This is an exclusive private tour to the world-famous Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen) in Nagano Prefecture. Although it’s a popular sightseeing spot in Japan, it can be challenging for international tourists to visit from Tokyo due to its location. Now, our licensed and experienced English-speaking guide will take you into the fascinating world of Japanese macaques. You’ll also have the chance to experience Japan’s high-tech fast train, the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), on your way to Nagano Station. During the train ride, you can enjoy views of rural landscapes surrounded by mountains. If time allows, the guide can also take you to one of Japan’s most famous and important Buddhist temples, Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City (optional), or you can relax in a public hot spring bath (optional). The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for your convenience.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Certified English-speaking guide
✔ Round trip on the highway bus or local train (plus local bus) from Nagano to Snow Monkey Park
✔ Round trip tickets from and to your hotel to Tokyo Station
✔ Round trip tickets for Bullet Train (Non-reserved Class)
✔ Admission for Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
✖ Gratuity (optional)
✖ Lunch
Pickup Locations
1. Hotel Livemax Asakusabashi-eki Kitaguchi
2. The Aoyama Grand Hotel
3. Business Hotel Yamayuri
4. Fukuyoshi Ryokan
5. APA Hotel Nihombashi Bakuroyokoyama Ekimae
6. MONday Apart Ueno Shin Okachimachi
7. ICI HOTEL UENO SHINOKACHIMACHI
8. Okachimachi Station Hotel
9. Hotel Wing International Select Ueno Okachimachi
10. Section L Yushima
11. Toyoko Inn Tokyo Akiba Asakusabashi-eki Higashi-guchi
12. Ueno Touganeya Hotel
13. Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno Okachimachi
14. Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo
15. Sakura Cross Hotel Ueno Okachimachi
16. The Keikyu EX Inn Akihabara
17. Pegasus
18. Tokyo Ueno New Izu Hotel
19. Jing House Akihabara
20. Hotel Livemax Akasaka GANDE
Additional Info: Please note that the actual pick-up time varies depending on the location of your hotel. If your hotel is not listed, we may still be able to pick you up for an additional cost.
Itinerary
1
Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba
The tour guide will pick you up at most hotels in central Tokyo. If your hotel is not listed, please let us know, and we might still be able to arrange a pick-up.
From Tokyo Station, we together take the Bullet Train bound for Nagano. Let's enjoy super comfortable Japanese highspeed train taking approx 1.5 hours.
After being picked up from your hotel in central Tokyo, you'll embark on an exciting ride on Japan's high-speed Shinkansen, also known as the Bullet Train, from Tokyo Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes. On a clear day, you might catch a stunning view of Mt. Fuji through the train windows, making the experience even more memorable.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Nagano
After getting off the bullet train, we will take either highway bus or local train to Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen). While traveling by bus or train, you can enjoy scenic views of the beautiful rural landscapes, surrounded by mountains, in Nagano Prefecture.
The highway bus directly takes you to near the entrance of the trail that leads you to Snow Monkey Park. By train, it will reach to a small local hotsprings town called Yudanaka. From Yodanaka, you will take a local bus that takes you to the entrance of the trail.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Yudanaka Onsen
We will take a pleasant 40-minute walk on the trail that lead you to the park. In winter, trail is covered with snow and ice, so mountain boots or proper gears need to be required.
**Caution**
The trail is an unpaved mountain path with steep stairs. In winter, the entire trail is often heavily covered with snow and ice. We recommend wearing mountain boots or waterproof shoes equipped with ice spikes (detachable ice spikes can be purchased at the shop). Walking poles or snow sticks are also recommended.
Duration: 40 minutes
4
Snow Monkey Park (jigokudani Yaen Koen)
Experience the world-famous Snow Monkey Park, known as one of the few places in the world where wild monkeys (Japanese macaques) enjoy soaking in outdoor hot spring baths.
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Yudanaka Onsen
After visiting the Snow Monkey Park, the guide will take you to a local restaurant or café for lunch. (Lunch and drinks are not included.)
Duration: 60 minutes
6
Zenko-ji Temple
Zenkoji Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Japan. Its massive wooden buildings and gates are stunningly beautiful and awe-inspiring. The main approach to the temple is a long road lined with shops offering crafts and souvenirs.
(Visiting Zenkoji Temple is optional. If you wish to spend more time at Snow Monkey Park, the visit to Zenkoji Temple will be omitted.)
Duration: 40 minutes
7
Nagano
You will take the Bullet Train on your way to Tokyo, enjoying a 90-minute Shinkansen ride. After arriving at Tokyo Station, the guide will accompany you back to your hotel in Tokyo.
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• A subway or local JR train will be used after picking you up at your hotel, and the same applies for the drop-off service.
• For those who choose the Japan Rail Pass Holder option, a Bullet Train ticket must be purchased on your own if the Japan Rail Pass is expired or invalid.
• Please prepare rain and snow gear, such as umbrella or a raincoat, in case of bad weather.
• If your hotel is situated outside our designated pick-up range and alternative transportation, such as a subway, is not feasible, guests are responsible for covering the fare. This includes the cost for both the guide's transportation to the first destination and from the last destination back to your hotel.
• Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.
• The tour involves a significant amount of walking outdoors in snowy and icy conditions. During the snow season, we recommend wearing mountain boots or appropriate footwear.
• Remaining time will be allotted for pick up and travel time in between the attractions .
