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Tour Description

Have a once in a lifetime experience at Zenkoji Temple’s Illumination Festival, known locally as Tomyo Matsuri! The striking figure of the temple is decorated with a beautiful illumination, with lanterns scattered all around stretching all the way down to the station. Thanks to the myriad food stalls and nearby restaurants, you can eat your way through the temple too!

This tradition celebrates the 1998 Winter Olympic Games bringing Nagano to international fame, and has been going for 22 years! At 7 pm, the earliest visitors to the temple will release 300 paper lanterns into the night sky, a symbol of spreading peace into the world.

This tour also includes a visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The steep and jagged cliff lines of Jigokudani Valley, hazed by the rising steam from the very depths of the earth, create a backdrop not soon to be forgotten. Locals aptly named the site ‘Jigokudani’ (Hell’s Valley) after its close resemblance to Hell. Not as scary as it sounds, however, and remains a truly memorable experience safe for all ages. We here at IXSM pioneered the very first tour to come see these wild Macaque monkeys relaxing in their natural hot spring baths, and are proud to be able to offer the original and best chance to see the Snow Monkeys of Japan. We have 17 years of experience; guided thousands of guests from dozens of countries; so rest assured you are in safe hands.

Our professional, experienced English-speaking staff can offer the bilingual service that ensures peace of mind and an unforgettable day tour to your already memorable holiday here in Japan!

Additional information

Zenkoji Temple Illumination Festival Tour (7, 9, 11 Feb)

¥15,900 Adult / ¥8,900 Child (~12yrs)

Tour Date: Fri 7th, Sun 10th, Tue 12th February 2025
Destination: Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen and Zenkoji Temple
Depart: 13:00 from Nozawa Onsen Chuo Bus Terminal
Includes: Transfers, Monkey Park Entry Ticket, and an English Speaking Guide
Cancellation/Amendment Fees:
– After the booking is confirmed: ¥500 per person
– 3 to 2 business days prior: 30% of the total price
– 1 business day prior: 50% of the total price
– Tour day: 100% of the total price

 

Tour Highlights

See Zenkoji’s stunning illumination, not possible any other time of year.

Join in the fun of “tabe-aruki”, the Japanese name for walking around and picking up food as you go! There’s a wealth of stalls to choose from, and special event deals all over!

Witness the incredible moment that 300 paper lanterns are released into the sky, a sight that could rival even that of the Temple itself.

>> More Photos

 

Time
Schedule
13:00
(13:20)
Depart from Nozawa Onsen
(Depart from Iiyama Station)
13:50
Arrive at Kambayashi Parking
Walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park (30 mins)
14:20
Arrive at Jigokudani Monkey Park –  Free Time (50 mins)
15:10
Depart from Jigokudani Monkey Park – Walk back to Kambayashi Parking (30 mins)
15:40
Depart Kambayashi to Shibu Onsen Village
15:50
Arrive at Shibu Onsen  – Guided Tour or Free Time (50 mins)
16:40
Depart from Shibu Onsen to Zenkoji Temple
17:30 Arrive at Zenkoji Temple – Free Time (2.5hrs)
– 19:00~19:20 Lantern Festival at Joyama Park
– Sake & Gourmet Festival
– Soba noodles with Sake Festival
Tea ceremony Festival at Shukubos
20:00 Depart from Zenkoji Temple
(20:50)
21:10
(Return to Iiyama Station)
Return to Nozawa Onsen

 

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Tour Description

Have a once in a lifetime experience at Zenkoji Temple's Illumination Festival, known locally as Tomyo Matsuri! The striking figure of the temple is decorated with a beautiful illumination, with lanterns scattered all around stretching all the way down to the station. Thanks to the myriad food stalls and nearby restaurants, you can eat your way through the temple too!

This tradition celebrates the 1998 Winter Olympic Games bringing Nagano to international fame, and has been going for 22 years! At 7 pm, the earliest visitors to the temple will release 300 paper lanterns into the night sky, a symbol of spreading peace into the world.

This tour also includes a visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: The steep and jagged cliff lines of Jigokudani Valley, hazed by the rising steam from the very depths of the earth, create a backdrop not soon to be forgotten. Locals aptly named the site ‘Jigokudani’ (Hell’s Valley) after its close resemblance to Hell. Not as scary as it sounds, however, and remains a truly memorable experience safe for all ages. We here at IXSM pioneered the very first tour to come see these wild Macaque monkeys relaxing in their natural hot spring baths, and are proud to be able to offer the original and best chance to see the Snow Monkeys of Japan. We have 17 years of experience; guided thousands of guests from dozens of countries; so rest assured you are in safe hands.

Our professional, experienced English-speaking staff can offer the bilingual service that ensures peace of mind and an unforgettable day tour to your already memorable holiday here in Japan!

Additional information