Japan Model Itineraries

The 64th Yubara Onsen Hanzaki Festival held on August 8, 2026 (Saturday) is the centerpiece of this one-day course exploring Yubara Onsen along the Asahi River. In the afternoon, observe the rare Japanese giant salamander (Hanzaki) up close at the Hanzaki Center and learn the origins of the festival's name. After strolling through the charming riverside hot spring town, visit Yubara Dam, known as Japan's first rockfill dam, for an educational experience. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the hot spring town and secure viewing spots along the Asahi River. As darkness falls, fireworks illuminate the mountain valley, creating a magical atmosphere enhanced by inn lights and hot spring mist. This is a richly packed summer plan featuring both leisurely hot spring town strolling and spectacular valley fireworks.

This is a 1-day course centered on the first day of the Sunaoshi Festival (August 1, 2026, Kanie Town, Atsumi County · Tomi-Yoshitakahayasujinja/Hassensen Shrine), which is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. In the daytime, visit Tsushima Shrine, also known for the Tsushima Tenno Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, learn about the local history at the Kanie Town Historical Folk Museum, and take a stroll along the Kanie River, which retains traces of the water village. In the evening, do shopping and have dinner at Aeon Mall Kanie, and at 5 PM, finally head to the Tomi-Yoshitakahayasujinja/Hassensen Shrine venue. Experience the fantastic summer festival unique to this water village town, with lantern-decorated Sharaku boats advancing through the night river with your family. This course allows you to fully experience both the history of the Kiso Three Rivers region and the fervor of the festival in one day.

A 1-day course centered on Okumeyama Park Swimming Pool in Naha, operating from April 29, 2026 (Wed) to October 31 (Sat). In the morning, reset your mind at the ancient seaside shrine "Hamagami Shrine," then visit the "Daiichi Makishi Public Market" on International Avenue, known as Okinawa's kitchen, to experience the local food culture. From noon onward, head to Okumeyama Park Swimming Pool. It features a 25m pool (6 lanes), a 50m pool (8 lanes), and a 5m diving pool, all part of a professional indoor and outdoor facility with 1,063 spectator seats where you can enjoy swimming until evening. Discounts for children, students, and seniors make it an easy family outing. Experience Naha city walks and water play in one day at this Okinawan classic destination. Recommended not only for peak summer but also for the pleasant weather at the beginning and end of the season.

This is a full-day course to enjoy the Koriyama region with its abundant forests and terraced rice paddies, centered around the 50th Koriyama Summer Festival held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday) at Koriyama Comprehensive Sports Park in Higashimata-cho, Kagoshima. At midday, experience the historic shrine building at Hanao Shrine, also known as "Satsuma Nikko," and stroll through the source area of the Kotsuki River. After a relaxing break at Koriyama Hot Spring, move to the festival venue at Koriyama Comprehensive Sports Park in the evening and enjoy lantern contests and food stalls while waiting for the fireworks. As darkness falls, fireworks light up the summer night sky. This is the definitive plan for experiencing history, nature, and fireworks in the Koriyama region during summer.

The Iyonkaichi Festival unfolds in the heart of Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, around Mitaki-dori and Suwa Shin-dori. In 2026, this major summer festival runs August 1-2, featuring the Iyonkaichi Odori (traditional dance), elaborate floats, and whale ships. This full-day course focuses on August 1st. Begin at Yokkaichi Port Building's observation deck to see the industrial cityscape and harbor, then visit Suwa Shrine for blessings. Enjoy lunch and shopping at the Smeil underground mall, then explore Yokkaichi Museum and planetarium. At 3:30 PM, experience the festival's highlight as dancers and floats fill the streets in a spectacular celebration. This is a full-day journey perfect for families wanting to experience summer in Yokkaichi.

Centered around the Haruna Lake Fireworks Festival held on August 7 (Friday), 2026, this is a full-day course to enjoy the highland lake area of Haruna Lake (榛名湖) in Gunma Prefecture. Located at 1,100 meters elevation, Haruna Lake remains cool even in midsummer, with beautiful scenery created by mountains and water. In the afternoon, enjoy boating on the lakeshore, and visit Haruna Shrine (榛名神社), known as one of the Kanto region's most renowned power spots, to experience the quiet mountain air. By evening, secure your spot on the lakeshore and wait for the show while enjoying street food and gourmet offerings. At night, savor approximately 1,500 fireworks spreading across the lake. Fireworks launched from a mountain-surrounded lake echo off the surrounding peaks, and the light reflected on the water creates a fantastical night. A definitive summer plan for enjoying Haruna Lake in the cool mountain air.

