Here are some great spots to visit in Shimosuwa on a rainy day!

Many of Shimosuwa’s most popular spots may be outdoors, but many are still open and ready for guests to experience all of the culture and history the area has to offer. Don’t be afraid to get out and visit these great locations even in the rain!

Honjin Iwanami House in Shimosuwa Post Town

Located just a 3-minute walk from Akimiya Shrine, guests can make advance reservations to take a tour of this honjin (an inn used exclusively by high-ranking officials in the Edo Period, 1603-1867).

Shimosuwa was the only post town (a type of rest stop) along all of the Nakasendo Highway with hot springs, and at the town’s peak there were nearly 40 hatago (another name for an inn from the Edo Period) throughout the town. This honjin where Emperor Meiji and Princess Kazunomiya are known to have stayed, has been passed down throughout the Iwanami family for generations. Dazaemon Naohiro-san, is the owner and the 28th generation of the Iwanami family.

The highlight of the honjin in Shimosuwa is its famous garden whose appearance transforms with the seasons. Well-known among gardens along the Nakasendo, it features azaleas in spring, irises and dwarf azaleas in summer, colored leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter.

Santo Meguri (Touring three public bathhouses)

What better way to experience Shimosuwa on a rainy day than by soaking in a warm hot spring? Shimosuwa is home to eight public bathhouses that visitors can enjoy starting at the low price of JPY 240.

With eight places to choose from, visitors might have some trouble making a decision. The cure to that indecision is the Shinshu Shimosuwa Onsen Santo Meguri ticket! At just JPY 700, this ticket can be used to visit Koyu, Tanganoyu, and Shin’yu hot springs! Those who purchase the ticket will even receive a towel bag that serves as a great memento of your trip.

The water temperatures at these three hot springs are quite high, so get ready for some heat. The locals typically bathe in the early morning hours or at dusk. Shampoo and soap is not provided, so be sure to bring your own. Below are the some defining characteristics of each of the three hot springs.

Tanganoyu:
A hot spring founded in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) for Buddhist monks. The average water temperature here is a sizzling 47°C.
Yusen House Koyu:
Koyu was built on the ruins of the hatago Tsuruya. The waters here are transparent and slightly salinic.
Shin’yu:
A relatively new bathhouse with an impressive painting of Mt. Fuji. A highlight is the guardian dog water faucet.

Sugeno Onsen

For those who aren’t quite acclimated to the super hot waters of the above hot springs, look no further than Sugeno Onsen. Founded in 1886 and boasting a retro feel along with a huge oval bathtub, Sugeno Onsen is perfect for those who want to warm up in milder waters.

ninjinsan

An old tool store is found on Emonzaka slope, which is accessed by going down a road on the right after first ascending Yudazaka slope. At first glance you’ll find nothing but normal houses, but keep an eye out for the house with light blue walls and a latticed window.

The renovated, narrow interior of the store is filled with miscellaneous goods, crafted goods, stones, toys, and more. The low ceiling and steep stairs of the building only give it a certain charm.

Another highlight of the store are the unique and humorous names and comments attached to each of the goods here. Some of the items are even unique to the Suwa area, like the “goods that used to be crafted in Suwa long ago” and the rare “Onbashira commemorative items”. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this is the place to go.

Yatcho, the store’s owner, started the business with the goal of creating a new kind of culture in Shimosuwa.
His interest in older crafts and tools started in high school and has stayed strong for nearly 30 years. He describes the items in his store as “things I like, things I find interesting, and things I can use in everyday life”.

When asked what is typically sold at the store, Yatcho usually responds by saying, “Just about everything except buildings. Each of the goods has its own story.” One can feel the charm of the objects found here.

If you would like to take a peek at the world of ninjinsan, be sure to visit the store’s Instagram page as well.

Hiyaji

Hiyaji is located near the heart of the Mitamachi Shopping Street. A small light and sign mark this store, and the entrance looks almost like an alleyway. It’s a little tricky to find, but those determined can make their way. Guests take off their shoes after entering this traditional, folkhouse-style izakaya.

The current izakaya owner was convinced to move to the town by a local restaurant owner who admired his skills. Visitors can casually drop by for a meal or they can also reserve a dinner course, making Hiyaji a great choice for a lively party.

The main items at Hiyaji are named obanzai (traditional style of Japanese cuisine native to Kyoto) and the sake. All of the dishes here are made with whatever ingredients are available at the time. In addition to the menus available at the table, the staff will also bring you a blackboard with recommended items. The dishes using plenty of local vegetables are juicy and satisfying.

All sorts of shochu (traditional hard liquor) and sake carefully selected by the store owner are available here, from famous breweries in the Suwa region to seasonal vintages from all over Japan. Asking the staff for their recommendations and having them explain what alcohol would suit your tastes is just one way to enjoy Hiyaji.

No dish receives higher praise from the locals than their rice cooked in a clay pot. The dish takes a while to prepare, however, so be sure to order it just as soon as you sit down. Piping hot and scented with seasonal ingredients, this luxurious dish is sure to satisfy.

Conclusion:
Even when it rains, there is still plenty to do around Shimosuwa. Beyond the locations on this list are plenty of cafes, restaurants, drinking locations, museums, and more for visitors to explore during a rainy day in town.

If you have trouble reaching your destination due to sudden rainfall, head to the Shimosuwa Station Tourist Information Center and ask for some recommended spots to visit. The helpful staff there will be sure to point you in the direction of locations that will suit your interests. (Photo: Komatsu-san, director of the Shimosuwa Station Tourist Information Center, and Shimosuwa’s sightseeing concierge)