Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, Zenko-ji Temple, Shibu Onsen, and Sake Brewery Tour: 2-Day Sightseeing Trip with Reserved Seating and English-Speaking Guide
- The 120th Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival with reserved E-area folding chair seating, plus a drone show with approx. 1,300 drones!
- Stay at a hot spring inn after the fireworks and enjoy free time in historic Shibu Onsen
- Full experience of Zenko-ji and Nakamise Street (with English guide)
- Sake brewery tour included (Japanese guide/tour conductor provides interpretation)
- Solo travelers welcome!
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 25 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included |
| Sightseeing type | Temples & shrines |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
A 2-day, 1-night bus tour departing from Shinjuku, Tokyo, to fully enjoy autumn in Nagano.
You can relax and enjoy the 120th Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, which colors the clear late-autumn night sky, from reserved E-area folding chair seating. A special drone show featuring approximately 1,300 drones is also scheduled before the fireworks display. Enjoy fireworks unique to late autumn, different from summer fireworks.
After the fireworks, stay at Shinshu Yomase Onsen 'Hotel Selan.' Relax and enjoy the hot springs at the panoramic open-air bath 'Tominoyu,' which overlooks the Northern Alps and Zenko-ji Plain.
On the second day, enjoy free time in Shibu Onsen, which retains its traditional wooden architecture and cobblestone alleys. After strolling through the hot spring town and enjoying local snacks, visit the 1,400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple. Join a volunteer-guided tour (English) of the Zenko-ji temple grounds to learn about the history, culture, and highlights of the area.
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The Nagano Guide Association is a volunteer guide organization established in June 2012. They have guided approximately 1,600 Japanese tourists through Nagano city annually. They began English-language tours on January 6, 2020. Please note they are not professional interpreters.
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Additionally, experience a sake brewery tour at Nishinomon Yoshinoya in the Zenko-ji outer gardens (Japanese guide/interpreted by tour conductor). Explore the historic brewery and sake production facilities, and enjoy tasting sake, miso, and amazake.
This is a seasonal 2-day trip where you can experience the unique charms of Japan, including fireworks, a drone show, hot springs, a traditional hot spring town, temples, and sake breweries.
Solo participants are welcome, and single-occupancy rooms are available. Travel from Tokyo is easy by bus. This tour is recommended for those who want to take their time and enjoy autumn in Nagano.
Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival
Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival
Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival
Shibu Onsen
Zenko-ji Main Entrance: Guided tour by a volunteer guide (approx. 1–1.5 hours)
Zenko-ji Nakamise Street ©Zenko-ji
Nishinomon Yoshinoya
Shinshu Yomase Onsen Hotel Selan
Notes (Traditional Chinese + English)
Stroll through Shibu Onsen
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
- Departure/Destination: Tokyo/Nagano
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus Operator: OTB Co., Ltd. or partner bus company
- Meals: Breakfast 1, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
- Accommodation: Shinshu Yomase Onsen Hotel Selan
- Minimum Participants: 25
- Tour Conductor: 1
- Guide: Zenko-ji volunteer guide (English) / Yoshinoya Sake Brewery (Japanese/interpreted by tour conductor)
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Company Name: Orion Tour Co., Ltd.
- Address: 3F Daiwa Higashi-Nihonbashi Bldg., 3-10-6 Higashi-Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
- Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 692
- Affiliated Travel Association: JATA
Reminders
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 14 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The fireworks festival will generally proceed in the rain, but may be cancelled in the event of severe weather. There will be no refunds for the tour fee if the fireworks festival is cancelled after the tour has departed.
The fireworks venue is about a 20–30 minute walk (approx. 1 km) from the bus parking lot (Big Hat). Please wear comfortable shoes.
Umbrellas are not allowed in the venue. Please bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.
November in Nagano can be very cold. Average temperatures are around 10°C at the highest and 1°C at the lowest, and it may even snow. Please bring sufficient warm clothing.
The fireworks festival is an outdoor event. Please be aware that depending on the wind direction, ash or sparks may fly toward the viewing area.
Eating and drinking are permitted in the viewing area, but we recommend using the food park within the venue.
In the paid viewing area, equipment such as monopods and tripods for stabilizing cameras is prohibited outside of the photographer area. Standing to take photos or taking photos from aisles or other customers' seats is also prohibited.
At Zenko-ji, you will be walking with a guide, so please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Due to sake tasting, those with allergies or under 20 years of age cannot participate.
FAQs
1. When does the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival typically take place, and what is its schedule?
The Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival is traditionally held in late autumn, specifically on November 23rd each year, marking its long history. This grand event illuminates the clear night sky, offering a spectacular display. The festival also features a magnificent drone show with approximately 1,300 drones before the fireworks begin, enhancing the pre-show excitement.
2. What special viewing experience is offered for the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival?
For the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, guests are provided with designated E-area pipe chair seating, ensuring a comfortable and unobstructed view of the fireworks. This allows visitors to fully relax and enjoy the brilliant display. Before the fireworks, an impressive show featuring around 1,300 drones is also planned, adding an extra layer of visual spectacle to the experience.
3. What are the main highlights for visitors exploring Zenko-ji Temple and Nakamise Street?
Zenko-ji Temple is a historic site in Nagano, renowned for housing the first Buddhist statue to arrive in Japan. Visitors can explore the main hall, known for its unique architecture and sacred atmosphere. Nakamise Street, leading up to the temple, is filled with traditional shops selling local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs, offering a vibrant cultural experience. An English guide is often provided to enrich the visit with historical and cultural insights.
4. What kind of accommodation is provided after attending the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival?
After enjoying the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, guests will stay overnight at a traditional hot spring ryokan in Yomase Onsen. This accommodation offers a relaxing experience, including access to the magnificent "Toomi no Yu" open-air bath, which boasts stunning views of the Northern Alps and the Zenko-ji Plain. Guests also have the opportunity to freely explore the historic Shibu Onsen area.
5. How can tickets for the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival and related tours be booked?
You can easily book tickets for the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival and related sightseeing tours, which include viewing seats and accommodation, through KKday. KKday offers a convenient online booking platform where you can securely reserve your spot and receive instant confirmation, simplifying your travel planning and ensuring access to these popular events and services.
6. What kind of experience can be expected during the sake brewery visit in Nagano?
During the sake brewery visit in Nagano, you can expect an insightful tour into the traditional art of sake making. The experience often includes learning about the brewing process, the ingredients used, and the history of sake in the region. A Japanese guide will provide explanations, and an interpreter or tour conductor will be available to assist with translation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for all participants.
7. What are the transportation options for reaching key attractions like Zenko-ji Temple and the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival venue?
For Zenko-ji Temple, it's conveniently accessible from Nagano Station, often within walking distance, or by local buses. For the Nagano Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, transportation is typically arranged as part of comprehensive tour packages that include shuttle services to and from the viewing area. If traveling independently, public transportation like trains and local buses are usually available, though specific routes and schedules should be checked closer to the event date. Parking can be limited during large events, making public transport or guided tours a practical choice.
8. Can individuals participate alone in this Nagano sightseeing tour that includes the fireworks festival?
Yes, individuals are welcome and encouraged to participate alone in this Nagano sightseeing tour, which includes the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, Zenko-ji Temple, and other attractions. The tour is designed to accommodate solo travelers, providing a comfortable and well-organized experience without the need for a travel companion. This offers flexibility for those who wish to explore Nagano independently.