Centered around the Shibushi Minato Festival Fireworks Display held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, this is a full-day course to enjoy Shibushi City in Kagoshima Prefecture from noon onwards. In the afternoon, spend time leisurely at a hilltop park overlooking Shibushi Bay, and stroll around Matsuo Castle Ruins, known as Shibushi Castle Ruins and designated as a National Historic Site. In the evening, enjoy local gourmet cuisine at the roadside station to refuel, and as darkness falls, head to the viewing spots around Shibushi Port. Approximately 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky in one of South Kyushu's most impressive scales of fireworks displays. The spectacular sight of large chrysanthemum fireworks displayed against the night sky of Shibushi Bay from the harbor stage is the true climax of the Minato Festival. Spend an unforgettable evening with your family, accompanied by the ocean breeze of the seaside.

The 'Otawara Yoichi Festival' (August 7-8, 2026, 3 PM–9 PM), held in the Chuo Multipurpose Park area of Otawara City, celebrates the legendary archer Nasu no Yoichi, immortalized in 'The Tale of the Heike.' This one-day course highlights the festival's opening day. Since the festival begins in the afternoon, this course explores the town's main attractions in the morning first. Learn the archer's tale at Nasu Yoichi Legend Hall, grab an early meal at the adjacent roadside station, stroll through the ruins of Otawara Castle at Ryujo Park, and pay respects at a local shrine. From 3 PM onward, the Chuo Multipurpose Park becomes the festival hub. With food trucks lining the venue, it's a distinctly Otawara summer festival experience.

A full-day course to enjoy Tomioka City, a UNESCO World Heritage town, centered around the Tomioka Fireworks Festival (富岡花火大会) held on August 16, 2026 (Sunday) starting at 7:45 PM. At midday, visit the Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場), registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about Japan's industrial modernization. In the afternoon, enjoy impressive displays including dinosaur bone skeletons at the Gunma Prefectural Museum of Natural History (群馬県立自然史博物館). After exploring the Joshu Tomioka Station Front Shopping Street (上州富岡駅前商店街), return to the venue area in the evening to reserve your spot while browsing street food stalls. At 7:45 PM, approximately 1,000 fireworks light up the town's night sky. An indulgent one-day plan where you can enjoy both historical sightseeing and fireworks.

This is a one-day course featuring the first day of 'Noshiro Yakichitanabata & Noshiro Nebunagashi' held from August 6-7, 2026, centered around the downtown Noshiro area to the mouth of the Yoneshiro River. During the day, stroll through Kaze no Matsubara, one of Japan's three great pine forests, enjoy science experiences at Noshiro Energium Park, and tour the historic wooden architecture at Ryotei Kaneyu. In the evening, have dinner at Hatacho Shopping Street and head to the mouth of the Yoneshiro River from 15:40 when the sun starts to set. As night falls, giant lanterns of Yakichitanabata and the fantastical 'Nebunagashi' with lanterns floating down the river continue past 22:00. It's a day where you can experience the nature and traditional events of the port town of Noshiro all at once.

This is a full-day course through Soja City, Okayama Prefecture, known as the birthplace of sumi-e master Sesshu, centered around the Soja Citizen Festival Sesshu Festa Fireworks Festival held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday). In the morning, visit the ancient temple where Sesshu spent his childhood, and enjoy the scenic landscape of the five-story pagoda standing in Kokubun-ji. After a break at a city park, purchase dinner at the shopping street in the evening. At night, approximately 2,500 fireworks illuminate the sky from the Takahashi River riverbed—a full day of history and nature.

A one-day course to enjoy the 44th Ogimi Summer Festival held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Ogimi Village, northern Okinawa Main Island, known as the "village of longevity." Start by enjoying local specialties and meals at Michi-no-Eki Ogimi in the daytime, then visit Tar Falls in the afternoon to experience the subtropical forest and pristine clear stream. In the late afternoon, view the gentle rias-type bay at Shioya Bay to cool off, and before sunset, head to Shioya settlement for dinner and secure a viewing spot. In the evening, approximately 1,700 fireworks illuminate the night sky and bay from Shioya Fishing Port. A summer day plan true to Ogimi Village, embraced by Yanbaru's natural beauty.

