November 23: Ebisu-ko Fireworks & Snow Monkey Tour

November 23: Ebisu-ko Fireworks & Snow Monkey Tour
Location: Chubu Region, Japan
Price: $178 per person
Duration: About 10 hours
Rating: 4.4/5 from 7 reviews

Imagine spending a day in Japan’s scenic Nagano Prefecture, combining wildlife encounters, local flavors, and one of the country’s most spectacular firework displays. For about ten hours, this tour takes you from the snowy forests where snow monkeys bathe in hot springs, to a historic restaurant serving traditional fare, and finally to a massive fireworks spectacle that lights up the autumn sky.

What we love about this experience is how it balances authentic wildlife viewing with culture and the thrill of a grand fireworks show. The visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park offers up-close encounters with Japan’s famous snow monkeys, free to mingle and groom each other in their natural habitat — a truly unique sight. Following that, a delicious late lunch at Hotaru-tei, housed in a 160-year-old merchant mansion, gives you a taste of Nagano’s renowned culinary traditions. And to cap it off, the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival — Japan’s largest autumn fireworks display — provides a spectacular finale, with reserved seating ensuring a comfortable, unobstructed view.

One potential consideration is the tour’s physical nature. The walk to the monkey park involves a 1.6 km forest trail on uneven paths, and the whole day includes a fair amount of walking. If mobility is an issue, this might be a challenge. Also, the fireworks are held outdoors in cold weather, so warm clothing is a must — especially since it can dip to around 0°C at night.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic experience blending wildlife, local cuisine, and one of Japan’s grandest fireworks festivals. It suits those comfortable with light walking and who enjoy experiencing Japan’s traditions and natural beauty firsthand.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounter: Close-up viewing of snow monkeys bathing in hot springs in Jigokudani.
• Cultural Dining: Enjoy a traditional late lunch in a historic setting at Hotaru-tei.
• Spectacular Fireworks: Witness Japan’s largest autumn fireworks display, with reserved seating for comfort.
• Guided Experience: Led by an English-speaking guide who helps maximize your day.
• Physical Activity: Involves walking on unsealed forest trails, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Weather Preparedness: Expect cold temperatures, especially at night — dress warmly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Tour

Starting Point: Nagano Station

Your day begins promptly at Nagano Station, where your guide, easily identifiable with a tour tag, greets you in front of the large information board across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. This meeting spot is convenient, especially for travelers arriving by train, and allows for a smooth start to your adventure.

Transport and Journey

From Nagano, a comfortable 80-minute coach ride takes you towards Jigokudani Monkey Park. The transportation is included in the price, which helps keep the day stress-free, especially after a long train ride. The bus ride also offers a chance to settle in and prepare for the upcoming wildlife encounter, enjoying views of Nagano’s rugged terrain.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Once you arrive near the park, your guide will drop you as close as possible to the trailhead, before leading the group along a 1.6 km forest path into the park. This walk takes about 30 minutes and goes through a wooded area that feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The trail is unpaved and may be muddy or uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

We loved the sense of intimacy and freedom at the park — no barriers separate you from the monkeys, so you can observe them bathing in the steaming hot springs, grooming each other, or playing around. The proximity makes this a rare chance to see wild animals behaving naturally. As one reviewer pointed out, “you’re free to enjoy watching them bathe, play, fed, and endlessly groom each other.” Don’t forget your camera, as these moments are truly charming.

It’s worth noting that the monkeys are wild, and although they generally go about their day peacefully, there’s always a small chance they might not come out — a reminder of the raw, untamed nature of the experience.

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Late Lunch at Hotaru-tei

After the monkey viewing, the tour heads to Hotaru-tei for a well-deserved late lunch. Housed in a 160-year-old merchant family mansion, this restaurant is a highlight for food lovers. The building’s historic ambiance adds to the dining experience, and the menu features Nagano’s renowned local cuisine.

