Lake Suwa is situated almost right in
the center of Nagano. Sitting at an
altitude of 759 meters, it is the largest
lake in the prefecture with a
circumference of 15.9 kilometers. One of
Japan's largest firework festivals is held
at the lake in summer, as well as the
Summer Night Festival, which includes
fireworks displays every night during the
festival period. While fireworks add charm
to the lake in summer, a special natural
phenomenon called "Omiwatari" (the god's
passage) does so in winter. After a period
of severe cold the lake surface freezes
completely. Then, during the night when
the temperature drops even further, the
ice suddenly cracks, making a loud noise
and the cracked and frozen lake surface is
thrust up in the shape of mountain.
At Lake Suwa-ko Geyser Center, you can
enjoy the sight of a dynamic geyser and
the "Nanatsu-gama," or the spot where
seven hot springs gush. Attached to the
center is a footbath called "Kohan Koen
Ashi-yu," where you can immerse your feet
in the Kami-Suwa-onsen Hot Spring waters
and relieve the weariness of your travels
while viewing Lake Suwa-ko and the
mountains of the Northern Alps.
Location : Nagano
Prefecture