The 'Saieki Lantern Festival' at Hieda Shrine (稗田野神社) in Kameoka City, Kyoto, is an age-old summer tradition. Held on August 14, 2026 (Friday) from 7 PM to around 9 PM, handcrafted lanterns illuminate the shrine grounds during this representative summer evening event. Food stalls line the area, creating a lively atmosphere for families and visitors. This course is designed for experiencing Kameoka's nature and history in their entirety. Begin by paying respects at Izumo Oyama Shrine, also known as 'Moto Izumo', then experience the scenic Hozugawa Boat Ride through one of Kyoto's most spectacular gorges. Shop at Michi-no-Eki Galleria Kameoka and explore local history at the Cultural Museum before the evening's lantern festival at 7 PM. A complete Kameoka experience blending nature, history, and handmade artistry.

A full-day course to leisurely enjoy the seaside of western Tosa, centered around Irino Beach in Kuroshio Town, Kochi Prefecture, opening from July 19 (Sunday) to August 31 (Monday), 2026. In the morning, visit Sunamahama Museum right beside the beach and experience the unique concept of a museum without walls. Continue to Irino Pine Grove, selected as one of Japan's 100 best white-sand and blue-pine groves, and enjoy the sea breeze and pine fragrance. At noon, taste Kochi's seafood and local specialties at Michi-no-Eki Omasa for a filling meal. Then head to Irino Beach. The arc-shaped white sandy beach and calm shallow waters span approximately 4 km, with parking for 147 regular cars and 5 large vehicles, and facilities including restrooms, changing rooms, and paid showers (100 yen). Swimming hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the beach closes during rough seas or high waves. Admission is free (showers only 100 yen), so you can enjoy beach activities freely. Immerse yourself in sand play and water play while listening to the waves, and fully enjoy Tosa's sea until evening. Bring your swimsuit and towel—why not head to Kochi's sea, fragrant with Kuroshio breezes?

"Kohari Matsushita-ryu Tsunagi-bi" held at Kohari Atago Shrine in Tsukubamirai City, starting at 19:00 on Monday, August 24, 2026. Fireworks dash along ropes strung in the shrine grounds, displaying a rare folk art passed down since the Edo period. This course is a full-day experience plan centered on this special day. By day, move your body at Yawara Comprehensive Sports Park, enjoy riverside greenery at Fukuoka Dam Sakura Park, and touch unique amulets at Itabashi Fudoson Temple. In the evening, have an early dinner at Michi no Eki Joso, and at 19:00, the Tsunagi-bi finally begins at Kohari Atago Shrine. A fantastical fire art floating in the night sky—this is the special moment your family witnesses together.

A 1-day course centered on the first day (July 31, 2026, around Motomaki Jinja Shrine in Naka Ward, Yokohama) of the sacred ritual 'Oma Nagashi,' an ancient tradition handed down through the town of Motomaki that watches over Yokohama Port. During the day, explore the verdant Sankeien Garden (三溪園) and view the Yokohama Bay Bridge from Yamate Park with a View of the Harbor (港の見える丘公園). Enjoy sophisticated shopping at Motomachi Shopping Street, have an early dinner at Yokohama Chinatown, and in the evening, finally head to the venue at Motomaki Jinja Shrine and Shin-Motomaki Park. Watch the ancient ritual of setting a straw horse to sea and wishing away pestilence, then in the evening join the Bon Odori dancing and festival stalls said to be the largest in Naka Ward. A course that lets you experience the history and summer nights of the port town Yokohama in a single day.

A full day course to enjoy Tsunagi Town facing Yatsushiro Sea, featuring the 40th Tsunagi Summer Festival held on Saturday, August 1, 2026. At noon, savor local flavors like citrus at Michi no Eki Tsunagi roadside station, then visit Tsunagi Art Museum in the afternoon with its unique contemporary art works. In the evening, enjoy the peaceful scenery of Yatsushiro Sea at Akazaki Beach, and after dinner at Tsunagi Town Comprehensive Grounds, watch fireworks light the sky. A plan to enjoy the sea, contemporary art, and fireworks of the community-rooted summer festival all in one day.

A one-day course exploring the history and culture of central Hiroshima, featuring the fireworks concluding the Sumiyoshi Festival (Sumiyoshi-san), one of Hiroshima's three major festivals, held at Sumiyoshi Shrine on July 27, 2026 (Monday). Start at noon by viewing the city from the top of Hiroshima Castle's main tower and experiencing the castle town's history, then enjoy the four seasons at Shukkeien Garden. In the afternoon, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome to learn about the importance of peace. In the evening, enjoy souvenir shopping and light meals at Honkawa Street shopping area, then move to the Honkawa riverside near Sumiyoshi Shrine to have dinner and secure your viewing spot. At 8 PM, fireworks from around Sumiyoshi Shrine will illuminate the night sky, concluding the Sumiyoshi Festival. A truly Hiroshima course that lets you experience history, peace, and summer festival fireworks all in one day.

