The Star Village Achi Tourism Promotion Council in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, will be hosting the Heavenly Paradise Night Tour at Fujimidai Kogen Ropeway Heavens Sonohara from April 17, 2021 to March 26, 2022 (some exclusions apply). This tour allows visitors to enjoy the starry sky at an altitude of 1,400 meters.
Launched in 2012 with the desire to allow as many people as possible to view the star-filled sky, a fascinating resource of the region, the Heavenly Paradise Night Tour celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, thanks to the support of many customers, local residents, and partners. This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we're looking forward to creating an environment where you can enjoy the starry sky even more. We'll also be holding events and campaigns themed around music, video, animation, and games, all of which will allow you to enjoy Japan's best starry sky even more.
Guests can choose from a variety of stargazing venues, including the STAR GUIDE AREA, where star guides will introduce seasonal constellations; the ENTERTAINMENT AREA, a spacious lawn venue where various events are held; and the HEARING AREA, a luxurious space where you can relax and gaze at the stars in reclining chairs or sofas (separate admission fee applies to the HEARING AREA). Whether you're looking for a gondola ride through the darkness or a star-filled sky high up in the mountains, far from city lights, we're sure you'll enjoy an extraordinary experience.
■Event Dates
Saturday, April 17th, 2021 – Saturday, March 26th, 2022
■Excluded Periods
Sunday, May 23rd – Friday, July 9th, 2021 Sunday, September 26th – Friday, October 8th, 2021
Wednesday, November 24th – Thursday, December 23rd Tuesday, January 11th – Friday, January 21st, 2022
■The 10th Anniversary Special Event
-Details will be announced as they are decided.
Saturday, July 31st, 2021, Thursday, August 5th - Saturday, August 7th, Tuesday, August 17th
Saturday, September 4th - Sunday, September 5th, Saturday, September 11th - Sunday, September 12th, Saturday, October 9th
*Business format and opening hours will change on these dates.
■Opening hours
17:00 - 19:30 Gondola going up operates
20:00 - 20:30 Lights down time
20:30 onwards Gondola going down operates
*Due to the long hours of daylight in July, summer time will be in effect and opening hours will change.帰りましたら見ました English:
17:30 - 20:00: Upward gondola operates
20:30 - 21:00: Lights out time
From 21:00: Downward gondola operates
*Winter operations occur from December to March, and opening hours change.
18:00 - 19:30: Upward gondola operates
19:00 - 20:30: Lights out time
Downward gondola operates at all times
■Price
Adults from 2,000 yen, Children from 1,000 yen, Preschoolers free (gondola fare included)
*Prices vary.
*Please check the price calendar and ticket purchasing information page on the official website.
■Parking
2,000 cars, free
*The furthest parking lot is approximately 1km away. Thank you for your understanding.
■Various facilities
There are toilets and vending machines at both the foot and summit
■Operating conditions
Opening hours may change depending on the weather and event content.
Operations may be canceled if it is deemed difficult to operate due to bad weather or other reasons.
■Tickets
♦Online tickets (date and time specified, advance reservation required)
On sale from 10am two weeks prior to the date of use
♦For guests staying at Paradise in the Sky official hotels and inns
Ticket reservations can be made not just two weeks in advance
Please make your reservation directly with the affiliated hotels and inns, or through your local travel agency or accommodation booking site.
■Venue
Fujimidai Kogen Ropeway Heavens Sonohara
3731-4 Chisato, Achi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture 395-0304
■Organizer
Star Village Achi Tourist Promotion Council
■Special cooperation
J Mountains Central Co., Ltd.
■Inquiries
Achi☆Hirugami Tourism Bureau 0265-43-3001
Heavens Sonohara 0265-44-2311
■Official website
http://sva.jp/
＜Stargazing Area＞
STAR GUIDE AREA
Open all year
・Closed during special events
Star guides introduce seasonal constellations. This area is recommended for those who want to know how to find them.
ENTERTAINMENT AREA
4/17~11/23
・Becomes an event venue during special events.
・Closed during the winter season from December
An area where you can enjoy the starry sky and a variety of events on a large lawn.
