Released in 2016, “Your Name.” by director Makoto Shinkai recorded a major hit that will remain in the history of Japanese animation films. One of the locations that served as the setting for this beautiful visual world is Tateishi Park in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Known as the model for Lake Itomori, which appears in the film, this spectacular spot has become a sacred site visited by many fans.
This article will introduce all the attractions of Tateishi Park and provide detailed information useful for those planning a pilgrimage to this holy site.
The Relationship Between Tateishi Park and “Your Name.”
Lake Suwa as the Model for Lake Itomori
In the film “Your Name.”, the fictional town of Itomori in the Hida region features Lake Itomori at its center. This beautiful lake is set to have been formed by the fall of a meteorite. It is said that the visual image of Lake Itomori was modeled after the scenery of Lake Suwa as seen from Tateishi Park.
The view from Tateishi Park is strikingly similar to the scene overlooking Lake Itomori in the film, with the lake spreading out in the center of a basin surrounded by mountains. In particular, the high vantage point overlooking the lake, the shape of the lake, and the surrounding terrain overlap with the illustrations in the film, leading many fans to recognize it as a sacred site.
Connection to the “Kataware Doki” Scene
The “Kataware Doki” (twilight hour) plays an important role in the climactic scene of the film. Many fans have pointed out that the scene where the protagonist Taki and Mitsuha meet across time at the mountain top where the Mizuiwa Shrine’s sacred object is located resembles the view of Lake Suwa from Tateishi Park.
The expression of Lake Suwa during the brief time span between sunset and nightfall is exactly like the mystical “Kataware Doki” depicted in the film. Visiting Tateishi Park during this time will allow you to experience the film’s world more deeply.
The Connection Between Director Makoto Shinkai and Nagano Prefecture
Director Makoto Shinkai is from Saku City in Nagano Prefecture, and the landscapes of Nagano frequently appear in his works. In “Your Name.,” the scenery of Nagano Prefecture that the director has been familiar with since childhood is believed to have had a significant influence on the formation of the film’s world.
Lake Suwa and Tateishi Park are said to be places the director has actually visited and been impressed by, and are presumed to have been used as reference materials for the film’s background art.
Basic Information and Attractions of Tateishi Park
What is Tateishi Park?
Tateishi Park is an observation park located at an elevation of 934 meters on a hilltop in Kamiasuwa, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. As a spectacular spot with a panoramic view of Lake Suwa, it has been loved by local residents and tourists even before the release of “Your Name.”
The park is equipped with an observation platform, walking paths, benches, and other facilities for enjoying the scenery at leisure. A parking lot is also provided, making it convenient to access by car.
Sunset Views Selected for “Shinshu Sunset Point 100 Selections”
Tateishi Park was selected for the “Shinshu Sunset Point 100 Selections,” one of Nagano Prefecture’s representative sunset viewing spots. The sunset reflected on the surface of Lake Suwa is breathtaking, and the sunset view is especially spectacular in the clear air from autumn through winter.
As twilight falls, the sky changes moment by moment from orange to pink to purple, and the surface of Lake Suwa mirrors these colors like a reflecting pool. This sight is reminiscent of “Kataware Doki” and becomes a particularly special experience for film fans.
Night Views Certified as “Japan Night View Heritage” and “Night View 100 Selections”
Tateishi Park has been selected for both the “Japan Night View Heritage” and “Japan’s Night View 100 Selections,” making it a nationally famous night viewing spot. The lights of the city surrounding Lake Suwa reflect on the lake’s surface, creating a beautiful nightscape like an overturned jewelry box.
The night view seen in the clear air of winter in particular creates a mystical atmosphere as the starry sky and city lights become one. It is also popular as a dating spot, with many couples visiting the location.
Panoramic Views of Lake Suwa and Surrounding Areas
The view from Tateishi Park is not limited to Lake Suwa alone. On the left stands the majestic Yatsugatake mountain range, on the right the Kiso Mountains (Central Alps), and on clear days you can even see the peaks of the Northern Alps in the distance.
