At Komadenoike Campground in Saku-ho, Nagano Prefecture, run under designated management by Advance Co., Ltd., a "Solo Kayak Experience Event" takes place over four days — August 22, 23, 29, and 30, 2026 — centered on Komadenoike, the pond at the heart of the site.
Surrounded by birch forest at an elevation of about 1,300 meters and roughly 7°C cooler than Tokyo, the highland campground is turning the pond that guests usually only view from the shore into something they can paddle across — a summer-only activity.
As interest grows in "cool-climate camping" at higher elevations to escape the summer heat, Komadenoike Campground is adding this hands-on nature experience for guests of all ages alongside its cool highland camping.
From a Pond to Watch to a Pond to Play In
Visitors can try a solo kayak on Komadenoike, the pond that serves as the campground's symbol, with support on hand in case of need. Paddling under their own power, participants can take in views of the forest and the campground from the water — a summer-only experience that combines camping with a water activity.
Komadenoike is something of a symbol for the campground. Its scenery — morning mist drifting over the water at sunrise, and a surface that reflects the surrounding birches and blue sky — has long been a favorite among campers. For this event, the pond itself becomes a field for experiencing nature: participants ride solo kayaks and paddle across the water themselves. Seeing the birch forest and campground from close to the water's surface, rather than from the shore, is something only a kayak can offer.
From Nature to Watch to Nature to Touch and Play With
Komadenoike Campground is adding a new experience to time spent at the site.
A "we did it!" moment for families to bring home at the end of summer vacation
The kayaks used for the event are solo boats. Because paddlers move across the water under their own power, first-time kids trying a kayak get a small adventure of their own.
"I paddled it myself."
"I went where I wanted to go."
"I saw the campground from out on the pond."
The event aims to send participants home with memories like these — among the best of their summer.
Turning the campground from a place to sleep into a base for nature experiences
Beyond camping itself, Komadenoike Campground has been building an environment where guests can enjoy the highland's nature with all five senses, through river play, campfires, stargazing, and more. This kayak experience is part of that effort.
Rather than aiming only to be a place where guests pitch a tent and stay the night, the campground hopes visitors will come away feeling that coming here let their family try something new together.
For those new to camping or the outdoors, the hope is that a short nature experience like this can serve as an entry point that sparks further interest in outdoor activities.
A summer vacation spent on a cool highland at roughly 1,300 meters: crisp air, a birch forest, and a pond spreading out just ahead. Drawing on this setting unique to Komadenoike Campground, the event offers a new way to spend the last weekend of summer vacation — enjoying the highland from out on the water.
Event Details
Event Name: Solo Kayak Experience Event at Komadenoike Campground
Dates: August 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 29 (Sat), and 30 (Sun), 2026
Times: 9:30 AM / 10:00 AM / 10:30 AM / 11:00 AM / 11:30 AM / 1:00 PM / 1:30 PM / 2:00 PM / 2:30 PM / 3:00 PM (10 sessions per day)
Capacity: 4 people per session / up to 40 people per day
Participation Fee: ¥1,500 per person (tax included)
Included in the Fee: Kayak, paddle, helmet, life jacket
Duration: About 30 minutes (roughly 20 minutes on the water plus about 10 minutes for preparation and briefing)
Eligibility: Physically able participants in 4th grade of elementary school or older
Both overnight guests and day-trip visitors joining only for the kayak experience are welcome. Day-trip participants joining only the kayak event are subject to a separate ¥300 entry fee.
What to Wear / Bring: Clothing that can get wet. A hat, gloves, a rash guard, swimwear, and water shoes are recommended.
Venue: Komadenoike Campground, Saku-ho, Minamisaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Organizer: Advance Co., Ltd.
Supported by: Saku-ho Town Tourism Association
Walk-ins are accepted if slots remain open on the day. Guests staying overnight receive free early check-in and late check-out on the day they join the event. Participants should arrange their own accident insurance in advance. Please contact the campground ahead of time to cancel.
About Komadenoike Campground
Address: 2049 Yakoori, Saku-ho, Minamisaku District, Nagano Prefecture 384-0704
Phone: 0267-88-2569 (Fax: 0267-88-4110)
Capacity: Approximately 800 guests
Accommodations: 2 cottages, 13 bungalows, 78 auto-camp sites, 10 pondside sites, and free sites for roughly 100 groups
Official Website: https://yachiho-kogen.com/camp/
