Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen Autumn Leaves Festival

Event Overview

The Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen Autumn Leaves Festival is a quintessential autumn event held at the site of Komoro Castle (also known as Suigetsu or Hakuzuru Castle), one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles located in Komoro City, Nagano. As the season changes, the historic stone walls, traditional pavilions, and the scenic Momijigaoka hill are bathed in brilliant colors. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls through the changing scenery or experience the magical atmosphere created by the evening light-up displays and various local cultural events.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main draw is the stunning contrast between the ancient castle ruins and the fiery autumn colors. From the stone-walled areas and traditional gazebos, you can enjoy a close-up view of the vibrant maple leaves. The evening light-up sessions offer a completely different, mystical experience compared to the daytime. Additionally, the festival features cultural activities such as the Toshin Chrysanthemum Exhibition and traditional grass flute (kusa-fue) workshops, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the essence of a Japanese autumn.

Schedule

The festival runs from October 24 to November 23, 2026. Daytime sightseeing is available from 9:00 to 17:00. Please note that details regarding the night illumination and evening events may vary depending on the period, so we recommend checking the latest information before your visit.

Venue & Access

The event is held at the Komoro Castle Ruins Kaikoen in Komoro City, Nagano.

• *By Train**: Extremely convenient access—only about a 3-minute walk from JR Komoro Station (Shinano Railway/JR Koumi Line).
• *By Car**: Approximately a 5-minute drive from the Komoro IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway.

Tips for Visitors

Kaikoen is a spacious area, so we recommend taking your time to wander through the historical ruins. To see the most beautiful scenery, try to time your visit with the peak of the autumn foliage. As temperatures drop significantly during the evening light-up sessions, please be sure to bring warm clothing.

What to Bring & Etiquette

• *Clothing**: Autumn in Nagano can get quite chilly, especially in the evenings. Please bring a warm jacket or extra layers for the night illuminations.
• *Payment**: Please be prepared for local payments, such as purchasing entry tickets.
• *Etiquette**: To protect the historical castle ruins and cultural assets, please be respectful and avoid touching the plants or the stone walls.