Lake Suwa has an area of about 13 square kilometers, making it the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. The panoramic view of this vast lake from a high vantage point is impressive, and you can enjoy its changing appearance through the four seasons. You can discover different charms depending on the season you visit: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter.
How to Access Tateishi Park
Access by Train and Walking
On Foot from JR Kamiasuwameki Station
From JR Chuo Main Line’s Kamiasuwameki Station to Tateishi Park is approximately 40 to 50 minutes on foot. However, since the park is located on a high elevation of 934 meters, there are considerable uphill sections. This is recommended for those confident in their physical fitness or who want to enjoy the scenery along the way.
The walking route typically goes from Kamiasuwameki Station via National Route 20, through residential areas, and into mountain paths. Along the way, you can enjoy the gradually opening view of Lake Suwa from above.
Using a Taxi
Using a taxi from Kamiasuwameki Station, you can arrive in approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Fares are estimated at around 1,500 to 2,000 yen. Return taxis can be called from the park, but waiting times may occur depending on the time of day, so it’s reassuring to arrange transportation in advance using a ride-hailing app or similar service.
Using a Shuttle Bus
There is also a bus route from Kamiasuwameki Station toward Tateishi Park, but the service is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance. Walking will be required from the nearest bus stop to the park.
Car Access and Parking Information
Access by Personal Vehicle
From the Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway, it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car. From National Route 20 via prefectural roads and up the mountain path. There are sections where the road is narrow, so drive carefully while watching for oncoming vehicles.
Parking Lot
Tateishi Park has a free parking lot. There is space for approximately 30 regular vehicles, and it may become congested during tourist seasons, weekends, and especially at twilight hours. If you want to be certain of parking, it is recommended to visit during earlier hours.
From the parking lot to the observation spot is just a few minutes on foot, and walking paths have been developed with barrier-free considerations.
Recommended Times to Visit
Twilight Hours (Kataware Doki)
The time when you can best experience the world of “Your Name.” is undoubtedly during twilight hours. The period from about 30 minutes before sunset to about 30 minutes after sunset is when the sky’s color changes most beautifully. Since the sunset time varies by season, be sure to confirm it in advance.
Early Morning
Lake Suwa illuminated by the morning sun is also extremely beautiful, and as there are fewer tourists at this time, you can enjoy the scenery in peace. Particularly from autumn through winter, you may see the fantastical sight of morning mist covering the lake surface.
Night View Appreciation
The night view after sunset and complete darkness is not to be missed. The street lights surrounding Lake Suwa reflect on the water’s surface, creating a romantic atmosphere. Winter is particularly special, as the clear air allows you to enjoy the combination of starry skies and night views.
Photography Guide for Tateishi Park
Photography Points to Recreate Film Scenes
Standard Angle from the Observation Platform
The angle from Tateishi Park’s observation platform overlooking Lake Suwa is the composition closest to the film’s scenes. Photographing from a position where the entire lake and surrounding mountains fit within your field of view will capture photos reminiscent of Lake Itomori.
Using a wide-angle lens allows you to capture the expanse of Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains in a single photograph. Using standard or telephoto lenses makes it possible to crop a portion of the lake to create a composition even closer to a scene from the film.
Photography Techniques for Kataware Doki
When photographing during twilight, be conscious of the gradient of the sky and its reflection on the lake surface. Adjusting the exposure compensation to the minus side will make the sky’s colors appear more vivid. Using a tripod to photograph at multiple exposures and creating HDR composites allows you to beautifully express both the sky and ground.
The time period after sunset known as the “Blue Hour,” when the sky turns a deep blue and streetlights begin to illuminate, is a magical time with photography particularly recommended.
