By kanatabi / 心弾むひとり旅日記
In this travel vlog, YouTuber kanatabi takes viewers on a peaceful solo journey through Suwa (諏訪), located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The central theme of the trip is the Suwa Taisha Shikashamairi (諏訪大社四社まいり), a visit to all four grand Suwa Taisha shrines: Kamisha Maemiya (上社前宮), Kamisha Honmiya (上社本宮), Shimosha Harumiya (下社春宮), and Shimosha Akimiya (下社秋宮). The video showcases how easily this pilgrimage route can be achieved even without a car, with careful planning and the use of local buses.
Besides the spiritual journey, the vlogger explores other charming spots around Suwa, such as the fascinating Manji no Sekibutsu (万治の石仏), a historic Buddha statue carved in stone, and Jiunji Temple (慈雲寺), known for its serenity. The video also features a visit to the Jinchokan Moriya Historical Museum (神長官守矢史料館) in Chino City, which offers insights into ancient shrine rituals and traditions of the region. Art lovers will enjoy the segment at Harumo Museum (ハーモ美術館), a lakeside art museum with splendid views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Delicious local cuisine plays a role in the journey, even though the vlogger amusingly forgets to try the region’s famous soba and eel dishes. Instead, highlights include meals at restaurants like Spicecafe Ananda, Umaimonya Wakashi, and the elegant 24sekki Kagura in Shimosuwa. Each eatery offers a unique culinary experience that exemplifies the charm of Suwa’s food culture.
For accommodations, the traveler stays at "Kosensou" (湖泉荘), a ryokan near Lake Suwa. This onsen hotel offers excellent service, cleanliness, and facilities—for only 8,800 yen with breakfast included. Though the room didn’t have a view of Lake Suwa, the vlogger is highly satisfied thanks to the warm hospitality and the relaxing onsen bath. Travelers considering the same trip should note the 15-minute walk from Kami-Suwa Station to the hotel, although shuttle options may also be available.
In summary, this video offers a detailed and enriching look at what makes Suwa an incredible destination for both spiritual discovery and cultural immersion, perfect for solo travelers seeking tranquility and tradition.