Planning a Nagano day trip? Here’s how we spent a perfect family-friendly day exploring Komoro Castle, enjoying nostalgic rides, petting animals, and soaking in an alpine onsen.
1-Day Itinerary: Family-Friendly Japan Travel from Suwa to Komoro Castle
- 9:00 Suwa Lake departure
- 10:00 Arrive at Nagato Farm (meet alpacas & tractor fun)
- 12:00 Park at Komoro Castle and have lunch at local soba favorite Kusabue
👉 View Kusabue on Google Maps - 13:00 Walk around Komoro Castle ruins (Kaikoen)
- 14:30 Play at the Komoro Retro Amusement Park
- 15:30 Visit animals at Komoro Zoo (aka Penguin Village)
- 17:00 Drive up to Takamine Onsen for overnight stay
Farm Fun at Nagato Farm
Start your day with a visit to Nagato Farm, a family-friendly stop where kids can pet alpacas, ride tractors, and run freely in wide open pastures. What made this experience especially memorable was seeing our daughter react to the alpacas roaming freely—unlike a typical zoo, there were no fences, and she was adorably nervous but excited. In addition to alpacas, there were also horses and small dogs, making it a perfect stop for any animal-loving child.
The weather was perfect, with clear skies, and the views of the surrounding mountains as we drove toward Komoro were simply stunning.
Nearby, we also came across a breathtaking field of bright yellow flowers—possibly yamayuri—stretching across the slope. Visiting Nagano in July means encountering vibrant seasonal blooms, and although we weren’t on Instagram at the time, our daughter today would surely be taking all the Instagram-worthy
Lunch Stop: Soba at Kusabue
After arriving at Komoro Castle, we had lunch at Kusabue, a local soba restaurant loved for its generous portions and traditional taste. It’s just a short walk from the castle parking.
(No photo available, but you can check it out 👉 Kusabue on Google Maps）
Explore the Past at Komoro Castle (Kaikoen)
Wander through the moss-covered stone walls of Komoro Castle, one of the few Japanese castles built below street level. The paths through Kaikoen are well maintained, making it easy to explore even without any special hiking gear.
Our 4-year-old daughter was able to walk the entire route on her own with no problems. While the original castle structure is no longer standing, the mossy stone walls remain and you can get up close to these historically rich features, which offer a real sense of the past.
While the fresh green foliage is especially beautiful in summer, this area is also famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn colors—each season offers a unique and stunning view.
The moss-covered stone walls evoke a strong sense of history.
Crossing a gently arched bridge and walking further in, you’ll arrive at Kaiko Shrine, a tranquil spot nestled among trees.
Ride and Play at Komoro Retro Amusement Park
Just inside the castle grounds, this retro park is a paradise for younger kids. Our daughter loved the colorful teacups and the little monorail ride. What makes this amusement park special is that the rides are indeed old-fashioned, but the low crowd levels and very affordable ticket prices make it a hidden gem. While it can’t be compared to places like Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disneyland, our 4-year-old still had a wonderful time. On quiet days, the staff will even run the rides just for your family — a rare and charming experience for those traveling with small children.
Say Hello to Animals at Komoro Zoo (Penguin Village)
This compact petting zoo is home to mini pigs, peacocks, and more. It’s a quiet stop where kids can see animals up close in a low-key setting.
Sunset Retreat at Takamine Onsen
After a full day, head to the peaceful mountains of Takamine Onsen. Surrounded by panoramic views and fresh air, it’s the perfect way to end your Nagano day trip.
Useful Travel Links & Related Articles
✨ Planning a family trip to Nagano? Save this itinerary and share it with friends who love off-the-beaten-path adventures in Japan. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, Komoro has something charming for everyone.
🚗 Want more flexibility? Book an English-friendly rental car via Klook for stress-free exploration of your Nagano day trip!
👉 Find rental cars on Klook
🔗 Related Articles
- Explore the Japanese Alps: Regional Guide – The ultimate guide to Nagano day trips and hidden gems.
- Takamine Onsen Retreat Guide – Discover the serenity of Takamine Onsen.
- Ikenodaira Marshland Hike – Breathe in the alpine nature around Takamine.
- Zenkoji Temple & Shibu Onsen Day Trip – Culture and hot springs in one.
