Model Itineraries in Nagano

例年7月上旬から9月上旬まで、10:00から17:00(最終入場16:00・最終退場16:30)で開かれる長野県飯田市の「アクアパークIIDA (飯田運動公園プール)」を主役にした1日コースです。飯田・下伊那地域最大の屋外プールで、4種類のスライダー、公認50mプール、25mプール、ファミリープール、流水プールがそろいます。この規模の施設が地方都市にあるのは貴重で、丸一日遊べる内容です。料金は高校生以上の一般800円、幼稚園3年生から小学生が400円、幼稚園生以下300円。障害者手帳をお持ちの方は400円で付き添いは無料です。午前は飯田市動物園へ。入園無料の市営動物園で、こぢんまりとしながらペンギンやシカ、サルなどが暮らしています。続いて元善光寺へ。長野の善光寺の本尊が最初に安置されたと伝わる寺で、静かな境内が広がります。動物と寺と本格プール、飯田の一日です。

東御市の東御中央公園にある「東御中央公園 くじら噴水」を主役にした、1日おでかけコースです。例年は4月下旬から9月末まで、午前9時30分から午後5時まで稼働し、7分噴き出して8分止まるのを繰り返します。噴き出しの前後にはミストが出るので、待っている時間も涼しく過ごせます。くじらの形をした大きな噴水のまわりには小さな噴水がいくつも並び、水しぶきの中を走り抜けるだけで子どもは夢中になります。園内には40メートルのすべり台やジャングルジム、アスレチック、広い芝生広場もそろっていて、水と遊具を1日行き来できるのがこの公園の楽しいところ。午前は北国街道の宿場町の面影を残す海野宿を歩き、お昼は道の駅「雷電くるみの里」でくるみの名物を味わってから、午後は思いきり水しぶきをあげましょう。利用は無料で、身近な夏の定番おでかけです。

小布施町の「小布施総合公園 噴水」を主役にした、町なかを回りながら1日たっぷり遊ぶコースです。小布施町の案内によると、この噴水の稼働は5月中旬から10月中旬まで、時間は9:00から17:00まで。井戸水をくみ上げてろ過・消毒した循環水を使っているため飲むことはできませんが、そのぶんひんやりと冷たく、真夏でも気持ちよく入れます。料金は無料で、園内には木製遊具やターザンロープ、ローラーすべり台のある遊具広場、広い芝生広場、水車小屋、野外ステージ、ドッグラン、デイキャンプ場までそろっています。上信越自動車道の小布施パーキングエリアと直結した小布施ハイウェイオアシスでもあるので、高速道路からそのまま立ち寄れる気軽さも魅力です。午前は葛飾北斎の肉筆画を集めた北斎館と、北斎晩年の大作「八方睨み鳳凰図」が天井いっぱいに広がる岩松院へ。栗菓子で知られる町でお昼をとったら、午後は総合公園で夕方まで水しぶきを浴びましょう。北斎の町と水遊びが1日でつながるコースです。

茅野市運動公園にある「AQUAクラブちの (茅野市運動公園プール)」を主役にした1日コースです。旧・茅野市運動公園プールが、令和7年から民間事業者による運営で「AQUAクラブちの」として生まれ変わりました。営業期間は執筆時点では未発表ですが、例年は夏休みの時期に合わせて開場しています。茅野は八ヶ岳の西麓、標高の高い高原の町なので、真夏でも平地より涼しく、プールサイドで休んでいても体力を消耗しにくいのがこの土地の強みです。午前はまず、諏訪大社上社前宮へ。四つある諏訪大社のお宮のなかでも古い姿を伝える場所で、水眼と呼ばれる清流が境内を流れています。続いて尖石縄文考古館へ。国宝の土偶「縄文のビーナス」と「仮面の女神」が展示され、縄文時代の暮らしを間近に感じられます。お昼を回ったらAQUAクラブちのへ移動し、夕方まで水遊びを楽しみます。

A full-day course to thoroughly enjoy Saku City, centered around the Saku Chikuma River Grand Fireworks Festival held on August 15, 2026 (Saturday). In the daytime, pay respects at Pinkororo Jizo, a shrine embodying wishes for healthy longevity, view the rare star-shaped castle ruins at Tatsuoka Castle Five-Pointed Fort, and enjoy shopping at Sakuhira Station plaza. In the evening, return to the Chikuma River riverbank for dinner and to secure a viewing spot, then spend the night watching approximately 4,000 fireworks illuminating the Chikuma River sky. A generous full-day plan that packs together history, nature, and Shinshu Saku's summer.

