Experience Japan's best stargazing in Achi Village
Nagano, Japan • INR 1000 - INR 1100 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Aug
2°C – 16°C, mild spring weather; peach blossoms bloom mid-to-late april, high crowds, peak season
2°C – 16°C, mild spring weather; peach blossoms bloom mid-to-late april, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Gondola access requires standing and some stairs; terrain is uneven.
Gondola access requires standing and some stairs; terrain is uneven.
Value for money
Medium
Clear skies make it worthwhile, but weather is unpredictable.
Clear skies make it worthwhile, but weather is unpredictable.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Night
Couples found the lights-out moment incredibly romantic. The stars were amazing!
Breathtaking Views
The gondola ride and the celestial show were absolutely stunning. A must-do experience!
Unforgettable Moment
Visitors felt the guided tour added to the magic. Highly recommended for couples.
Weather Dependent
Cloudy skies can ruin the experience. Check the forecast before you book!
Expensive Tickets
Some couples felt the ticket prices were a bit high. Consider the cost.
Cold Weather
Be prepared for very cold temperatures. Dress warmly, even in summer.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Travelers visit Achi Village and delve into the stargazing in startlit sky.
Embark on an enchanting virtual tour of Achi Village with stellar star gazing!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-4-8°C
Cold winter conditions; nights are crisp and dry with occasional snowfall. Skies are often exceptionally clear.
Cold winter conditions; nights are crisp and dry with occasional snowfall. Skies are often exceptionally clear.
Open
Gondola and guided stargazing tours may be affected by heavy snow or strong winds. Dress warmly and check operational status in advance.
Gondola and guided stargazing tours may be affected by heavy snow or strong winds. Dress warmly and check operational status in advance.
Recommended
December brings some of the clearest night skies of the year, perfect for stargazing. Winter weather means visitors should prepare for cold conditions, but the reward is unparalleled celestial views.
December brings some of the clearest night skies of the year, perfect for stargazing. Winter weather means visitors should prepare for cold conditions, but the reward is unparalleled celestial views.
January
LOW
-8-2°C
Cold, dry air and clear skies; optimal visibility for stargazing. Snow cover common.
Cold, dry air and clear skies; optimal visibility for stargazing. Snow cover common.
Open
Gondola and stargazing tours operate; dress warmly for cold temperatures. Access by public transport is reduced due to winter weather.
Gondola and stargazing tours operate; dress warmly for cold temperatures. Access by public transport is reduced due to winter weather.
Recommended
January offers exceptional star visibility above snowy landscapes. Stargazing events continue, but prepare for freezing conditions and limited local transport.
January offers exceptional star visibility above snowy landscapes. Stargazing events continue, but prepare for freezing conditions and limited local transport.
February
LOW
-7-4°C
Very cold with occasional snowfall; crisp, clear skies ideal for stargazing.
Very cold with occasional snowfall; crisp, clear skies ideal for stargazing.
Open
Stargazing tours run as scheduled; ensure appropriate winter gear. Some local transport may be affected by snow.
Stargazing tours run as scheduled; ensure appropriate winter gear. Some local transport may be affected by snow.
Recommended
February preserves excellent conditions for stargazing, with minimal crowds and clear winter skies.
February preserves excellent conditions for stargazing, with minimal crowds and clear winter skies.
March
MEDIUM
-3-9°C
Transition to early spring; cool, with decreasing snow and increasing cloud cover. Nights remain clear.
Transition to early spring; cool, with decreasing snow and increasing cloud cover. Nights remain clear.
Open
All major facilities and tours operate. Spring thaw may affect rural transport.
All major facilities and tours operate. Spring thaw may affect rural transport.
Recommended
March provides a balance of crisp air and growing accessibility. Stargazing remains excellent, with slightly higher visitor numbers.
March provides a balance of crisp air and growing accessibility. Stargazing remains excellent, with slightly higher visitor numbers.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
The primary artery is the Chuo Expressway. From the direction of Nagoya, the closest exit is the Sonohara Interchange (IC). From the Tokyo direction, the Iida-Yamamoto Interchange (IC) is a convenient exit.
Train
Recommended
The primary rail gateways to the Achi area are Iida Station on the JR Iida Line and Nakatsugawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line.
Bus
From Iida Station, the Shinnan Kotsu bus on the Komaba Line provides service to the Hirugami Onsen area. From Nakatsugawa Station, bus services are also available. Direct highway buses connect major cities to the area, such as the express bus from Nagoya's Meitetsu Bus Center to Hirugami Onsen.
Cable Car
The stargazing tours take place at Heavens Sonohara, situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters. To reach this prime viewing spot, all visitors must take the Fujimidai Kogen Ropeway, a gondola that ascends the mountain.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Iida Station and other points in the region for the final leg of the journey to Heavens Sonohara.
Walking
While the Hirugami Onsen area is pedestrian-friendly for exploring the hot spring town, walking from the onsen village to the Heavens Sonohara gondola base is not practical due to the distance and terrain.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required