Best Shots for Each Season
Spring (March–May)
Spring is when cherry blossoms bloom around the park and fresh greenery sprouts. There are spots where you can photograph cherry blossoms together with Lake Suwa, and you can capture distinctly Japanese spring scenery. The peak bloom of cherry blossoms is mid to late April.
Summer (June–August)
Summer features rich green vegetation and beautiful contrast between the blue of Lake Suwa and the green of the mountains. On August 15, the Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks Display takes place, and fireworks can be enjoyed from Tateishi Park (however, the parking lot will be extremely congested).
Fall (September–November)
Fall is the season of autumn leaves, when trees around Tateishi Park turn red and yellow. Peak foliage colors occur from late October through early November, and the combination of autumn leaves and Lake Suwa is spectacular. The air is clear, making distant mountains visible and providing ideal conditions for photography.
Winter (December–February)
Winter offers the clearest air, making it ideal for night view and starry sky photography. On snowy days, you can photograph a fantastical combination of snowy landscape and Lake Suwa. However, road surfaces may freeze, so extra caution is needed when accessing the area by car.
On cold early mornings, ice patterns called “Omiwatari” may appear on Lake Suwa (though this phenomenon has become less frequent in recent years due to global warming). Photographing this rare occurrence from Tateishi Park would make an exceptionally valuable shot.
Tips for Smartphone Photography
Recent smartphones are equipped with high-performance cameras capable of taking excellent photographs. Keeping the following points in mind will result in more impressive photos.
- Use HDR Mode: In scenes with high contrast between light and dark, turning on HDR mode allows you to capture both sky and ground beautifully.
- Display Grid Lines: To organize your composition, display grid lines in your camera settings. Being conscious of the rule of thirds will result in well-balanced photographs.
- Use Night Scene Mode: For night photography, using your smartphone’s night scene or night mode allows you to capture bright, low-noise photos even while hand-holding the camera.
- Use Continuous Shooting: Particularly during twilight when the sky’s colors change rapidly, use continuous shooting to capture multiple frames and later select the best shot.
Attractions and Tourist Spots Around Tateishi Park
Tourism Around Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa Shoreline
Now enjoy Lake Suwa from the shoreline itself after viewing it from above in Tateishi Park. Walking paths have been developed along the Lake Suwa shoreline, and you can enjoy walking and cycling. There are several free footbath spots along the shore.
Suwa Grand Shrine
Suwa Grand Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 25,000 Suwa Shrines nationwide, consisting of four shrines: the Upper Shrine’s Main Hall, Upper Shrine’s Front Hall, Lower Shrine’s Autumn Hall, and Lower Shrine’s Spring Hall. Each has its own characteristics and is popular as a power spot where you can feel history and culture.
Katakura-kan
Katakura-kan, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is a Western-style day-use hot spring facility built in the early Showa period. The “Thousand Person Bath” with a depth of 1.1 meters is impressive, allowing bathing while standing upright—a unique hot spring experience.
Takabotchi Plateau
Another sacred site of “Your Name.” is Takabotchi Plateau, known alongside Tateishi Park. From this highland at an elevation of 1,665 meters, a spectacular view unfolds with both Lake Suwa and Mount Fuji visible at once.
It is approximately 40 minutes by car from Tateishi Park, so if time permits, visiting both is recommended. However, the access road to Takabotchi Plateau is closed during winter, so be sure to confirm visitable periods in advance.
Suwa City Art Museum
Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Tateishi Park, Suwa City Art Museum displays works mainly by local artists. Since exhibitions related to Director Shinkai’s works are sometimes held, check before visiting.
Kirigamine Plateau
Kirigamine Plateau, where the entire area is covered with nodding China-pink flowers in summer, is another spot worth visiting when in the Suwa area. Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Tateishi Park, you can enjoy the refreshing air unique to highlands and spectacular scenery.
Points for Enjoying a Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites
Enjoy Respectfully Following Rules
Tateishi Park is a public space beloved by local residents. When enjoying your pilgrimage, follow the following rules.