HEARING AREA
5/1~11/23
・Additional fee of 1,800 yen
・Rain: Cancelled (refunds)
・Closed during special events
・Closed during winter operations from December
You can relax and gaze at the starry sky from a reclining chair or sofa.
This is a paid area and a separate fee applies. Healing Area tickets (1,800 yen) are sold exclusively by JTB (※1).
*1: Available to those staying in the Hirugami area with JTB and those who purchase the "Heavenly Paradise: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour"
＜Shop＞
STAR SHOP
Gondola base
Sells star and space themed goods. Also stocks original Achi Village goods.
＜Ticket Information＞
■For guests staying at Heavenly Paradise official hotels and inns
- Guests staying at affiliated hotels and inns can reserve tickets not just two weeks in advance.
- Please make your reservation directly with the affiliated hotel or inn, or through your local travel agency or accommodation booking site.日前市
・Online tickets
・Online tickets with specified date and time will be available from 10am two weeks prior to your stay.
・The ticket can only be used on the date and time you purchased it for.・Gondola rides will be timed and last between 15 and 30 minutes.
・Online tickets can be purchased from the online ticket purchase screen.
＜COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures＞
・To ensure the safety of our customers and employees, the Heavenly Paradise Night Tour will continue to implement infection prevention measures.
I. Employees will wear masks or face shields
II. Employees will wash their hands as appropriate (approximately 30 seconds)
III. Alcohol-based disinfectant will be provided throughout the venue for customers
IV. Strengthened disinfection within the facility (regular disinfection of handrails, doorknobs, and other areas that are touched by an unspecified number of people)
V. Employee health management (any employee feeling unwell or with a fever will be asked to stay home)
VI. Please be mindful of maintaining social distance to avoid crowded, closed spaces, and close contact
■Request to Customers
Please understand the purpose of preventing the spread of infection and cooperate with the following measures.
I. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, or fatigue, please consult a medical institution before visiting and follow their instructions to receive treatment at a designated medical institution.
II. Please wear a mask to prevent infection.
III. Alcohol-based disinfectant will be available throughout the facility. Please cooperate with sufficient infection control measures.
IV. If you feel unwell during your visit, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff immediately.
V. If you have symptoms such as fever, you will not be allowed to participate.
【Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture】
Achi Village is located at the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture. It is a quiet village nestled in the mountains and known for Hirugami Onsen and Hanamomo no Sato. Hirugami Onsen, which first emerged in 1973, is an alkaline simple sulfur spring with a pH of 9.7. Its smooth, viscous waters feel like soaking in warm lotion. It's also known as the "beauty skin bath" because it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Additionally, Achi Village was recognized as the number one "place best suited for stargazing" in a nationwide stargazing observation survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment in 2006.
【Star Village Achi Visitor Promotion Council】
The starry sky of Achi Village was recognized as the number one "place best suited for stargazing" in a nationwide stargazing observation survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment in 2006. It was established in 2012 with the aim of utilizing this "best starry sky in Japan" to revitalize the region and tourism, and to attract more visitors. The "Paradise in the Sky - Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour" began on August 1, 2012. The "Sea of Clouds & Starry Sky - Paradise in the Sky - Unkai Harbor" began on October 18, 2014. The "Paradise in the Sky Winter Night Tour" began on December 3, 2016. As of the end of March 2020, a total of 770,000 people have visited the events.
2015-2019: Winner of the Domestic/Inbound Regional Management Category Award at the Japan Tourism Awards for five consecutive years
2015: Winner of the Nagano Prefecture Governor's Award at the Shinshu Brand Awards
2017: Winner of the Excellence Award at the Hometown Event Grand Prize
2017: Heavenly Paradise - Japan's No. 1 Starry Night Tour wins the 2017 Good Design Award
2017: Winner of the Environment Minister's Award at the 29th Starry Sky Town/Blue Sky Town Awards
2020: Winner of the Regional Revitalization Minister's Award at the Japan Service Awards
■Star Village Achi Tourist Promotion Council Website: http://info.sva.jp/
Click here for company press release details
Launched in 2012 with the desire to allow as many people as possible to view the star-filled sky, a fascinating resource of the region, the Heavenly Paradise Night Tour celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, thanks to the support of many customers, local residents, and partners. This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we're looking forward to creating an environment where you can enjoy the starry sky even more. We'll also be holding events and campaigns themed around music, video, animation, and games, all of which will allow you to enjoy Japan's best starry sky even more.
