About the festival
Nagano Binzuru brings groups of residents into the central streets for summer dancing. The route is in the city, rather than only inside Zenkoji Temple.
Who is it for?
Travelers who enjoy participatory city festivals and a separate temple visit.
Photo: Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date: 2006. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
1 August 2026; next edition awaits announcement
Past edition. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Nagano · 長野
The main dance streets are Zenkoji Omotesando and Showa-dori. Groups have different assembly places rather than one common starting point.
中央通りほか長野市街
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and walk toward Chuo-dori. Zenkoji-bound buses may be diverted.
What to see
- Group street dancing
- Summer city atmosphere
- Local dance traditions
History and origins
This civic summer festival has run for more than half a century. Its name is linked to Zenkoji's Binzuru statue.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Watch different groups from a city-street section, and visit the temple separately if you want time for its buildings.
Places to visit nearby
Zenkoji Temple
善光寺
A major Buddhist temple with historic buildings and a long approach.
Visit earlier in the day and allow time to return to the downtown dancing streets.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Nagano Binzuru Festival: common questions
When is Nagano Binzuru Festival?
1 August 2026; next edition awaits announcement These dates refer to the stated edition; they do not confirm dates for a later year. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Nagano Binzuru Festival take place?
The main dance streets are Zenkoji Omotesando and Showa-dori. Groups have different assembly places rather than one common starting point.
How do I get to Nagano Binzuru Festival by public transport?
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and walk toward Chuo-dori. Zenkoji-bound buses may be diverted.
Is the dance held inside Zenkoji Temple?
The main dancing uses downtown streets, including the approach toward Zenkoji and Showa-dori. A temple visit is separate.
Official sources
Sources reviewed: .