Nagano Festivals
Nagano, Japan • INR 34692 - INR 226598 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
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.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
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USD 45
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
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USD 70
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
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USD 120
per_person
BOOK
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
December
MEDIUM
-3-7°C
Cold, with increasing likelihood of snow, especially in mountainous areas. Winter illumination events create a festive atmosphere.
Cold, with increasing likelihood of snow, especially in mountainous areas. Winter illumination events create a festive atmosphere.
Open
Some venues may have reduced hours or additional weather-related access limitations. Public transport operates fully.
Some venues may have reduced hours or additional weather-related access limitations. Public transport operates fully.
Recommended
December hosts unique festivals such as the Zenko-ji Illumination Festival and the traditional Shimotsuki Festival. Street illuminations are prominent, though the main temple illumination has been canceled for the foreseeable future.
December hosts unique festivals such as the Zenko-ji Illumination Festival and the traditional Shimotsuki Festival. Street illuminations are prominent, though the main temple illumination has been canceled for the foreseeable future.
January
MEDIUM
-6-3°C
Cold winter conditions with occasional snowfall; crisp, clear air, and generally dry weather with low humidity.
Cold winter conditions with occasional snowfall; crisp, clear air, and generally dry weather with low humidity.
Open
Some outdoor venues may have reduced hours or access due to snow; public transport runs normally but may face weather delays.
Some outdoor venues may have reduced hours or access due to snow; public transport runs normally but may face weather delays.
Recommended
January is ideal for winter illuminations like the Zenko-ji Omotesando Illumination, as well as nearby snow festivals and winter activities. Many local businesses operate as usual, though some outdoor attractions may be affected by snow.
January is ideal for winter illuminations like the Zenko-ji Omotesando Illumination, as well as nearby snow festivals and winter activities. Many local businesses operate as usual, though some outdoor attractions may be affected by snow.
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.
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