Guests can choose from a variety of stargazing venues, including the STAR GUIDE AREA, where star guides will introduce seasonal constellations; the ENTERTAINMENT AREA, a spacious lawn venue where various events are held; and the HEARING AREA, a luxurious space where you can relax and gaze at the stars in reclining chairs or sofas (separate admission fee applies to the HEARING AREA). Whether you're looking for a gondola ride through the darkness or a star-filled sky high up in the mountains, far from city lights, we're sure you'll enjoy an extraordinary experience.
■Event Dates
Saturday, April 17th, 2021 – Saturday, March 26th, 2022
■Excluded Periods
Sunday, May 23rd – Friday, July 9th, 2021 Sunday, September 26th – Friday, October 8th, 2021
Wednesday, November 24th – Thursday, December 23rd Tuesday, January 11th – Friday, January 21st, 2022
■The 10th Anniversary Special Event
-Details will be announced as they are decided.
Saturday, July 31st, 2021, Thursday, August 5th - Saturday, August 7th, Tuesday, August 17th
Saturday, September 4th - Sunday, September 5th, Saturday, September 11th - Sunday, September 12th, Saturday, October 9th
*Business format and opening hours will change on these dates.
■Opening hours
17:00 - 19:30 Gondola going up operates
20:00 - 20:30 Lights down time
20:30 onwards Gondola going down operates
*Due to the long hours of daylight in July, summer time will be in effect and opening hours will change.帰りましたら見ました English:
17:30 - 20:00: Upward gondola operates
20:30 - 21:00: Lights out time
From 21:00: Downward gondola operates
*Winter operations occur from December to March, and opening hours change.
18:00 - 19:30: Upward gondola operates
19:00 - 20:30: Lights out time
Downward gondola operates at all times
■Price
Adults from 2,000 yen, Children from 1,000 yen, Preschoolers free (gondola fare included)
*Prices vary.
*Please check the price calendar and ticket purchasing information page on the official website.
■Parking
2,000 cars, free
*The furthest parking lot is approximately 1km away. Thank you for your understanding.
■Various facilities
There are toilets and vending machines at both the foot and summit
■Operating conditions
Opening hours may change depending on the weather and event content.
Operations may be canceled if it is deemed difficult to operate due to bad weather or other reasons.
■Tickets
♦Online tickets (date and time specified, advance reservation required)
On sale from 10am two weeks prior to the date of use
♦For guests staying at Paradise in the Sky official hotels and inns
Ticket reservations can be made not just two weeks in advance
Please make your reservation directly with the affiliated hotels and inns, or through your local travel agency or accommodation booking site.
■Venue
Fujimidai Kogen Ropeway Heavens Sonohara
3731-4 Chisato, Achi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture 395-0304
■Organizer
Star Village Achi Tourist Promotion Council
■Special cooperation
J Mountains Central Co., Ltd.
■Inquiries
Achi☆Hirugami Tourism Bureau 0265-43-3001
Heavens Sonohara 0265-44-2311
■Official website
http://sva.jp/
＜Stargazing Area＞
STAR GUIDE AREA
Open all year
・Closed during special events
Star guides introduce seasonal constellations. This area is recommended for those who want to know how to find them.
ENTERTAINMENT AREA
4/17~11/23
・Becomes an event venue during special events.
・Closed during the winter season from December
An area where you can enjoy the starry sky and a variety of events on a large lawn.
HEARING AREA
5/1~11/23
・Additional fee of 1,800 yen
・Rain: Cancelled (refunds)
・Closed during special events
・Closed during winter operations from December
You can relax and gaze at the starry sky from a reclining chair or sofa.
This is a paid area and a separate fee applies. Healing Area tickets (1,800 yen) are sold exclusively by JTB (※1).
