Snow Monkey Tour
The world famous Jigokudani wild monkey park is home to about 200 wild monkeys who spend their days soaking in the natural hot springs, keeping warm from the harsh winter. The park was opened in 1964 and is considered to be the only place in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in the wild. The hike to the hot-springs takes approx. 30 minutes each way.
Departing from the monkey park we then make our way to the historic town of Obuse, home to the famous Japanese artist Hokusai and Masuichi Sake Brewery. Lunch is a delicious set course traditional Japanese meal with a choice of main courses including dessert and glass of Sake. The next stop is Nagano City home to Zenkoji Temple, designated a national treasure and has a history of over 1400 years. It is one of Japan's most revered temples and houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th century. The streets surrounding the temple are lined with lantern lit shops and tiered roofed stalls, souvenir shops and galleries
Tour Dates
2025.12.20 (Sat) – 2026.3.30 (Mon)
** December – February: Every day except 1st Jan
** March: Operational on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Tour cost
** Children 2 years or younger are free to join the tour, however, will receive no lunch and will share the bus seat with the parent. Baby seats cannot be provided by the bus company.
** Inclusive of: lunch, transport, Monkey Park entrance fee, and an English-speaking guide. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Obuse.
Tour Itinerary
Note:
** Tsugaike pickup is available on weekdays for BUS 1 only. Guests staying in the Tsugaike area who are travelling on BUS 2 or on weekends are kindly requested to make their own way to the Happo Bus Terminal to join the tour.
** Multiple buses may operate during busy periods. If the first bus is fully booked, a second bus may depart 30 minutes later from all stops (except Tsugaike).
**Make sure that the everyone arrives at the exact time and place of the meeting. If you bring a travel document that differs from the booked time, your participation in the tour is not guaranteed.
** Optional drop-off is available near Nagano Station for guests wishing to continue to Tokyo by Shinkansen after the tour. Suitcases and other luggage can be stored in the bus luggage compartment during the tour.
** Minimum numbers of participants: 17 pax
In case the minimum number of participants has not been reached by 5:00 p.m.one day before the tour date, the tour will be cancelled, and customers may choose refund or allocation to another date
Pick-up and drop-off point
** No voucher needs to be presented at the check-in procedure.
** Please click the picture below to see the exact google map location
Other information
- The walk from the bus drop-off point to Monkey Park takes approximately 40 minutes each way along a forest trail. Please ensure that customers are informed in advance to wear non-slip footwear or winter boots, as the path is often covered with snow and can be slippery. Warm clothing, gloves, and a beanie are also strongly recommended due to the cold conditions. Winter boots are available for rent at the Monkey Park souvenir shop. Snow spikes will be provided by us upon request at no extra charge.
- Adult lunch includes a hot pot meal (beef, fish, or vegetarian), seasonal side dishes, chestnut rice, pickles, apple slices, and local sake tasting. Children’s meals include karaage chicken, pasta, rice ball, fries, egg dish, and apple slices.
- Guests may leave the tour at Zenkoji Temple. Drop-off near Nagano Station may be available depending on traffic conditions. Luggage can be stored on the bus during the tour.
- Tour dates may be changed free of charge, subject to availability. Please contact us by email or phone no later than the day before the tour.
Snow Monkey Tour Cancellation Policy
• If notice of cancellation is received 2 day or more prior to the tour date: No charge
• If notice of cancellation is received before the tour commences on the tour date: 50%
• If notice of cancellation is received after the tour commences or no show: 100% Cancellation notification out of business hours need to be sent by e-mail to [email protected]
In case of cancellation of the tour after commencement due to natural disaster or accident, refund will not be provided