

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