100% geographical similarity — Nantou County and Suwa City sign tourism agreement

▲ Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County boasts one of the world’s top ten most beautiful cycling routes. (Photo / Courtesy of Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Another great achievement in Taiwan-Japan tourism exchange: On the 18th, the Nantou County Tourism Industry Alliance Association officially signed a tourism friendship agreement with the Suwa City Tourism Association of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, marking the official launch of tourism exchanges between the two regions. Currently, efforts are underway to promote direct flights between the two areas, expected to be operated by Far Eastern Air Transport, connecting Taichung Chingchuankang Airport and Nagano Prefecture in Japan, aiming to boost tourism for both sides.

Nantou County is one of Taiwan’s key tourism hubs, with Sun Moon Lake alone attracting over 7 million visitors annually. The county also boasts abundant hot spring resources, allowing tourists to enjoy both the lake and relaxing hot spring baths. The recently allied Japanese city of Suwa shares an astonishing 100% geographical similarity with Nantou.

▲ % The natural environments of both regions are highly similar. Nantou County is famous for its picturesque cycling routes (top photo), while Suwa is home to the revered Suwa Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines (bottom photo). (Photos / Courtesy of Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival Fan Page & Wikipedia)Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival Fan Page; Wikipedia)

Located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Suwa City features numerous renowned attractions. It is home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines, “Suwa Taisha,” as well as the largest inland lake in the region—Lake Suwa, often referred to as “Suwa’s Sun Moon Lake.” Like its Taiwanese counterpart, Lake Suwa also hosts a grand annual fireworks festival. Additionally, Suwa’s renowned hot spring district, Kami-Suwa Onsen, boasts abundant thermal water reserves and high-quality springs, making it a perfect match for Nantou, another hot spring-rich destination.

Chen Chih-ching, acting Magistrate of Nantou County, expressed hope that this agreement will establish a cooperative platform between the two areas for mutual benefit and interaction. He also welcomed the Suwa City delegation to participate in next year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival, as well as annual events such as the Cross-Taiwan Strait Swim, Flower Carnival, and Nantou Hot Spring Festival, to further foster exchanges.