Tsunan(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Tsunan Town, the top choice for families is Tsumami Onsen Hotel, a boutique ryokan blending traditional Japanese architecture with modern comfort. Nestled beside the Shinano River, it offers private outdoor baths and an organic farm-to-table restaurant serving local specialties like fresh trout and hand-harvested rice. The hotel organizes seasonal activities such as rice planting workshops and tea-picking tours at nearby Tsuman Tea Gardens. Guests can also enjoy free shuttle service to the Tsuman Cultural Museum and Old-Mansion Exhibition Hall, perfect for exploring rural Japanese heritage. With spacious family rooms and kid-friendly amenities, this hotel delivers a warm, immersive experience in nature. It’s especially ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and cultural connection away from city crowds.

The central district of Tsunan Town is the optimal area for lodging, located near the Tsunan Town Hall and Comprehensive Citizen Center, offering excellent access to public services and local shops. This neighborhood is also close to the Shinano River Promenade, perfect for morning walks or evening strolls along the riverbank. Several guesthouses and inns—like Tsumami Noie Guesthouse—are clustered here, featuring wooden interiors, handmade crafts, and cozy tatami rooms. Many offer guided town walks and seasonal events such as the Town Lantern Festival, allowing visitors to engage with local traditions. Additionally, the central zone is just 30 minutes by car to Myoko Highlands Ski Resort, making it ideal for winter travelers. Its balanced mix of convenience, culture, and calm makes it the heart of Tsunan's hospitality scene.

Tsunan Town offers unforgettable cultural experiences, starting with the annual Tsuman Rice Harvest Festival held each autumn. Visitors can participate in traditional rice planting, threshing, and even learn to craft Tsuman bamboo baskets at a local artisan workshop. The Tsuman Folklore Museum houses artifacts from the Edo period, including farming tools, vintage clothing, and oral histories passed down through generations. During spring, join the Cherry Blossom Tea Picking Event, where you’ll harvest tender tea leaves from Tsuman Tea Fields and enjoy freshly brewed matcha with homemade wagashi sweets. These hands-on activities provide deep insight into Tsunan’s agrarian roots and seasonal rhythms, turning travel into meaningful cultural immersion.

The hot springs in Tsunan Town stand out due to their natural sodium-chloride mineral water, drawn from depths of 1,200 meters beneath the Myoko Mountains. The water is clear with a faint golden hue and known for its skin-softening properties. At Tsumami Onsen Hotel, guests can relax in both indoor and outdoor baths, particularly the Mountain View Outdoor Bath, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. Each evening features a "Onsen Story Night," where hosts share local legends and family histories. Some rooms include tatami flooring and private gardens, creating a serene retreat after a day of soaking. The therapeutic warmth and authentic atmosphere make these onsen a highlight of any stay in Tsunan.

Photography enthusiasts should not miss three iconic locations in Tsunan Town: first, the Shinano River Sunset View, especially stunning during autumn and winter when golden light reflects across the flowing waters and frames the distant Myoko Mountain Range. Second, the Rice Field Labyrinth, a geometric pattern formed by orderly paddy fields that create striking visual contrast in spring and summer. Third, the Old-Mansion District, including the historic Ogura House and Matsubayashi Residence, preserved with traditional wood framing and shoji screens, surrounded by seasonal flowers. Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft lighting ideal for capturing the quiet beauty of rural Japan. Don’t forget to bring a wide-angle lens to fully frame these expansive landscapes.

Must-try dishes in Tsunan Town center around fresh Shinano River fish and Niigata Koshihikari rice. Try the signature Shinano Trout Hot Pot at Tsuman Town Dining, made with daily-caught trout simmered in kelp broth, served with locally grown rice for a rich, savory flavor. Another highlight is handmade buckwheat noodles, crafted from regionally milled flour and paired with house-made soy sauce and wasabi. Visit the seasonal Local Market to sample Tsuman umeboshi plums and pickled bamboo shoots, perfect as souvenirs. For a deeper culinary experience, book a Homestay Dinner, where you’ll dine with a local family who prepare a multi-course meal using heirloom recipes and ingredients sourced directly from their farm—offering a true taste of Japanese rural life.

The top cycling route in Tsunan Town is the Shinano River Eco Loop, a 15-kilometer scenic trail starting at Tsuman Citizens Park. It winds past rice paddies, wetland observation points, and historic bridges, with rest stops and interpretive signs detailing local ecology and birdlife. Bicycles are available for rent at the town office (¥200/day), and the path features gentle slopes suitable for all ages. Along the way, you may encounter farmers working in the fields, adding authenticity to your journey. Extend your ride toward Myoko Highlands Forest Tunnel, where tree-lined pathways create a magical tunnel effect. End at Tsuman Tea Estate for a refreshing matcha tasting. This route combines adventure, nature, and cultural discovery in one seamless ride.

Families visiting Tsunan Town can enjoy a variety of engaging activities. Join the Little Farmer Experience Camp at Tsuman Farm, where children plant seeds, water crops, and harvest vegetables under expert guidance. The Tsuman Children’s Library hosts weekly events like picture book theater and nature crafting sessions, teaching kids about insects, leaf printing, and forest ecosystems. During summer, the Firefly Night Walk invites families to explore wetlands illuminated by thousands of glowing fireflies, guided by local experts. In winter, try the Snow Sculpture Workshop, where kids mold snow into creative figures using traditional techniques. All activities come with multilingual instructions, ensuring international families feel welcome and engaged throughout their stay.

Key festivals in Tsunan Town include the Tsuman Summer Festival every August, featuring traditional taiko drumming, lantern processions, and a spectacular riverfront fireworks display synchronized with music and light projections. Another highlight is the Tsuman Textile Festival in spring, showcasing hand-dyed indigo fabrics and weaving demonstrations using ancient wooden looms—visitors can even try basic weaving themselves. The Snow Lantern Festival in winter transforms the town into a dreamlike world, with hundreds of handmade paper lanterns illuminating streets and alleys. These events reflect Tsunan’s deep-rooted traditions and community spirit, offering travelers more than entertainment—they provide a window into the rhythm of rural Japanese life.

Begin your day with a peaceful walk along the Shinano River Promenade, capturing sunrise over the rice fields. Then visit the Tsuman Folklore Museum to explore centuries-old farming tools, textiles, and oral histories. Enjoy lunch at Tsuman Town Dining, savoring trout hot pot with local Koshihikari rice. Afterward, cycle the Shinano River Eco Loop, stopping at wetland viewpoints and scenic bridges. Return to town in the afternoon to check into Tsumami Onsen Hotel, unwind in the outdoor bath with mountain views, and attend the evening Onsen Story Night. This well-balanced itinerary blends nature, culture, cuisine, and relaxation—perfectly capturing the essence of tranquil, authentic Tsunan Town.