2026 Nakatsugawa Public Pool: A Full Day of Fun

This one-day course centers on Nakatsugawa Public Pool in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. In 2026 this outdoor pool is open from Tuesday, July 21 through Thursday, August 27, featuring a large 50m, 6-lane pool along with a kiddie pool (50m, 3 lanes). The sense of accomplishment from swimming the full 50m length is something only a pool of this scale can offer. In the morning, start at the ruins of Naegi Castle, built atop massive boulders along the Kiso River. Stand on the observation deck at the former keep site for a stunning view, with the Kiso River below and Mt. Ena rising straight ahead. Next, head to Nakatsugawa-juku, which flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo highway, and walk the street where the ruins of the honjin inn and old merchant houses remain, tracing the atmosphere of the old post town. Past noon, move on to Nakatsugawa Public Pool for water play until evening. A summer outing typical of the Tono region, connecting a mountain castle's stunning views, the history of a highway town, and a large pool, all in a single day.