Achi Village, located in southern Nagano Prefecture, is best known for its tranquil atmosphere, the renowned Hirugami Onsen hot spring resort, and Hanamomo no Sato, a scenic area famous for its vibrant peach blossoms.

Discovered in 1973, Hirugami Onsen is an alkaline sulfur spring with a pH of 9.7. Its silky, smooth waters have earned it a reputation as a "beauty hot spring" thanks to their skin-softening qualities.

The village is also famous for something above ground: its spectacular night skies. In 2006, the Ministry of the Environment named Achi Village the best place in Japan for stargazing.

To showcase this natural treasure, the Star Village Achi Tourism Promotion Council was established in 2012. Since then, it has launched popular attractions such as the "Sky Paradise: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour" and the "Sea of Clouds & Starry Sky: Sky Paradise Unkai Harbor," helping visitors experience Achi Village's remarkable night sky firsthand.

Located within the Heavens Sonohara resort on the Fujimidai Highlands in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, Sky Paradise offers breathtaking views high above the clouds. Visitors can ride a 2,500-meter ropeway that climbs 600 meters in elevation in just 15 minutes, then transfer to a chairlift bound for the Sorairo Observation Deck at an altitude of 1,600 meters.

From the deck, sweeping views of the Sea of Clouds stretch toward the majestic Southern Alps. True to its name, Sky Paradise offers a heavenly landscape that feels as though you're standing among the clouds themselves.

Another of Sky Paradise's greatest attractions is its spectacular night sky. On clear evenings, visitors can gaze upon the star-filled heavens that helped Achi Village earn the top ranking in the Ministry of the Environment's 2006 nationwide survey of Japan's best stargazing locations.

The experience becomes even more magical as the quiet, starry night gradually gives way to sunrise and the warm glow of morning light. Depending on the season, visitors may also witness the mountains painted in brilliant autumn colors in October or the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps in November, creating unforgettable moments that can only be experienced during this special event.

One of Achi Village's biggest highlights in summer 2026 is how the romance of its famous starry skies extends all the way down to the hot spring town. During the Tanabata Festival, approximately 1,200 bamboo lanterns crafted from locally sourced bamboo will illuminate the streets around Hirugami Onsen, transforming the area into a dreamlike nighttime landscape.

Imagine spending the evening gazing at a sky full of stars before returning to the hot spring town for a stroll beneath the glow of bamboo lanterns and twinkling constellations. Visitors can also enjoy a street-wide mystery-solving game and sample special Tanabata-themed treats. In August, displays featuring traditional Ajima umbrellas will add even more color and charm to the festivities, creating a uniquely relaxing and memorable experience.

This year's Tanabata Festival features a wide variety of events and attractions, bringing a romantic festive atmosphere to every corner of Achi Village.

1. Tanabata Illumination: "The Glow of Bamboo Lanterns"
・Time: 7 PM–11 PM
・Location: Hirugami Onsen Town, Achi Village Hall, Namiai Park, and other locations throughout the village
・Highlights: Around 1,200 bamboo lanterns will illuminate the night with a magical glow. From August 10–31, 2026, visitors can also enjoy a special limited-time collaboration featuring illuminated Ajima Umbrellas, a traditional local craft.

2. Star Village Wish Campaign
Guests who stay at participating accommodations in Achi Village during the festival period can enter a special prize draw for a chance to have their wish come true. Three lucky winners will be selected, while another 50 participants will receive gift packages filled with local specialties from Achi Village.

3. Hirugami Onsen Mystery Walk: "The Wish Lost in the Milky Way"
・Admission: 300 yen (tax included) for the mystery-solving kit
・Highlights: The Hirugami Onsen area transforms into an interactive puzzle adventure. Stroll through the hot spring town while collecting clues and solving mysteries hidden throughout the streets. The experience takes approximately one hour and is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.

4. Wish Strips and Special Tanabata Treats
More than 20 locations throughout Achi Village, including the Sky Paradise Night Tour venue at Heavens Sonohara, Namiai Park, and participating hot spring inns, will feature bamboo wish trees where visitors can write their wishes on traditional tanzaku paper strips beneath the stars.

Restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops throughout the village will also offer colorful Tanabata-themed menu items and limited-edition goods available only during the festival period.

Event Information
・Festival Period: July 1–August 31, 2026
・Note: Schedules for special accommodation plans, the mystery-solving game, and other activities may vary. Please refer to the official festival website for the latest details.
・Tanabata Festival Website: https://hirugamionsen.jp/star-festival/
・Hirugami Onsen Official Website: https://hirugamionsen.jp/

Spending the night is the best way to fully experience Achi Village. The Hirugami Onsen area is home to a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from traditional Japanese ryokans to glamping sites. Here are three of our top recommendations.