長野市の城山公園にある「城山公園 噴水広場」を主役にした、近所で1日たっぷり遊ぶコースです。噴水広場は令和3年にリニューアルされ、水に入って遊べる無料の水遊び場として親しまれています。長野市の案内によると開設は4月下旬から10月中旬まで(その年の気候により変動)、日曜〜木曜は9:00〜17:00、金曜・土曜は9:00〜20:00で、金・土は18:00からライトアップも行われます。料金は無料で、おむつ替えスペース付きのトイレがあるので小さな子ども連れでも安心です。城山公園は善光寺のすぐ東に広がる長野市最古の公園で、園内には城山動物園、ながのこども館、遊具がそろい、桜約470本の名所としても知られています。午前はまず善光寺にお参りし、参道の雰囲気を味わってから、公園内の長野県立美術館・東山魁夷館で静かな時間を。お昼をゆっくりとったら、午後は入園無料の城山動物園を見て回り、締めくくりに噴水広場で水しぶきをあげて遊びましょう。動物園も美術館も水遊び場もすべて歩いて回れる距離にあるので、車の移動がほとんど要らないのがこのコースの気楽なところです。

高山村の森林スポーツ公園YOU游ランドに隣接する「チャオルの森 噴水広場」を主役にした、村の中だけで完結する1日コースです。噴水広場は花畑に囲まれた無料の水遊び場で、暖かい季節になると噴水が上がり、子どもが水に入って遊べます。開設期間は未発表で、令和8年度の噴水運転時間は高山村の公式サイトのお知らせで告知されます(例年は初夏から初秋にかけて)。料金は無料です。チャオルの森には広々とした敷地に18ホールのマレットゴルフ場があり、予約すれば無料で使えるバーベキュー施設もそろっています。隣のYOU游ランドには、トンボやカブトムシの形をしたアスレチック遊具と清流のせせらぎ、野外ステージのある遊々広場、レストラン游々亭、ウォーキングコースがあり、食事も休憩も村の中で完結します。午前は歴史公園 信州高山一茶ゆかりの里を歩いて、俳人・小林一茶とこの村のつながりにふれ、そのあとYOU游ランドのアスレチックで体を動かしてお昼。午後はチャオルの森の噴水広場で夕方まで水しぶきを浴びましょう。移動が少なく、小さな子連れでも組み立てやすいコースです。

A one-day course built around the Hirooka Summer Festival (広丘夏祭り) held on Friday, August 14, 2026, enjoying a historical walk through the Shiojiri and Matsumoto area. At midday you tour the reconstructed pit dwellings at Hiraide Ruins Park (平出遺跡公園) and connect with life in the distant past. In the afternoon you travel to neighboring Matsumoto City to visit the keep of the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle (松本城), then wander Nakamachi Street (中町通り) with its storehouse-style townscape while enjoying a snack. In the evening you return to the venue on the street in front of Hirooka Station (広丘駅前通り). Food stalls line the shopping street turned pedestrian zone, and lanterns inscribed with tanka poems glow in a row along the street lamps. It is a day plan unique to the Shiojiri and Matsumoto area, generously combining Jomon history, a castle town stroll, and a local summer festival.

This one-day course lets you enjoy all that Hakuba Village has to offer at the foot of the Northern Alps, centered around the 48th Hakuba Summer Festival held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday). At midday, visit the jump venue that hosted the Winter Olympics, ride the lift to the top of the jump platform, and enjoy the view like the athletes do. In the afternoon, ride the gondola at the mountain resort and spend a relaxed time in the cool mountain air. In the evening, take a casual stroll through Hakuba Station area to look for souvenirs, then move to the Kitashiro venue area for dinner while securing your viewing spot. At 8 PM, fireworks light up the night sky with a view of the Northern Alps, bringing the community-fostered summer festival to its climax. This is the ultimate Hakuba summer plan, combining mountain activities and cool summer fireworks.

