Naganos Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour

This engaging special event tour transports you to Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsuhiro for an afternoon of samurai experiences and discovery of the open secret beneath its feet before enjoying an early dinner and guided evening tour of the city’s near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple during it’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.

1. 1

   Matsushiro

   3 hours

   After a bus ride from Nagano Station, Discover Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsushiro, former stronghold of the Sanada clan and home to the Bunbu Gakko Military Arts School where you can try your hand at ‘katana’ (sword) practice

2. 2

   Matsushiro Zozan Chikago

   1.3 hours

   Descend underground to the Zozan Imperial Tunnels beneath Matsushiro – the intended hidden headquarters of the Japanese government and military in the closing stages of WW2

3. 3

   Nishimon Yoshinoya

   45 min

   Leaving Matsushiro after Zozan tunnel, warm yourself on some of Nagano’s best ‘sake’ with a guided tasting followed by early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya

4. 4

   Zenko-ji Temple

   1 hour

   Guests can get early a warming early dinner – your choice of beef, chicken or vegetable hot pot along with starters, dessert and complimentary drinks at Monzen Terrace Enya the restaurant nearby Zenko-ji Temple.

5. 5

   Zenko-ji Temple

   1.5 hours

   Explore Nagano’s near-1400 Zenko-ji Temple with a guided evening tour and free-time to enjoy the Tomyo Lantern Festival as the temple is awash with the ‘Buddha’s Light’, light installations and ‘kiri-e’ paper lanterns After the free time, tour heads up to Nagano station where tour concludes.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.