Located in the heart of Iwate Prefecture up in the northern Tohoku region, Shizukuishi is basically Mother Nature’s ultimate playground. Guarded by the majestic Mt. Iwate (affectionately known as the “Mt. Fuji of the North”), this sprawling, lush town is the perfect antidote to the concrete jungle.

It’s famous for a few glorious things: incredibly fresh dairy and sprawling pastures at the historic Koiwai Farm, top-tier natural hot springs, and skies so clear you’ll forget light pollution even exists. About a 45-minute drive from Morioka City, the Shizukuishi area offers a deep, refreshing breath of crisp alpine air.

Tucked away at an altitude of 430 meters, the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel in Iwate Prefecture is throwing a sensational summer bash from July 18 to August 31, 2026. It’s called the Shizukuishi Summer Night Picnic, and it is absolutely packed with glow-in-the-dark golf, stargazing gondolas, and mouth-watering BBQ.

Forget city lights; we’re talking about real, unfiltered starlight. Hop aboard the Shizukuishi Ginga Ropeway and float up into the night sky. This summer’s theme focuses on the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle. If you time your trip perfectly for August 12, you can even catch an exclusive viewing party for the Perseid Meteor Shower. Make a wish—maybe for more vacation days?

There is no better pairing than cool mountain air and the smell of grilled meat. The best part about the Night Garden BBQ? You don’t have to lift a finger (except to eat). The hotel sets up everything right in front of the nighttime ski slopes.

・For the kids: Free marshmallow roasting!
・For the adults: Ice-cold beer and shaved ice to keep the chill vibes going.

Still hungry? Head inside for the Hawaiian Fair 2026 buffet, or catch the limited-time Grill Dining event featuring premium Iwate beef (August 8–12 only!).

If you thought golf was just for sunny afternoons, think again. Grab an LED golf ball and hit the greens for some Night Putter Golf. It’s basically mini-golf from the future.

If you prefer kicking to putting, you can try Footgolf—the Shizukuishi Golf Course just opened the first officially recognized Footgolf course in the Tohoku region!

After working up a sweat, chill out at Takakura BASE. The ropeway’s base station is transforming into a summer hangout spot complete with a designated fireworks area, Sapporo beer on tap, and a stunning original blue cocktail called the Shizuku Night Fizz.

This year also features two special one-night-only events. On July 18, the opening night celebration teams up with Sapporo Beer for a giant toast under the stars, with the first 150 visitors at the summit receiving a free drink.

Then, on August 8, a magical Starry Night Reading will commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of legendary Iwate author Kenji Miyazawa, with local broadcasters bringing his beloved stories to life beneath the night sky.

Fancy a day trip? You can still enjoy the beautiful night sky with a ride up the Ginga (Galaxy) Ropeway!

If you’re exploring Iwate for the day, just stick around after the sun sets. General admission for the nighttime ropeway is 2,200 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for elementary students (preschoolers ride free!). Uphill rides typically kick off around 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM, depending on the month.

The best part? You won’t just be staring blankly at the sky. At the summit, official “Star Sommeliers” and former science teachers provide a live, guided tour of the cosmos.

Ditch the sweltering city this summer and head up to the highlands. Whether you’re smashing a glowing golf ball into the night or sipping a bright blue cocktail under a meteor shower, Shizukuishi is the place to be!