Nagano Snow Monkey Park & Zenkoji Private Tour

About This Experience

Discover the beauty and culture of Nagano on a private guided day trip to some of the region's most iconic attractions.

The journey starts at Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its wild Japanese macaques — the snow monkeys — that relax in natural hot springs in a quiet forest valley. A scenic walk through the park brings you close to these animals in their natural habitat.

You then continue to the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important and ancient Buddhist temples with more than 1,400 years of history. Walk the temple grounds, explore the traditional shopping street leading to it, and take in the atmosphere of this well-known pilgrimage site.

The tour can also include optional stops such as Shibu Onsen, a hot spring town of narrow streets and traditional ryokans, and Obuse, a picturesque town known for chestnut sweets, old streets and the Hokusai Museum dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai.

Highlights

• Marvel at the snow monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs
• Explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, a famous pilgrimage site
• Stroll through the temple grounds and traditional shopping street
• Visit Shibu Onsen, a charming hot spring town with narrow streets
• Discover Obuse, a picturesque town famous for chestnut sweets

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Start

   Pickup in Tokyo

   Private vehicle pickup in Tokyo for the drive to Nagano.

2. 2 hours

   Jigokudani Monkey Park

   Guided visit, walk and photo stops among the snow monkeys.

3. 1.5 hours

   Zenko-ji Temple

   Visit, walk and time on the traditional shopping street.

4. 1.5 hours

   Shibu Onsen

   Guided visit and sightseeing in the hot spring town.

5. Optional

   Obuse & Hokusai Museum

   Optional guided stops with an extra fee, around 1 hour each.

6. End

   Return to Tokyo

   Drop-off back in Tokyo.

Pickup Information

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tokyo are included.
• Check availability on the booking partner's page for exact pickup details and starting times.

Important Information

• The tour involves walking through natural and historic sites
• Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended
• Optional stops may require additional entrance fees

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation — cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see snow monkeys outside winter?

The macaques live in the valley year round, and the park visit is part of the tour in every season; the hot spring bathing is most photogenic in colder months.

How long is the drive to Nagano?

The drive from Tokyo takes around an hour of the day's schedule to the first area, with the full tour lasting about 10 hours.

Are park entry tickets included?

Yes. Entry to Jigokudani Monkey Park and the Zenko-ji temple area is included.

How much walking is involved?

The day includes walking through natural and historic sites, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.