- Always Take Litter With You: There are no trash bins in the park. Be sure to take food packaging, empty cans, and other waste with you.
- Be Mindful of Noise: Particularly during early morning and nighttime, avoid speaking loudly or playing music. Since residential areas are nearby, consideration for neighboring residents is necessary.
- Don’t Trespass on Private Property: Absolutely avoid entering private land while searching for photography spots.
- Observe Parking Etiquette: Do not park outside designated lots or in places that obstruct traffic.
- Respect Nature: Avoid picking plants or damaging trees.
Packing Checklist
Here is a list of items convenient to bring when visiting Tateishi Park.
Essential Items
- Camera or smartphone (don’t forget to charge)
- Drinking water
- Hat and sunscreen (summer)
- Warm clothing (winter)
- Flashlight (for nighttime visits)
Useful Items
- Tripod (for sunset and night view photography)
- Picnic blanket (if you want to enjoy the scenery at leisure)
- Binoculars (if you want to observe distant mountains)
- Insect repellent (summer)
- Hand warmer (winter)
- Garbage bag (for carrying trash)
Clothing and Equipment
Since Tateishi Park is at an elevation of 934 meters, temperatures are lower than in flat areas. Especially in early morning, late evening, and winter, the weather is quite cold, so bring an extra layer.
Comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes are recommended. While paths in the park are paved, they can become slippery from night dew, so avoid heels or sandals.
In summer, strong sunlight requires a hat and sunscreen. Additionally, the higher elevation means stronger ultraviolet rays.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Tateishi Park has grown popular as a sacred site from “Your Name.,” and crowds are particularly heavy during the following periods:
- Golden Week
- Summer vacation period
- Autumn foliage season (late October–early November)
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Twilight hours on weekends and holidays
To avoid crowds, weekday daytime or early morning are recommended. Additionally, rainy days see fewer people, so you might even monopolize the fantastical misty landscape after rain.
Suwa Tourism Model Courses Including Tateishi Park
Day-Trip Course
Morning
- 9:00 AM Arrival at Kamiasuwameki Station
- 9:30 AM Suwa Grand Shrine Upper Shrine Main Hall visit
- 11:00 AM Lake Suwa shoreline walk and footbath experience
Afternoon
- 12:00 PM Lunch at Lake Suwa shoreline
- 1:30 PM Hot spring bathing at Katakura-kan
- 3:00 PM Move to Tateishi Park
- 3:30 PM Arrive at Tateishi Park and enjoy the scenery
- 5:00 PM Sunset photography (adjust time by season)
- 6:30 PM Night view appreciation
- 7:30 PM Return to Kamiasuwameki Station
- 8:00 PM Depart from Kamiasuwameki Station
Two-Day, One-Night Course
Day 1
- Morning: Visit all four Suwa Grand Shrines
- Afternoon: Suwa Lake area tourism and museum visits
- Evening: Sunset and night views at Tateishi Park
- Night: Overnight at a hot spring inn on Lake Suwa shore
Day 2
- Early morning: Sunrise viewing at Tateishi Park (optional)
- Morning: Head to Takabotchi Plateau
- Afternoon: Kirigamine Plateau walk
- Evening: Head home
This course allows you to visit both Tateishi Park and Takabotchi Plateau, which are sacred sites of “Your Name.”
Gourmet Information in the Suwa Area
Local Suwa Dishes
Shinshu Soba
Nagano Prefecture is famous for Shinshu soba noodles. The Suwa area has many soba restaurants serving fragrant soba made with locally sourced soba flour.
Lake Suwa Smelt
Smelt caught in Lake Suwa are served as tempura, fried dishes, and sweetened simmered preparations. You can enjoy fresh smelt dishes at restaurants around Lake Suwa.
Horse Meat
Nagano Prefecture has high consumption of horse meat, and you can taste fresh horse meat sashimi. It is served at izakayas and other establishments around Kamiasuwameki Station.