Vegetarians are accommodated, and the meal is described as “very typical and delicate” by a reviewer. We appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to sample regional flavors in a setting that echoes Japan’s traditional architectural style. The meal provides a hearty break before the evening’s fireworks.

Return to Nagano & Sightseeing

After lunch, a 70-minute coach ride takes you back to Nagano, where the evening’s spectacle awaits. Your guide will ensure you are comfortably seated in reserved seats at the fireworks venue, on the banks of the Sai River. This reserved seating is a real plus — it guarantees an unobstructed view and a comfortable experience amidst the crowd of over 400,000 spectators.

The Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival

The highlight of the day is the largest autumn fireworks display in Japan, held since 1899. Over two hours, more than 15,000 pyrotechnics light up the crisp autumn sky, culminating in a dazzling finale. The fireworks are set off along the Sai River, a picturesque setting that enhances the visual impact.

The fireworks celebrate Ebisu, one of Japan’s seven lucky gods, and are a way for local merchants to thank their patrons and pray for prosperity. The display is an incredible sight, with bright bursts filling the sky in perfect synchronization. Several reviewers mention how spectacular the show is, with one calling it “probably one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Japan.”

Once the fireworks end around 20:00, your guide will help you navigate the crowds for the walk back to the bus, which then takes you back to Nagano Station by about 21:00-21:15.

Overall Experience & Value

This tour offers a well-rounded day for those interested in wildlife, culture, and grand spectacles. The inclusion of transportation, a guided experience, and reserved seating makes it a practical choice. The price of $178 is reasonable given the diversity of activities and the access it provides — especially for visitors who want a hassle-free, immersive day with authentic moments.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who love nature and wildlife, particularly if you find the idea of watching snow monkeys inhabit their cold environment fascinating. Foodies will appreciate the historic setting and regional cuisine, while those seeking a visual feast will be captivated by the fireworks show.

It’s best suited for those comfortable with light walking and cold weather, as the walk into the monkey park is unpaved and chilly at night. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy cultural and natural sights in one day, this tour checks many boxes.

The Sum Up

For anyone wanting a diverse, authentic slice of Nagano, this tour hits the mark. The chance to see wild monkeys in their natural hot spring habitat** makes it memorable, while the delicious local lunch offers a taste of regional tradition. The fireworks, with reserved seating, provide a grand and comfortable finale that’s hard to beat.

Pricing is fair considering the variety of experiences packed into one day, making it a good value for travelers seeking an active, engaging, and visually stunning outing. It’s an excellent choice if you want a full-day adventure filled with nature, culture, and celebration.

FAQ Section

Is transportation included?
Yes, all transport from Nagano Station to each activity and back is included in the tour price, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the walk to the Monkey Park?
The walk is about 1.6 km each way along a forest trail, taking approximately 30 minutes. The trail is unpaved and slightly uneven.

What should I wear?
Expect cold weather, especially at night, with temperatures around 0°C. Wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on unsealed paths.

Are the fireworks accessible for everyone?
The reserved seating ensures good views and comfort, but the event takes place outdoors in a crowd. It is not wheelchair accessible, and mobility concerns should be discussed with the provider beforehand.

Can vegetarians enjoy the lunch?
Yes, vegetarian options are available at Hotaru-tei, and the meal is described as very typical Japanese cuisine.

How long does the fireworks display last?
The fireworks show runs from 18:00 to 20:00, with over 15,000 fireworks lighting up the sky.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, the walk and outdoor fireworks may be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What is the tour’s rating?
It has a 4.4/5 average rating based on 7 reviews, with many travelers praising the fireworks and wildlife viewing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of wildlife, cultural dining, and a grand fireworks show makes it a full, immersive day that captures the essence of Nagano’s autumn charm.

In sum, this tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spectacular sights. It’s a thoughtfully curated day for those wanting an authentic and memorable adventure in Japan’s northern mountains.

You can check availability for your dates here: