Play, immerse yourself, and relax. A look back at Urban Research’s outdoor event, “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL”!

Set on the shores of Lake Tateshina in Nagano Prefecture, the “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL”—a festival featuring small gardens—was held again this year over three days, from Friday, June 5, to Sunday, June 7.

The “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL” is an annual outdoor event organized by “URBAN RESEARCH” since 2013, with the concept of “a garden party unfolding in a small backyard.” Set in a location rich in nature, this event—which features a diverse range of activities related to fashion, food, living, and recreation—is now celebrating its 12th edition.

What’s more, this year featured a brand-new pre-festival event, making it even more special than ever. We’ll take a look back at the incredibly peaceful “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL”—an event that has grown to be loved by more and more people with each passing year—along with photos from the day.

First up was the inaugural pre-festival party. The event brought together restaurants that have long maintained close ties with “Urban Research,” as well as renowned local establishments and popular spots that are notoriously hard to get a reservation at. Guests were treated to special platters featuring sumptuous dishes lavishly arranged on a single plate.

It was a luxurious moment where I could relax and fully enjoy nature while listening to soothing background music and savoring fine wine, allowing both my body and mind to be rejuvenated.

After a relaxing night’s rest at the inn, it was finally time for the long-awaited “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL 2026”! Spanning two venues flanking Lake Tateshina, the festival featured a packed lineup of fashion and outdoor brands, as well as various lifestyle shops and food and beverage booths—including some names familiar to Fuinam readers.

In addition, there were workshops like the “Mountain Music Festival,” which families can enjoy together, and the “Lakeside Parade,” where participants walk around the lake while playing musical instruments, and “Yoga” sessions to refresh both body and mind while breathing in the crisp air—all of which can be booked on the spot. The diverse range of programs, designed to be enjoyed by everyone from adults to children, was truly appealing.

The venue also featured a shop for EKAL, a brand inspired by “lakes”—including Lake Tateshina. Its sophisticated, high-performance apparel, designed for everything from the great outdoors to urban life, was widely popular among visitors to the “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL.”

And then there are the live performances—arguably the highlight of the festival. Every year, the lineup features an impressive array of artists, but this year,Yuta OrisakaThree,Yuko AndoThree,brkfstblend, ,GusokumuzuAll four groups will take the stage. Soothing music will fill the air around Lake Tateshina.

Yuta Orisaka

Yuko Ando

brkfstblend

Gusokumuzu

As the sun sets, a campfire is lit, and the fact that you can enjoy the festival in different ways during the day and at night is one of its unique charms. It’s relatively easy to get to—about two and a half hours from the city center—so why not invite your family and friends to join you next year?

Now, let’s talk about accommodations—something that’s always on your mind when attending a festival. No matter how relaxed you are, you’re bound to get at least a little tired, and traveling from the venue back to your lodging in that state can be pretty exhausting, right? But don’t worry. Here at Lake Tateshina, there’s an accommodation facility called “TINY GARDEN Tateshina,” operated by “Urban Research.”

As those of you who have attended the festival may know, “TINY GARDEN Tateshina” opened in 2019. It features lodge-style accommodations in the main building—a renovated traditional inn—as well as cabin-style lodgings nestled in nature and a camping area where you can sleep in your own tent. Depending on the type of accommodation, some even allow you to stay with your pets.

You can bring your favorite gear to fully immerse yourself in nature, or enjoy festivals and camping with just the bare essentials. Of course, you can also stay here just for the accommodation, so why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and get some work done at a leisurely pace?

The official “Urban Research” website has released further details about the “TINY GARDEN FESTIVAL” and “TINY GARDEN Tateshina,” so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.