Explore Suzaka’s Historic Warehouse District: 1-Day Cultural Walk with Kimono, Miso & Local Cuisine

Discover the charming town of Suzaka, located just 13 km from Nagano City, and easily accessible for a day trip. Once a thriving commercial center, Suzaka still retains the atmosphere of its prosperous past, with historic streets and merchant houses that tell the story of the town’s development.

In the morning, explore local production sites that have supported the community for generations, including traditional miso breweries, and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind Suzaka’s signature products. Following this, enjoy a Japanese lunch featuring seasonal ingredients, offering a true taste of the region’s cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Odagiri Residence, where you can experience dressing in a traditional kimono and savor familiar Japanese sweets such as zenzai, a sweet Japanese red bean soup, paired with matcha tea, providing an authentic and intimate cultural experience.

Travel between Nagano Station and Suzaka Station using a local train line, offering a glimpse into contemporary life in the region and an enjoyable journey through the local landscape. This tour combines cultural immersion, hands-on experiences, and culinary delights, providing a rich introduction to Suzaka’s history and daily life.

Highlights

• Hands-On Cultural Experiences : Try on a traditional kimono at the historic Odagiri Residence and enjoy authentic Japanese sweets like zenzai with matcha, providing a memorable cultural immersion.

• Local Craftsmanship and Culinary Delights: Visit traditional production sites such as miso breweries, and savor a Japanese lunch made with seasonal, local ingredients, giving insight into Suzaka’s culinary heritage.

• Explore Suzaka’s Historic Streets and Local Life: Stroll through the historic merchant district of Suzaka, taking in the preserved atmosphere of a thriving Edo-period commercial town, and travel on a local train line to experience everyday life in the region.

Description

Your guide will meet you at Nagano Station, ensuring a smooth start to your day. From there, you will take the Nagaden train line to Suzaka, a scenic 30-minute ride where you can enjoy views of Nagano city and the surrounding landscapes while experiencing daily life on a local train firsthand.

Upon arrival at Suzaka Station, begin a 15-minute walk through the historic streets of the old town district to Shioya Jozo, a local miso brewery dating back to the Edo period. Along the way, take in the charming merchant town atmosphere. At the brewery, you will gain insight into traditional miso and soy sauce production, while also appreciating the architecture—the brewery’s ten buildings have been designated Tangible Cultural Properties, offering a glimpse into Suzaka’s cultural heritage.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch at one of Suzaka’s renowned Japanese restaurants. Housed in a charming traditional building, the restaurant serves a carefully crafted seasonal course menu, highlighting fresh, local ingredients for a truly memorable dining experience.

Following lunch, you will visit the former Odagiri Family Residence, a beautiful traditional Japanese house. Here, you will have the opportunity to dress in a kimono and capture memorable photos both inside the residence and outside, using the historic streets and traditional townscape as your backdrop.

You will also enjoy traditional Japanese sweets, zenzai, served with matcha tea, offering a taste of local flavors. Additionally, you can experience a Japanese kotatsu, a traditional heated table, and immerse yourself in the cozy and authentic atmosphere of a Japanese home.

After a day filled with authentic Japanese experiences, you will return to Nagano Station, concluding your cultural journey through Suzaka.

Meetup Point

This tour operates from the following meetup point:

NAGANO STATION @ 09:35

The meetup point is inside Nagano Station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Please be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and please be waiting before the meetup time as the tour will depart on-time.

Notes

Included

• Lunch on (vegetarian options are available)
• Fees for all transports and experiences included in the tour itinerary
• English-speaking guide

Excluded

• Additional food, snacks & drinks
• Transport fees To/From your Pickup/Drop-off Locations