A one-day course through Iiyama's highlands and hot springs, centered around the Togari Onsen Summer Festival - Dragon Night Festival held on Saturday, July 25, 2026. In the afternoon, enjoy natural experiences in the forest at Nabegura Highland and Forest House, then feel the atmosphere of the castle town at Iiyama Castle Ruins Park. In the afternoon, venture to Madarao Highland to enjoy the crisp air of the plateau. In the evening, relax in the foot baths of Togari Onsen village while having dinner and waiting for the show to begin. At 7:45 PM, fireworks light up the night sky over the hot spring village one after another, painting the finale of the summer festival. A greedy summer day plan unique to Iiyama where you can enjoy forest nature, highlands, and hot springs with fireworks. Since this area has high altitude, you can enjoy the fireworks while feeling the cool highland breeze at night.

A one-day course along the Kisoji road starring Atera Valley, which bustles from Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, September 6, 2026 (on September 12 to 13 and 19 to 23, vehicles are restricted to campground guests). In the morning, pay your respects at Josho-ji, counted among the three great temples of Kiso, then enjoy local flavors and souvenirs at Michi-no-Eki Okuwa. After lunch, head on to Tsumago-juku and stroll a post town with the atmosphere of the Edo period. In the afternoon it is finally time for Atera Valley, where river play in a stream shining emerald green is the climax. The pools and shallows formed by the Atera River, a tributary of the Kiso River, are among the clearest in Japan. The water is cold, so choose the sunny hours and make the most of summer along the Kisoji. Why not pack a swimsuit and towel and head out?

A one-day course in Omachi City starring Wapparando (Uehara Irrigation Channel · Nurume), a river-play spot using an agricultural irrigation channel fed by snowmelt from the Northern Alps. It is open year-round and admission is free. In the morning, pay your respects at Nyakuichioji Shrine and stroll the precincts with their three-storied pagoda. Next, get to know the nature and history of the Northern Alps at the Omachi Alpine Museum, then have lunch in front of Omachi Station. In the afternoon it is finally time for Wapparando. The channel, carrying clear snowmelt from the Northern Alps, stays cool even in summer, letting you feel the bounty of the mountains firsthand as you play in the water. Choose the sunnier hours, spend plenty of time close to the water, and make the most of summer in Omachi. Why not pack a swimsuit and towel and head out?

Centered on the 45th Iida Ringon of the Iida Festival held on August 1, 2026 (Saturday), this all-day course lets you experience the castle town of Iida, Nagano Prefecture. In the afternoon, leisurely stroll Apple Boulevard (Ringo Namiki), Iida's symbol, and visit the Kawamoto Kihachiro Puppet Museum, home to the acclaimed puppet animator's works. In the afternoon, worship at the historic Moto-Zenkoji Temple, and as evening approaches, enjoy Iida's cuisine on Omiya Street while waiting for dusk. Once the sun sets, head to the Atago Town area to secure your viewing spot. From 7 to 8 PM, fireworks illuminate the southern Shinshu night sky, marking the climax of the Iida Festival. This experience combines the shouts of "Ringon, Ringon!" accompanying dancers moving through the city with spectacular fireworks—uniquely Iida's summer. A comprehensive one-day plan featuring castle town exploration, traditional culture, and impressive fireworks, representing Iida's summer.

A full-day course centered on the Shirakaba Resort Ikenotaira Hotel Fireworks Show held on Lake Shirakaba in Tateshina Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture on August 1, 2026 (Saturday) from 7:30 PM to 7:40 PM. Enjoy a lakeside boat ride on Lake Shirakaba in the morning, and feel the highland breeze by serene Lake Megami. After playing in the lakeside amusement park area, have dinner in the evening and prepare for the fireworks. From 7:30 PM to 7:40 PM, fireworks illuminate the night sky above the lake. A summer day plan to be spent in the cool air unique to a high-altitude highland resort.

