Featured Hotels Near Chichibu Shrine

Stay at Misuzono Ryokan, a serene Japanese-style inn just a 7-minute walk from Suwa Shrine. Nestled in a forested area, it features private gardens and stone courtyards where maple leaves reflect in tranquil ponds during fall. Many rooms offer panoramic views of the shrine's ancient cherry trees and surrounding mountains. Book a morning tea ceremony package through HopeGoo to enjoy a peaceful start before visiting the shrine for early-season rituals.

Sawara Hotel Plaza is ideal for pilgrims seeking early access—just a 300-meter walk (5 minutes) from the shrine entrance. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service starting at 5:30 AM, including free prayer talismans and warm tea. Rooms feature minimalist Japanese design, premium down bedding, and soundproof windows for restful sleep. A perfect base for experiencing traditional 'hatsumōde' rituals with comfort and convenience.

Yoshino no Yado Akatsuki is a boutique guesthouse housed in a renovated old townhouse near Suwa Shrine. It offers daily workshops in making traditional paper lanterns using local bamboo and washi paper crafted by a third-generation artisan. Guests can join a post-prayer tea ceremony and enjoy farm-to-table meals sourced from nearby organic farms. With only eight rooms, this intimate stay emphasizes authenticity—book your garden-facing room via the HopeGoo app for a truly immersive experience.

Sawara Yume no Yado Yoshino is the perfect choice for viewing the shrine’s nightly illumination events. Located just a 10-minute walk west of the shrine, its glass-roofed rooms provide unobstructed views of the glowing torii gate and illuminated pathways. Every evening at 7 PM, synchronized light projections unfold across the grounds. Rooms come with underfloor heating, ambient scent diffusers, and free access to guided tour maps. During festivals, guests may reserve seats for exclusive ‘night kagura’ performances.

Base yourself at Misuzono Ryokan for a seamless day. Begin with an early morning shrine ritual at 6 AM, then stroll the historic approach lined with antique shops and craft markets. Enjoy lunch at Chihon-ya, known for fresh bonito sushi and vegetable tempura made with mountain spring water. In the afternoon, take a short bus ride to Sawara Three Gorges for hiking or rent bicycles along the river trail. Return to the inn in the evening, relax in the open-air bath, and savor the quiet blend of mountain air and distant shrine lights.

Sawara Family Inn offers spacious family rooms with extra beds and complimentary baby cots. Just an 8-minute walk from Suwa Shrine, it features a kids’ playroom and weekly ‘Junior Guide Tours’ led by trained staff who explain shrine architecture and spiritual symbols in kid-friendly terms. Each guest receives a handmade prayer charm kit. The inn’s backyard also hosts a mini ecological garden where children can spot native birds and fireflies. Book a family package through HopeGoo for added perks like breakfast delivery and activity vouchers.