A full-day course to enjoy the Kagoshima Shrine Rokugatsu Lantern Festival (July 28, 2026, Hayatorizuka, Kirishima), where hundreds of lanterns illuminate the grounds of this principal shrine of Ōsumi Province. Spend the day first viewing aircraft at Kagoshima Airport's observation deck, then touch ancient stone statues at Hayatorizuka. Stroll through Hinatayama Onsen town to enjoy the steaming streets, then have an early dinner near Hayatorizuka Station. As the sun dips after 5 PM, lantern lights begin to glow throughout Kagoshima Shrine's grounds, starting your family's journey along the mystical, lantern-lit approach.

"Morioka Sansa Odori" (August 1-4, 2026, held around Iwate Prefectural Government and Central Street), a spectacular summer festival celebrating the castle town of Morioka. This 1-day course focuses on the festival's opening night (August 1, 2026), recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest drum parade. During the day, enjoy a leisurely walk in the shade of Iwate Park, preview the castle town's history at the Morioka History & Culture Museum, and offer prayers at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. After dinner at the historic Konya-cho and Sakana-cho shopping arcades, at 6 PM the sound of drums fills Central Street, and colorful yukata-clad dancers and wild drum performances begin. Join over 10,000 dancers as they march through the streets with the energetic cheer "Sakkora, Chaguchagu" — a powerful summer experience for the whole family.

A full-day course enjoying the small hot spring town of Asamushi, which faces Mutsu Bay, centered around the 76th Asamushi Onsen Fireworks Festival held on Saturday, September 26, 2026. In the morning, encounter dolphins and seals at Asamushi Aquarium, then enjoy foot baths and shopping at Michi-no-Eki Yu~sa Asamushi (roadside station). In the afternoon, leisurely stroll through the hot spring town streets, then head to Sunset Beach Asamushi—the festival venue—to secure a viewing spot while having dinner. As evening falls, watch the fireworks lighting up the night sky over Mutsu Bay from the shore. This early autumn day plan lets you experience both hot springs and the sea.

A full-day course to enjoy the Akita Port area, featuring Katsuura Beach which operates from July 18 (Saturday) to August 16 (Sunday), 2026. In the morning, enjoy the views of Akita Port from Selion, a 143-meter observation tower overlooking the Japan Sea, and learn about Akita's nature and history at the Akita Prefectural Museum. At lunch, enjoy fresh seafood cuisine at Akita Citizens Market, then finally head to the sea. The climax is Katsuura Beach in the afternoon. Swimming is free from 9 AM to 5 PM, with 6 beach huts planned to operate, so you won't worry about rest or meals. The parking lot has 500 spaces and costs 500 yen per day. Enjoy Akita's summer sea with your whole family.

A full-day course centered around Honjo Marina Beach (本荘マリーナ海水浴場), which opens from July 18 (Saturday) to August 11 (Tuesday, national holiday), 2026, to fully enjoy Yurihonjo City (7/18–20 early opening, 7/23–8/11 regular operation). In the morning, experience greenery and history at Honjo Park (本荘公園), developed on the former site of Honjo Castle, and check out the highlights of the town at Cadaire in front of Honjo Station. At lunch, savor local flavors at Michi no Eki Nishime Hamanasu (道の駅 にしめ はまなす), and once you've had a hearty meal, head to the coast. The climax is Honjo Marina Beach in the afternoon. Use is free, with 200 parking spaces provided free of charge, and showers and restrooms are fully equipped, so changing and getting ready is worry-free. Swimming hours are from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Without even waiting for the sunset over the Japan Sea, you can enjoy plenty of play at the water's edge until evening. Why not head out to summer Yurihonjo with your swimsuit and towel?

A full-day course centered around the 49th Ogachi Grand Fireworks Festival, held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM—a traditional event in its 49th year. Thoroughly enjoy the mountain valleys of Ogachi Town in Yuzawa City. At midday, experience local flavors at Michi no Eki Ogachi, and in the afternoon, visit Ono no Komachi no Sato (Ono no Komachi Village), historically associated with the Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi, for historical exploration and a foot bath break. Along the upper reaches of the Yanouchi River, stroll leisurely beside the stream and feel the refreshing mountain air. In the evening, return to the riverside fireworks venue, browse the festival stalls while securing your viewing spot, and then at 7:30 PM, approximately 5,000 fireworks will burst into the mountain sky. A full-day plan combining history, nature, and spectacular fireworks all in one.