Shinshu Shiojiri Agricultural Park Tirol Forest is an outdoor experience-based theme park in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Set at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, the park enjoys the fresh, clear air of the highlands and features a picturesque landscape inspired by Austria’s Tyrol region.
Surrounded by scenery reminiscent of the European Alps, Tirol Forest offers a wide variety of experiences for visitors of all ages, including animal encounters, hands-on craft activities, agricultural experiences, and food made with local ingredients. It is a particularly appealing destination for families looking to enjoy both nature and interactive activities in the Shinshu highlands.
Since opening in 1999, Tirol Forest has been one of Shiojiri’s representative tourist attractions. The park is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a mountain village in Europe, with timber-framed buildings, stone-paved paths, and houses with colorful red roofs.
Flowers bloom throughout the changing seasons, while summer brings a particularly beautiful display of lavender fields. The sweet fragrance of lavender fills the highland air, creating a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by greenery.
At the animal barns and pastures, visitors can encounter a variety of friendly animals, including sheep, goats, rabbits, and ponies. Children can feed the animals or gently stroke them while discovering the warmth of interacting with living creatures.
For families with young children, these simple encounters can become some of the most memorable moments of a visit. Watching children approach the animals with excitement and curiosity is also part of the cheerful atmosphere of Tirol Forest.
The first area visitors encounter after passing through the entrance is the Forest Entrance Area. Here, the souvenir shop Omiyage no Ie offers local gifts and products, while the fast-food restaurant Grenz provides a convenient place to enjoy a light meal.
The area also includes a nursing room and a large parking area, making it convenient and comfortable for families traveling with young children.
The Forest Relaxation Area introduces visitors to local culture, crafts, and regional products. Facilities include an event building operated by Shiojiri City, a woodworking workshop, and a booth introducing local specialties.
Children are especially attracted to the Sylvanian Families Play House and the Experience Hall, where families can enjoy making things together and taking part in hands-on activities.
The Play Area is designed for children who want to be active and have fun outdoors. Attractions include grass sledding, go-karts, archery, and inflatable playground equipment, providing plenty of opportunities for energetic play.
A small pond in the area also offers a quieter place to relax. The scenery around the pond changes with the seasons, providing a pleasant contrast to the more active attractions.
At the Animal Pasture Hill Area, visitors can spend time with animals in the barns and open pastures. Even simply watching the animals move peacefully through their surroundings can be a relaxing experience.
A restaurant on the hill offers dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Among the specialties are homemade sausages and cheese, allowing visitors to enjoy flavors associated with the Shinshu region while taking in the surrounding highland scenery.
One of Tirol Forest’s greatest attractions is that visitors do not simply look at the scenery—they can actively experience the natural environment.
Seasonal agricultural programs include activities such as digging up potatoes, harvesting corn, and milking cows. Through these experiences, children and adults alike can gain a greater appreciation for agriculture, nature, and the importance of living things.
The park also hosts character shows and music festivals at various times throughout the year. On weekends and during special events, the grounds become especially lively with families enjoying the combination of entertainment and outdoor activities.
The highland setting gives Tirol Forest a distinctive seasonal character. Spring brings fresh greenery and flowers, while summer is especially attractive for its cool mountain air and fragrant lavender fields.
As autumn arrives, the surrounding vegetation takes on warm seasonal colors, creating a beautiful backdrop for walking through the park. The highland atmosphere also provides a refreshing change from the warmer lowlands of Nagano Prefecture.
From JR Shiojiri Station on the Chuo Main Line, visitors can take the Shiojiri City Regional Development Bus on the Kitaono Line and get off at the Katsuzuru Mitsumatajiro bus stop. From there, Tirol Forest is approximately a 30-minute walk.
During busy seasons, a free shuttle bus may also operate between Shiojiri Station and Tirol Forest, providing a convenient option for visitors arriving by train.
By car, the park is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from either the Shiojiri Interchange or the Okaya Interchange on the Nagano Expressway, making it an accessible destination for a driving trip around the Shiojiri area.
Tirol Forest was temporarily closed for a period, but in response to strong requests from local residents and longtime fans, the park reopened in 2025.
Following its reopening, new programs focusing on environmental education and cooperation with the local community were introduced alongside the park’s traditional attractions. These initiatives have expanded the role of Tirol Forest as a place where visitors can not only have fun but also learn through direct experiences with nature and the local region.
Shinshu Shiojiri Agricultural Park Tirol Forest is more than a conventional amusement park. It brings together nature, people, local culture, food, animals, and hands-on experiences in one highland setting.
Children can interact with animals, try making things with their own hands, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience agriculture, while adults can relax among the flowers and greenery, sample local food, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Shinshu highlands.
With its European-inspired scenery, seasonal landscapes, friendly animals, local cuisine, and hands-on programs, Tirol Forest offers a distinctive way to experience the natural and cultural character of Shiojiri.
Whether you are traveling with children or simply looking for a relaxing outdoor destination, spend some time exploring the paths, meeting the animals, enjoying local flavors, and breathing in the fresh highland air. In the gentle landscape of Shiojiri, Tirol Forest offers an enjoyable blend of discovery, recreation, and relaxation.