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Nagano Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple and Sake Tasting Day Trip

Tokyo, JapanAbout 9 hours from NaganoGuided in English

See wild snow monkeys bathing in a mountain hot spring, visit the great temple of Zenko-ji and taste local sake, with a guide, transport and lunch.

About 9 hours from NaganoExplore at your own pace
Small groupKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • Wild snow monkeys bathing in a hot spring
  • A guided forest walk to the monkey park
  • Zenko-ji temple and its dark passage
  • Sake tasting at a local brewery
  • Lunch included

Full description

In a steep valley in the mountains of Nagano, wild Japanese macaques come down from the forest to soak in a steaming hot spring pool. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is the only place where they do this, and watching them sit in the water with snow in their fur is unforgettable. Reaching them takes a 30 to 40 minute walk along a forest trail, which your guide leads.

The day also includes Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s most important temples, where you can walk through a pitch-dark passage beneath the main hall in search of the ‘key to paradise’, and a visit to a local sake brewery to taste its sake. Lunch is included. The tour starts in Nagano, about 80 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen, so it makes a full day out from the capital.

Itinerary

  1. Meet in Nagano

    Meet your guide at Nagano Station in the morning.

  2. Zenko-ji

    Explore the temple with your guide.

  3. Lunch and sake

    Lunch and a tasting at a local brewery.

  4. Snow monkeys

    Walk the forest trail to the hot spring and watch the monkeys.

  5. Return

    Drop-off at Nagano Station in the late afternoon.

Included

  • English-speaking guide
  • Transport in Nagano on the tour
  • Lunch
  • Sake tasting
  • Monkey park entrance

Not included

  • Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano and back
  • Other drinks
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Nagano Station (the train from Tokyo takes about 80 minutes and is not included)The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • The monkeys are wild; sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, and bathing is most common in winter
  • The forest trail can be icy in winter; boots with good grip are essential
  • Never touch, feed or stare at the monkeys
  • Sake is served only to guests aged 20 and over

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this from Tokyo?

Yes. Take an early shinkansen to Nagano (about 80 minutes) and a late one back; we can suggest trains with your quote.

When is the best time to see the monkeys bathing?

December to March, when it is coldest and there is snow. They visit the pool all year, but bathe less in summer.

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