Suwa Practicalities

The Suwa Region, just two and a half hours from Tokyo by train, is a realm unto itself. Suwa has it all: local food and music traditions, hot springs, historical landmarks galore, and of course a gorgeous natural environment.  People have inhabited the area since the Jomon era, stretching back over 12,000 years. Remnants of that ancient culture are still alive in many of its festivals, including Onbashira.

While well known to many Japanese people, it’s largely off the radar of most international travelers.


Visiting Japan before the next Onbashira Festival? The Suwa area, home to the ancient celebration, is just a couple of hours from Tokyo by train. Our private walking tours will bring you face to face with the tradition.


Getting to Suwa

Gettng to the Festival

Accomodation

At Onbashira