Miso
Suwa is also known as a miso production region, where you can enjoy dishes made with local miso and tour miso breweries.
Recommended Restaurants and Cafes
Various restaurants and cafes dot the areas around Tateishi Park and Lake Suwa shore, allowing you to dine while enjoying the views. Lunch or cafe time while overlooking Lake Suwa is one of the joys of sightseeing.
The area around Kamiasuwameki Station has many restaurants serving dishes made with local ingredients. Obtaining current information from the tourist information center is recommended.
Notes When Visiting Tateishi Park
Weather and Temperature
Since Tateishi Park is at high elevation, temperatures are lower than in flat areas, and weather changes readily. Check the weather forecast before visiting and prepare appropriate clothing.
Particularly in winter, road surfaces may freeze, requiring caution when accessing by car. Equipping vehicles with studless tires or carrying chains is recommended.
Facility Information
Tateishi Park has restroom facilities, but there are no shops or vending machines. Prepare beverages and food in advance.
Since there are few streetlights in the park, use a flashlight or smartphone light function during nighttime visits.
Wildlife Caution
Since the park is in a mountainous area, wildlife such as wild boars and deer may appear during early morning and evening. If you encounter them, do not provoke them and quietly leave the area.
Mobile Phone Reception
Major carriers’ mobile phones can be used at Tateishi Park, though signal strength may be weak in some locations. For emergency contact purposes, checking information about the area in advance is reassuring.
Historical and Cultural Background of Tateishi Park
Origin of the Name “Tateishi”
The name “Tateishi” derives from the large standing stone (tateishi) within the park. This stone has long been cherished as a symbol of the region and has also been an object of faith.
History of Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa is believed to have formed from volcanic activity approximately 20,000 years ago. Since ancient times, it has served as a center for water transport, fishing, and Suwa religious faith, remaining intimately connected to the lives of local residents.
During the Edo period, it flourished as the intersection of the Nakasendo and Koshu highways, with many travelers recording the beauty of Lake Suwa.
Modernization as a Tourist Destination
Tateishi Park was formally developed as a tourist destination during the Showa period. Known as a spectacular spot offering panoramic views of Lake Suwa, it has been cherished by local residents and tourists.
Following the release of “Your Name.,” many anime fans from across Japan and around the world began visiting, making Suwa City an important tourism resource.
Annual Events in the Suwa Area
Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks Display (August 15)
A fireworks display of national significance with approximately 40,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky above Lake Suwa. The fireworks can be viewed from Tateishi Park, though the area becomes extremely crowded on the day of the event.
Onbashira Festival (Once Every Seven Years)
The Onbashira Festival, the largest religious ceremony of Suwa Grand Shrine, is held once every seven years (in years of the Tiger and Monkey zodiac signs). The spectacle of massive pillars being transported by human power is impressive and draws many visitors. The next occurrence is scheduled for 2028.
Lake Suwa Illumination (Winter Season)
During winter, illumination events are held around Lake Suwa shoreline. With lakeside illuminations added to the night view seen from Tateishi Park, an even more spectacular scene emerges.
Trivia for “Your Name.” Fans
Film Box Office Performance
“Your Name.” recorded a major hit with domestic box office earnings exceeding 2.5 billion yen and maintained the position of second-highest-grossing Japanese film through 2023. It also received high international acclaim and was screened in many countries.
Other Works by Director Shinkai and Nagano Prefecture
Landscapes of Nagano Prefecture also appear in other works by Director Shinkai. “The Garden of Words” features the Saku region, and “5 Centimeters per Second” has scenes modeled on the Koumi Line.
When visiting Nagano Prefecture, trying to visit sacred sites from other Shinkai works in addition to “Your Name.” allows for deeper understanding of the director’s world.
Film Music
The music for “Your Name.” handled by RADWIMPS also became a major topic of discussion. Listening to the film’s theme song while viewing the scenery at Tateishi Park allows you to immerse yourself even more in the film’s world.
