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, where the guide will say their goodbyes (guests returning to Hakuba will then be shuttled back to Hakuba with an estimated arrival time of 18:30-18:45)*.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Morning: Sacred Legends at Zenkoji Temple Explore one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist sites with a local expert. Your journey begins at Nagano Station (09:35), where your guide leads you to the spiritual heart of the region. As a registered National Treasure, Zenkoji is home to a "Secret Buddha" so sacred it is hidden from public view.
The Guided Experience: Discover the 1,400-year history and hidden myths of the main hall. Your Free Time: Use your leisure time to browse traditional shops or experience the temple's most unique ritual. Pro Tip: If you're feeling adventurous during your free time, your guide can show you where to enter the "Key to Paradise" (Okaidan Meguri). This optional experience takes you into a pitch-black tunnel beneath the altar to search for a "key" to salvation (small entry fee applies).
Midday: Sake Tasting & Seasonal Nagano Flavors Delve into Japan’s most famous beverage at a historic local brewery. Nagano’s pristine mountain water makes it the perfect home for world-class sake. Your guide will lead you through a curated tasting, introducing you to the complex flavor profiles and brewing techniques of the region.
The Lunch: Settle in for a meal designed to highlight Nagano’s renowned food culture. Seasonal Menus: Enjoy warming hot pots in winter or fresh mountain vegetables during the spring and autumn months. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Afternoon: The Snow Monkeys of Hell’s Valley Observe the world’s only troop of macaques known to bathe in hot springs. After lunch, we head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. A peaceful 1.6km (1 mile) forest trail leads you into the dramatic "Hell’s Valley," where no barriers separate you from the wild monkeys.
Up-Close Observation: Watch the troop soak, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Expert Insights: Your guide provides deep context on the troop's social structures—don’t forget your camera for those iconic close-range shots!
Your guide will introduce these truly curious creatures and provide you time to enjoy the unique experience of observing them in close proximity. Make sure to bring your camera as you`re going to need it!
The Return Journey Relax on our private transport as we head back toward the city. The tour concludes at Nagano Station at around 17:30. For winter guests joining from Hakuba, our dedicated shuttle continues onward with an estimated arrival between 18:30 and 18:45.
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
Emergency Contact (Day of Tour) For immediate assistance on the day of your tour, please contact the local operator, Machinovate Inc., directly: Tel: (+81) 26-219-6272
Contact (Sales Office) Address: Sumitomo Fudosan Shinjuku Central Park Bldg. 11F 6-13-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 JAPAN 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)