*1: Available to those staying in the Hirugami area with JTB and those who purchase the "Heavenly Paradise: Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour"
＜Shop＞
STAR SHOP
Gondola base
Sells star and space themed goods. Also stocks original Achi Village goods.
＜Ticket Information＞
■For guests staying at Heavenly Paradise official hotels and inns
- Guests staying at affiliated hotels and inns can reserve tickets not just two weeks in advance.
- Please make your reservation directly with the affiliated hotel or inn, or through your local travel agency or accommodation booking site.日前市
・Online tickets
・Online tickets with specified date and time will be available from 10am two weeks prior to your stay.
・The ticket can only be used on the date and time you purchased it for.・Gondola rides will be timed and last between 15 and 30 minutes.
・Online tickets can be purchased from the online ticket purchase screen.
＜COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures＞
・To ensure the safety of our customers and employees, the Heavenly Paradise Night Tour will continue to implement infection prevention measures.
I. Employees will wear masks or face shields
II. Employees will wash their hands as appropriate (approximately 30 seconds)
III. Alcohol-based disinfectant will be provided throughout the venue for customers
IV. Strengthened disinfection within the facility (regular disinfection of handrails, doorknobs, and other areas that are touched by an unspecified number of people)
V. Employee health management (any employee feeling unwell or with a fever will be asked to stay home)
VI. Please be mindful of maintaining social distance to avoid crowded, closed spaces, and close contact
■Request to Customers
Please understand the purpose of preventing the spread of infection and cooperate with the following measures.
I. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, or fatigue, please consult a medical institution before visiting and follow their instructions to receive treatment at a designated medical institution.
II. Please wear a mask to prevent infection.
III. Alcohol-based disinfectant will be available throughout the facility. Please cooperate with sufficient infection control measures.
IV. If you feel unwell during your visit, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff immediately.
V. If you have symptoms such as fever, you will not be allowed to participate.
【Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture】
Achi Village is located at the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture. It is a quiet village nestled in the mountains and known for Hirugami Onsen and Hanamomo no Sato. Hirugami Onsen, which first emerged in 1973, is an alkaline simple sulfur spring with a pH of 9.7. Its smooth, viscous waters feel like soaking in warm lotion. It's also known as the "beauty skin bath" because it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Additionally, Achi Village was recognized as the number one "place best suited for stargazing" in a nationwide stargazing observation survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment in 2006.
【Star Village Achi Visitor Promotion Council】
The starry sky of Achi Village was recognized as the number one "place best suited for stargazing" in a nationwide stargazing observation survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment in 2006. It was established in 2012 with the aim of utilizing this "best starry sky in Japan" to revitalize the region and tourism, and to attract more visitors. The "Paradise in the Sky - Japan's Best Starry Sky Night Tour" began on August 1, 2012. The "Sea of Clouds & Starry Sky - Paradise in the Sky - Unkai Harbor" began on October 18, 2014. The "Paradise in the Sky Winter Night Tour" began on December 3, 2016. As of the end of March 2020, a total of 770,000 people have visited the events.
2015-2019: Winner of the Domestic/Inbound Regional Management Category Award at the Japan Tourism Awards for five consecutive years
2015: Winner of the Nagano Prefecture Governor's Award at the Shinshu Brand Awards
2017: Winner of the Excellence Award at the Hometown Event Grand Prize
2017: Heavenly Paradise - Japan's No. 1 Starry Night Tour wins the 2017 Good Design Award
2017: Winner of the Environment Minister's Award at the 29th Starry Sky Town/Blue Sky Town Awards
2020: Winner of the Regional Revitalization Minister's Award at the Japan Service Awards
■Star Village Achi Tourist Promotion Council Website: http://info.sva.jp/
Click here for company press release details
The press releases included in this article have been provided by PR TIMES Inc. and are published in their original form. FASHION HEADLINE does not endorse the products or services featured, nor does it guarantee the content of the press releases. For inquiries regarding the content of this article, please contact PR TIMES Inc. directly (https://prtimes.jp/).
