Trip Ideas

Explore Shimosuwa’s backstreets and discover the deep history and culture here!

Shimosuwa flourished as a post town long ago. Daimyo and other high-ranking officials once used the main street in town, while the backstreets and alleys were used by the commoners. Thanks to this history, there are still many attractive alleys all over Shimosuwa.
You might be able to find a hidden alleyway or road reminiscent of Japan’s greatness in the Showa Period (1926-1989) that only locals know about!

total timeAbout 2 hours

  • 01

    Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Shrine

  • 02

    Paths Around Akimiya

  • 03

    Hidden Backstreets Around Mitamachi

  • 04

    Others

  • 05

    Around Akimiya

  • 06

    Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Shrine

01

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Shrine

Akimiya is one of the four shrines of Suwa-taisha and enshrined here is an ancient Japanese yew tree. The kaguraden hall with a crossed gable roof and the heihaiden hall are important cultural properties of Japan. There are many things to see here, from the 800-year-old Neiri no Sugi (slumbering cedar) to Japan’s largest bronze komainu (the lion-shaped guard dog in front of shrines). Every year on August 1st, the deity returns from Harumiya shrine as part of Ofune Matsuri.

Read more about Akimiya here.

Address :5828 Shimosuwa Town, Suwa District

Phone :0266-27-8035

徒歩 About 3 minutes

02

Paths Around Akimiya

Historical Path
Historically, high-ranking officials such as daimyo walked along the main street in town, while the commoners used the backstreets and alleys. This road that passes the Shukuba Kaido Museum (free entry) offers sights such as a quaint Japanese-style garden as well as a chance to feel what the commoners of historical Japan may have felt in the past.

OIDEYA Backstreet
This backstreet is located next to the museum complex OIDEYA and leads to Aozuka Kofun burial mound, located next to OIDEYA. This narrow road is only used by the locals, so be sure not to miss it!

Aozuka Kofun
Supposedly built throughout the latter half of the 6th century, this is the only keyhole-shaped burial mound in the Suwa region and has been designated as a historic site by Nagano Prefecture. You can even climb it and enjoy the view from atop this burial mound!

徒歩 About 10 minutes

03

Hidden Backstreets Around Mitamachi

Hiyaji Back Alley
This small back alley is accompanied by the flowing of water. You will soon find yourself in the Mitamachi Shopping Area as you walk along the eaves of the elegant Japanese-style buildings here.

Suwamikotsuru Sake Brewery
Mikotsuru, the only sake brewery in Shimosuwa, aims to produce high-quality sake and continue growing based on its theme of “sake being a luxury that makes people enjoy their life.” A small shop is also located inside which is perfect for some souvenirs! The brewery’s Junmaiginjo “Sankei Nishiki” won a IWC Champion Sake in 2021.

Pankobo Tarukawa Back Alley
This alleyway is home to many small stores, including the locally loved bakery, Pankobo Tarukawa.

Totan Back Alley
An alley with plenty of views of tasteful galvanized iron.

徒歩 About 15 minutes

04

Others

Kurashi Back Alley
A narrow road lined on either side with private houses will help you better understand the daily lives of locals.

Nomiyagai Back Alley
An alley with plenty of local snack bars and other drinking establishments that is illuminated at nighttime.

Retro Back Alley
Passing through a small shop curtain will take you to alley that leads to Sugeno Hot Springs. The retro, old-timey feel of the street here will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

徒歩 About 2 minutes

05

Around Akimiya

Kosatsu open space
Free rest spot in a traditional storehouse style building.

Tasteful Back Alley
A cobblestone alley where quiet time flows away from the hustle and bustle of the main street.

Phone :About 5 minutes

徒歩

06

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Shrine

Back at the starting point. You made it!

Address :5828 Shimosuwa Town, Suwa District

Phone :0266-27-8035

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