Nagano Festivals
Nagano, Japan • INR 34692 - INR 226598 approx.• 
Underrated
UnderratedNagano, Japan
• INR 34692 - INR 226598Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, Aug, Oct
3°C – 17°C, mild spring weather; cherry blossoms in full bloom by mid- to late april, high crowds, peak season
3°C – 17°C, mild spring weather; cherry blossoms in full bloom by mid- to late april, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Festival venues offer some wheelchair access, seating, and ramps.
Festival venues offer some wheelchair access, seating, and ramps.
Value for money
Medium
Free entry balances food and transport costs.
Free entry balances food and transport costs.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Setting
Couples loved the Zenkoji Lantern Festival's serene and magical atmosphere.
Cultural Immersion
Visitors felt deeply immersed in the local culture, especially at the festivals.
Joyful Celebration
The Binzuru and Bon Bon festivals provided couples with joyful celebrations.
Crowd Concerns
Travelers noted the high crowds, especially during cherry blossom season, impacting privacy.
Safety Concerns
Some couples worried about safety, particularly at the Onbashira Festival's events.
Pricey Meals
Couples found food and beverages at stalls were a bit overpriced, especially yakisoba.
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.
Experience the enchanting Winter Festival in Nagano!
Experience the mesmerizing Firework Festival in the heart of Nagano!
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
February
MEDIUM
-5-5°C
Cold with frequent snowfall, especially in mountainous areas. Occasional sunny days with clear skies.
Cold with frequent snowfall, especially in mountainous areas. Occasional sunny days with clear skies.
Open
Outdoor festivals and events proceed with weather considerations; some activities may be canceled or rescheduled due to snow.
Outdoor festivals and events proceed with weather considerations; some activities may be canceled or rescheduled due to snow.
Recommended
February marks the last weeks of Zenko-ji Omotesando Illumination. Snow activities and regional festivals continue, with reliable transportation and accessibility to most urban venues.
February marks the last weeks of Zenko-ji Omotesando Illumination. Snow activities and regional festivals continue, with reliable transportation and accessibility to most urban venues.
March
LOW
-2-10°C
Transition from winter to spring; milder weather, diminishing snowfall. Early cherry blossoms may begin at lower elevations.
Transition from winter to spring; milder weather, diminishing snowfall. Early cherry blossoms may begin at lower elevations.
Open
Most venues and events available but subject to late-winter weather; some outdoor events may remain limited.
Most venues and events available but subject to late-winter weather; some outdoor events may remain limited.
Recommended
March offers a quieter atmosphere, with some late-winter illuminations and the potential start of cherry blossom viewing towards the end of the month. Most transport and venues operate normally.
March offers a quieter atmosphere, with some late-winter illuminations and the potential start of cherry blossom viewing towards the end of the month. Most transport and venues operate normally.
April
HIGH
3-17°C
Mild spring weather; cherry blossoms in full bloom by mid- to late April. Occasional rain showers.
Mild spring weather; cherry blossoms in full bloom by mid- to late April. Occasional rain showers.
Open
Advance reservations may be needed for accommodations and event tickets due to high demand during cherry blossom season and Golden Week.
Advance reservations may be needed for accommodations and event tickets due to high demand during cherry blossom season and Golden Week.
Recommended
April is a peak month for festivals and hanami (cherry blossom viewing), with major crowds and increased prices. Public transport and city venues run at full capacity, though some congestion and booking limitations are likely.
April is a peak month for festivals and hanami (cherry blossom viewing), with major crowds and increased prices. Public transport and city venues run at full capacity, though some congestion and booking limitations are likely.
May
LOW
10-22°C
Mild temperatures, fresh greenery, and generally pleasant weather. Occasional rain showers, but overall a comfortable time to visit Nagano.
Mild temperatures, fresh greenery, and generally pleasant weather. Occasional rain showers, but overall a comfortable time to visit Nagano.
Open
No significant restrictions; most venues and festivals operate normally. Public transport and accommodations are widely available.
No significant restrictions; most venues and festivals operate normally. Public transport and accommodations are widely available.
Recommended
May is a recommended month to visit Nagano for festivals and sightseeing, with comfortable weather and tranquil crowd levels.
May is a recommended month to visit Nagano for festivals and sightseeing, with comfortable weather and tranquil crowd levels.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Local buses depart from Bus Stop #1 outside JR Nagano Station to Zenkoji-Daimon bus stop (10-15 min). The "Gururin-go" and "Binzuru-go" buses also serve the temple area.
Train
Recommended
The Hokuriku Shinkansen arrives at JR Nagano Station. The Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) Line from JR Nagano Station to Zenkojishita Station is a short walk from the temple.
Bike
Rent a bicycle for flexible sightseeing within Nagano City.
Boat
Sightseeing boat services operate on Lake Suwa for events like the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival.
Car
Reach Nagano City via the Joshin-Etsu Expressway (Nagano IC or Suzaka-Nagano-Higashi IC). Paid parking is available near Zenkoji Temple.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at JR Nagano Station for direct transfers to Zenkoji Temple (approx. 10 min).
Walking
A 30-minute walk (approx. 2 km) from JR Nagano Station along Chuo-dori leads directly to Zenkoji Temple.
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