Visitor Testimonials from Tateishi Park
Emotion at Twilight
Many visitors express being moved by the beauty of Lake Suwa at twilight, saying things like “I cried with emotion seeing the landscape from the film actually spread before my eyes” and “The change in the sky’s color during Kataware Doki was truly beautiful, and I lost track of time watching it.”
Charm of Each Season
Many repeat visitors return across seasons, with comments like “Spring’s cherry blossoms, summer’s fresh greenery, autumn’s leaves, and winter’s snow are all wonderful” and “A place I never tire of visiting, no matter how many times I go.”
Recommended for Families
Testimonials include “My child was delighted by the beautiful scenery when visiting together” and “The park is well-maintained and perfect for spending leisurely time as a family,” showing it is suitable for family visits.
Other “Your Name.” Sacred Sites
Sacred Sites Within Tokyo
The film features many real locations within Tokyo. The Suga Shrine stairs in Yotsuya, areas around Shinanomachi Station, and the pedestrian bridge in Yoyogi are known sacred sites.
Sacred Sites in the Hida Region
The Hida region (Gifu Prefecture), where the film’s primary setting takes place, also has many sacred sites. Hidafurukawa Station, Ketake-wakamiya Shrine, and Hida City Library are popular spots.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Tours
Travel companies offer organized tours visiting “Your Name.” sacred sites. Those wishing to efficiently visit multiple sites might consider such tours.
Photography Etiquette and Social Media Posting Precautions
Photography Etiquette
As a popular spot, many people enjoy photographing. Observe the following etiquette.
- Don’t Obstruct Others’ Photography: Don’t become so absorbed in your own photography that you interfere with others’ enjoyment.
- Avoid Long-Term Spot Occupation: Especially during crowded times, yield your spot to the next person after finishing photography.
- Caution When Using Tripods: When using a tripod, select locations that don’t obstruct foot traffic and show consideration to surroundings.
Social Media Posting Precautions
When posting photographed images to social media, be mindful of the following:
- Protect Personal Information: If other visitors are reflected in photographs, edit to obscure faces or photograph angles that exclude them.
- Handle Location Information Appropriately: Publicizing precise location information can lead to excessive crowds. Share information within appropriate bounds.
- Base Information on Facts: Avoid misinformation and exaggerations, instead sharing information based on actual experience.
Conclusion
Tateishi Park in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, has become a beloved sacred site for fans of “Your Name.,” director Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece. The spectacular view of Lake Suwa from a 934-meter elevation evokes the film’s Lake Itomori, and particularly during the twilight “Kataware Doki” hours, visitors experience an emotion as if stepping into the film’s world.
Selected for “Shinshu Sunset Point 100 Selections,” “Japan Night View Heritage,” and “Japan’s Night View 100 Selections,” Tateishi Park is a spectacular spot to be visited by all people, not just film fans. With spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snow, each season offers different attractions, with new discoveries on every visit.
Access is relatively convenient, being approximately 40 minutes on foot from JR Kamiasuwameki Station or about 15 minutes by car from Suwa IC. With free parking provided, families can visit with confidence.
When visiting Tateishi Park, remember to observe etiquette and show consideration for other visitors and residents. With camera or smartphone in hand, enjoy photographing and recreating famous film scenes. The beautiful Lake Suwa landscape and the world of “Your Name.” will surely create a special experience awaiting you.
The Suwa area has many other fascinating tourist attractions beyond Tateishi Park, including Suwa Grand Shrine, Katakura-kan, and Takabotchi Plateau. If time allows, visit these spots as well to fully experience Suwa’s history, culture, and nature.
Why not plan a trip to Tateishi Park as a “Your Name.” sacred site pilgrimage or simply to view beautiful scenery? The spectacular view overlooking Lake Suwa is sure to become a memory deeply etched in your heart.