This course lets you enjoy Kishimadaira Village to the fullest on August 1, 2026 (Saturday), centered around the Otsuka-yama Summer Festival starting at 8 p.m. In the morning, experience flower gardens and local flavors at the Wayside Station Hana no Eki Chikumagawa, then visit Inansen Temple to explore its peaceful grounds. In the afternoon, walk along the street near the village office to experience the peaceful charm of Kishimadaira Village, then move to Kishimadaira Junior High School, the fireworks venue, to grab a bite and await the opening. For one hour starting at 8 p.m., fireworks will light up the night sky above this mountain village. This is a perfect summer day plan uniquely offered by Kishimadaira Village, combining flower gardens, temple exploration, and a mountain village summer festival.

A one-day course centered on the Shinshu Aoki Village Summer Festival & Grand Fireworks Display held at the Aoki Village General Grounds on August 1, 2026 (Saturday), exploring historic temples and hot spring towns in Aoki Village. In the morning, visit Daihoji Temple to pay respects at the National Treasure three-story pagoda, then leisurely wander through two historic hot spring towns: Kutsukake Onsen and Tazawa Onsen. In the evening, enjoy a light meal near the venue before heading to the summer festival grounds that start at 4:30 PM. Experience the festive atmosphere with food stalls and various activities while waiting for sunset. When evening arrives, fireworks illuminate the night sky, and you can enjoy the spectacular finale that continues until 8:30 PM. This is a plan to fully enjoy temple visits, strolls through historic hot spring streets, and the summer festival - perfect for experiencing the unique charm of mountain villages in Shinshu.

Centered around the Seiryu-en Festival held on July 28, 2026 (Tuesday), this course lets you fully enjoy Matsukawa Town nestled between the Southern and Central Alps over a full day. During the day, taste the region's specialty fruits at Michi-no-Eki Shinshu Matsukawa Station and stroll through Daijo Park with Matsukawa Castle ruins. In the afternoon, leisurely walk along the lakeshore of Katagiri Dam, and find healing at the clear waters of Oshikawa Gorge. In the evening, secure your spot near Seiryu-en while enjoying dinner. At 7:30 PM, approximately 1,000 fireworks light up the mountain valley's night sky, and accompanied by the murmur of clear streams, you can enjoy a quiet and beautiful moment that closes out a summer night in southern Shinshu.

A full-day course through the mountain valley along the Tenryu River, centered on the Yasutomi Village Summer Festival Fireworks held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday). Enjoy local flavors at Michi-no-Eki Ryujinnosato Tenryu in the afternoon and view the impressive Hiraoka Dam that stops the Tenryu River. Next, visit Tamamoto Station, a hidden station on the JR Iida Line built on a cliff, and experience a railroad landscape rarely encountered in daily life. In the evening, head to the venue at Yasutomi Village Comprehensive Grounds and enjoy food stall dinner while waiting for the show to begin. At 19:40, approximately 450 fireworks burst into the mountain sky surrounded by peaks, creating a spectacular display as the sound echoes through the valley. Unlike urban fireworks displays, the charm of this festival lies in the thrilling proximity and the warm atmosphere of the village. A plan perfect for enjoying nature, railway heritage, and fireworks of a mountain village summer.

Centered around the Mizugami Bridge Evening Fireworks Festival held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday), this all-day itinerary lets you explore Iida's history. At noon, walk the iconic apple tree-lined promenade of the city center and learn about the region's nature and history at the Iida City Art Museum and Prefectural Museum. Next, visit Motoyozenji Temple, one of the "Three Great Temples of Shinano," and explore the Omiya Street area where Iida Castle ruins remain. In the evening, move to the area around Mizugami Bridge to claim your spot while enjoying dinner. At 7:30 PM, fireworks reflected in the Tenryu River light up the night sky. A greedy day plan where you can enjoy walking the apple-lined street, historical exploration, and fireworks on the Tenryu River - a summer experience unique to Iida.

