2026 Shimin-no-Mori Water Play Area (市民の森) Full-Day Course

This is a full-day course to enjoy close to home, starring the Shimin-no-Mori Water Play Area in the Municipal 50th Anniversary Park (市制50年記念公園) in Yamaji, Imabari. Imabari City's official notice states that this year the water play period runs through Monday, August 31, but the opening date has not been announced; in most years the area opens during the summer holidays. Check the latest information on the city's official page before you set out. The Municipal 50th Anniversary Park, affectionately known as Shimin-no-Mori, the Citizens' Forest, and as the Flower Park, is a roughly 8.6-hectare botanical park where you can play in the water channel beside the playground. There is also an outdoor stage and a lawn plaza, so when the children tire of the water there is plenty of green space to explore. In the morning, first visit Nankobo Temple (南光坊), the 55th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Known as the only temple among the 88 whose name includes the character for a monks' lodging, it offers calm grounds despite its downtown location. After your visit, move to the park and enjoy a boxed lunch among the flower beds and lawns of the Flower Park. In the afternoon, cool off in the shady grounds and enjoy the water channel beside the playground. Admission is free, and the park is just a short drive from central Imabari, which makes it easy to visit again and again.