Iida Puppet Festival
Nagano, Japan • INR 6075 - INR 21690 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Aug
22°C – 32°C, hot and humid summer weather; occasional rain showers but mostly clear days, high crowds, peak season
22°C – 32°C, hot and humid summer weather; occasional rain showers but mostly clear days, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Multiple city venues; some have ramps, elevators, seating, accessible toilets.
Multiple city venues; some have ramps, elevators, seating, accessible toilets.
Value for money
Medium
Badge fee plus optional performance tickets are reasonable.
Badge fee plus optional performance tickets are reasonable.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Unique Culture
Couples loved the romantic and cultural experience. The shows were amazing!
Well Organized
Visitors found the festival well-planned. Easy access and great shows.
Magical Moments
The atmosphere was enchanting for couples. A truly memorable experience.
Overcrowded Venues
Some couples found venues packed. Arrive early for the best seating.
Pricey Tickets
Some couples felt the paid performances were a bit expensive.
Limited Privacy
The crowds at times made it hard to enjoy intimate moments.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
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USD 120
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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.
Catch a captivating sneak peek at the enchanting Iida Puppet Festa!
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
-2-7°C
Cold, with occasional snowfall; early winter conditions.
Cold, with occasional snowfall; early winter conditions.
Closed
No Iida Puppet Festival events in December; winter season may affect local business hours and transport.
No Iida Puppet Festival events in December; winter season may affect local business hours and transport.
Not recommended
December is off-season for the festival; weather is cold and most puppet-related events are unavailable.
December is off-season for the festival; weather is cold and most puppet-related events are unavailable.
January
LOW
-5-4°C
Cold and often snowy, typical of Nagano's inland winter climate. Roads and transport can be affected by snow.
Cold and often snowy, typical of Nagano's inland winter climate. Roads and transport can be affected by snow.
Closed
The Iida Puppet Festival is only held in August. No festival activities in January.
The Iida Puppet Festival is only held in August. No festival activities in January.
Not recommended
Not recommended; the festival does not take place in winter. Most puppet-related cultural sites are open but with reduced programming.
Not recommended; the festival does not take place in winter. Most puppet-related cultural sites are open but with reduced programming.
February
LOW
-4-6°C
Cold with some snow and occasional rain. Winter conditions persist.
Cold with some snow and occasional rain. Winter conditions persist.
Closed
The festival is not held in February.
The festival is not held in February.
Not recommended
Not recommended; the festival is not held, and winter weather may impact travel.
Not recommended; the festival is not held, and winter weather may impact travel.
March
LOW
0-11°C
Cool and gradually warming, with possible rain and melting snow.
Cool and gradually warming, with possible rain and melting snow.
Closed
No festival activities; regular puppet museums may be open.
No festival activities; regular puppet museums may be open.
Not recommended
Not recommended; festival is not scheduled for March.
Not recommended; festival is not scheduled for March.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Highway buses arrive at or near Iida Station from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, providing direct access to the festival area.
Train
Recommended
JR Iida Station, served by the JR Iida Line, is the primary rail gateway. Many venues are within a 10-20 minute walk from the station.
Walking
Recommended
Walking is a primary way to get around the festival, with venues concentrated throughout the city.
Car
Iida is accessible via the Chuo Expressway; take the Iida Interchange (IC). Parking is limited near venues.
Taxi
Taxis are available at JR Iida Station for transport to venues further afield.
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