A full-day course centered on the Shinshu Miyoshita Ryujin Festival held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday), exploring the history and nature around Mt. Asama. At noon, experience Jomon-era life at Asama Jomon Museum, then enjoy exploring the castle ruins at Komoro Castle Ruins Nostalgic Garden in neighboring Komoro City. In the afternoon, touch art and local culture at Manabi no Yakata Ecole Miyoshita. In the evening, move to the event venue Ryujin no Mori Park and wait for the start while enjoying dinner from street stalls. At 7 PM, fireworks light up the night sky of the park, creating the grand finale of the festival. A greedy full-day plan unique to the Mt. Asama foothills, where you can enjoy Jomon historical exploration, castle ruins tours, and fireworks inspired by the local Ryujin legend. This high-altitude area offers a cool mountain night breeze after sunset.

Centered on Achi's Summer Festival Grand Fireworks held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday), this one-day course fully embraces Achi Village, known for Japan's most beautiful starry sky. At midday, learn history at the Manchurian-Mongolian Settlement and Pioneer Peace Memorial Museum and rest at Hirugami Onsen's free foot bath. In the afternoon, connect with the mountain's nature at Star Village Achi; as evening falls, enjoy night stall dinner while waiting for the festival to begin. At 7:30 PM, fireworks light the mountain sky, painting the summer festival's finale. Experience history, hot springs, and mountain nature all in one—a quintessential Achi Village summer day. Achi's high altitude means the evening cools markedly, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the fireworks beneath a gentle night breeze.

A full-day course centered on the Shinshu Takayama Festival held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday), combining the historic charm of neighboring Obuse town with the gorges and hot springs of Takayama Village. In the afternoon, visit Obuse and view Hokusai's hand-painted works at Hokusai-kan Museum, then gaze up at the masterpiece ceiling painting at Iwasho-in Temple. Be sure to sample the specialty sweets made with local chestnuts at Michi no Eki Oasis Obuse. In the afternoon, return to Takayama Village to stroll through Matsukawa Gorge and savor the refreshing mountain air along the stream. In the evening, soak your feet in the free foot bath at Yamada Hot Spring and grab dinner from street stalls to prepare for the finale. At 7 PM, fireworks light up the mountain valley night sky to celebrate the festival's climax. A wonderfully indulgent Shinshu-style summer itinerary that brings together historical exploration, gorge scenery, hot springs, and fireworks unique to Takayama Village.

On July 22, 2026 (Wednesday), this course takes you on a journey through the historic post-town of the Nakasendo, centered around the Mizunashi Shrine Annual Festival Kisofukushima Fireworks Festival in Fukushima, Kisomachi, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture. At midday, walk through Kisofukushima post-town where cliff-hanging houses still remain, and at the Yamamura Daikan Mansion, feel the history of Kiso and the charm of a samurai residence. At the Kisofukushima Barrier ruins, known as the premier barrier on the Nakasendo, visit historic sites that tell the story of the hardships of Edo period travel. In the evening, pay respects at Mizunashi Shrine, the main character of the festival, and savor the air of the shrine grounds welcoming the annual festival. As the sun sets, festival stalls line the Kiso River, heightening the festival spirit. At 7:50 PM, about 1,000 fireworks launch from the riverbed, creating a spectacular sight with sound echoing off the surrounding mountains. Watching fireworks in the cool night breeze blowing through the mountain valley, filled with the emotions unique to the Kiso region—this is the definitive summer Kisofukushima plan that lets you enjoy both historic exploration and mountain fireworks.

This full-day Ina Valley experience features Ina Citizen's Pool (伊那市民プール), open from July 11 (Sat) to August 23 (Sun), 2026 (Note: Closed on weekdays July 13-22). The morning is perfect for a leisurely stroll through Takatoh Castle Ruins Park (高遠城址公園), known for its cherry blossoms, followed by a visit to Habiro Agricultural Park Miharashi Farm (はびろ農業公園 みはらしファーム) with Southern Alps (南アルプス) views for shopping and refreshment. Afternoon brings you to Ina Citizen's Pool (伊那市民プール), where you can drift along the lazy river, enjoy safe play in the children's and toddler pools, and try the popular water slide if you're 120cm or taller. Open 9 AM to 5 PM, the pool offers gentle water fun surrounded by Ina's beautiful mountains - a very different experience from typical urban outdoor pools. Admission is affordable at ¥500 for adults, ¥200 for elementary and middle school students, and free for preschoolers. This is an ideal course for families looking to create summer memories with relaxed water play in a mountain setting.