Discover Nagano's top attractions on this captivating tour beginning at Zenkoji – among Japan's most ancient and significant Buddhist temples - then enjoy sake sampling and lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, journey to the Snow Monkey Park to see its globally renowned hot spring-bathing monkeys! Guided by an English-speaking local expert, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to experience Nagano's finest highlights. Group tour operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours.
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Join in day Tour
The Highlight
- Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique
- Explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan.
- Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture
- Try 'sake' with a tasting and learning experience all led by your guide (non-alcoholic option also available)
The Experience
The tour departs Nagano Station at 09:35 (winter Hakuba pickup available - see details below). Your guide will take you to Zenkoji Temple, a National Treasure and one of Japan's oldest, most important Buddhist sites. After a guided tour of the temple, you'll have free time to explore the surrounding shops and smaller shrines.
Next, experience Nagano's renowned sake culture with a guided tasting session that introduces you to this complex beverage. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring seasonal dishes - warming hot pot in winter or traditional steamed cuisine in warmer months - highlighting Nagano's exceptional food culture. Lunch will vary depending on the season: A restaurant in Nagano City (around 12:00 PM), or a restaurant near the Snow Monkey area (around 1:00 PM).
After lunch, head to the Snow Monkey Park. Your guide will lead you along the forest trail into Jigokudani ('Hell's Valley'), home to the world's only hot spring-bathing monkeys. With no barriers between you and these wild primates, you'll observe them up close as they forage, play, groom, and soak in the thermal waters. Your guide will share insights about these fascinating creatures while you capture memorable photos. Following your time at the park, return to Nagano Station, arriving at 17:35 (18:30-18:45 for Hakuba guests - winter only).
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- 09:35Meet at Nagano Station
- 10:00Arrive at Zenkoji and explore the precinct with your guide followed by (time-permitting) 25-30 minutes of free time
- 11:30Taste various sakes at Yoshinoya Sake Brewery (nearby the temple) and learn more about the iconic Japanese beverage.
- 12:00Enjoy a delicious lunch designed to highlight the best of Nagano. Restaurant location may differ based on the season. ※ Lunch will vary depending on the season: A restaurant in Nagano City (around 12:00 PM), or a restaurant near the Snow Monkey area (around 1:00 PM).
- Depart Nagano and head toward the Snow Monkey Park.
- 14:00Arrive nearby the Snow Monkey Park area. Prepare and walk along the forest trail (25-30 minutes) into the park.
- 14:40Arrive at the park and enjoy watching the wild macaques bathing in the onsen and going about their lives.
- 15:40Depart the park and walk back out along the forest trail.
- 16:20Leave the Snow Monkey Park area and begin your return journey to Nagano.
- 17:35Tour concludes at Nagano Station
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Walking & Accessibility: The park requires 1.6km walking each way on an unsealed forest trail. Wear appropriate footwear. Not wheelchair accessible. Contact us before booking if you have mobility concerns.
Transport: Tours use microbuses, coaches, or trains depending on season and group size.
Winter Conditions (mid-Dec to early-Apr): Expect snow and ice on trails. Wear warm clothing for temperatures down to -10°C and sturdy boots. Rental boots and crampons available near the park.
Monkeys: These are wild animals. While monkeys commonly bathe in winter, spring-to-autumn sightings vary. We cannot guarantee monkeys will be in the hot spring or present at the park.
- Winter Hakuba Shuttle (Dec-Mar only): Available from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, Happo Bus Terminal, and Base Camp Echoland. Not available daily. Guide joins at Nagano Station.
- Tour End Time: Scheduled for 17:30 at Nagano Station (18:45 for Hakuba guests). Winter weather may cause delays. Book shinkansen departures from 18:00 or later.
Meals & Drinks: Lunch location and menu vary by season. Sake tasting included (must be 20+). Infant meals (ages 0-5) ordered separately at restaurant; lap seating may be required. Lunch will vary depending on the season: A restaurant in Nagano City (around 12:00 PM), or a restaurant near the Snow Monkey area (around 1:00 PM).
Other: Booking closes one hour before departure. Itinerary subject to change due to weather, events, or availability. Hakuba guests arrange their own transport from drop-off points to accommodations.
Important Booking Information
- All activities are subject to availability. While tours may appear bookable online, confirmation depends on our partner venues and may vary by date. If any part of your itinerary becomes unavailable or requires changes, we'll contact you promptly to arrange suitable alternatives.
Tour Information Organizer (Planning & Operation) Machinovate Inc. (Brand: Snow Monkey Resorts) License No: Nagano Prefecture Governor Registration No. 2-562 Address: 2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Agent (Sales) H.I.S. Co., Ltd. License No: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Minimum number of participants: 2
Contact (Sales Office) Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309 Tel:+81-70-1735-1547(10:00-18:00, Weekdays only) Tour Operations Manager: Kyota Kasai (Responsible for transactions regarding this travel contract)
Terms and Conditions Please ensure you read and understand the following documents before booking: Travel Terms and Conditions (Organizer)