In the municipality of Ina, architectural and regional history sit alongside two parks with different facilities. The Ina City Sozo-kan traces the history of a library building and features exhibitions on geology, archaeology, and other subjects. Kasuga Park and Ina Park have different focuses: one is known for its plantings and play areas, while the other features sports facilities and a historic locomotive.
Museum in a Former Library Building
The Ina City Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina is a museum housed in the former Kamiina Library building. The Kamiina Library was built in the municipality of Ina in 1930 using the most advanced construction techniques of the time, and for many years it was a cultural and educational center for the Kamiina region. In 2010, the building opened in the municipality of Ina as a lifelong learning center. With its history and current use as a museum, the building offers a distinctive setting for a visit.
In the historic library room at the Ina City Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina, valuable books are on display for visitors to handle. A dedicated geology exhibition room at the Ina City Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina focuses on the geological features of the Ina Valley. The permanent exhibition at the Ina City Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina includes a vessel with face-shaped handles, discovered at the Gotemba archaeological site in Ina and designated a National Important Cultural Property. Exhibition contents at the Ina City Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina may change.
The Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina also hosts courses, classes, and lectures. Topics covered in these programs at the Sozo-kan in the municipality of Ina range from natural sciences and archaeology to space, history, folklore, the environment, and art; individual programs may vary. The museum thus connects not only with the history of the building but also with a range of fields of knowledge.
Residence and the History of Ina-bejuku
The former Izawa Residence in the municipality of Ina offers a different historical perspective. The Edo-period building was designated a tangible cultural property of Ina City in 1999. It was dismantled and rebuilt in 2004, after which it opened to the public. The Izawa family lived in Ina-bejuku, was regarded as one of the most prominent farming families in the Takato domain, and operated a sake brewery for generations.
The building’s design is also part of the history of Ina-bejuku: it was considered the only property there with a gabled roof and had the largest floor area. A Japanese-style room in the former Izawa Residence in the municipality of Ina is available for use. If you would like to use it, check the current arrangements in advance.
Two Parks, Different Features
The approximately 14.3-hectare Kasuga Park in the municipality of Ina lies around the site of Kasuga Castle. There are 200 cherry trees, including 150 Somei Yoshino and 50 Higan cherry trees, as well as 20,000 azaleas. Plant numbers may change over time. Play areas include a large combination play structure for children and a separate play structure for toddlers.
Ina Park in the municipality of Ina focuses more on sports and recreational facilities. Its amenities include Ina Stadium, a municipal baseball field, a municipal swimming pool, the Center Tennis Court, a fitness trail, a health trail, a gymnasium, and playground equipment. The D51-209 locomotive is also part of the park. There are 282 cherry trees, including 180 Somei Yoshino and 102 Kohigan cherry trees; these numbers may also change.
The two parks in the municipality of Ina offer different ways to spend your time: Kasuga Park is notable for its location around the castle site, its plantings, and its play equipment. Ina Park in the municipality of Ina combines several sports facilities with play areas and the locomotive. When choosing between them, consider whether you would prefer a park with gardens and play areas or a complex with a range of sports facilities.
Discover more destinations: Komagane, Kitaazumi District, Nagawa, ĹŚmachi, Hakuba, Kiso District, Suzaka, Komoro
Return to the main travel guide: Nagano Prefecture.
