Nagano, Japan
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Unique experiences
Infant
Adult
Day trips & Excursions
Child
Senior
Teenager
sake
FromNAGOYA
Nagano, Japan
Product Code: A-1346
Confirm within 3 working days
Voucher and the confirmation email will be sent within 1 minute.
Duration 1day(s)
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.
Options
Join in day Tour
From
¥19,800
* The amount is subjected to the payment page.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.
- 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).
(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562) Snow Monkey Resorts Tours 2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan Tel: (+81)26-219-6272 Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara
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.
- 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
Price Details
Lunch
English guide
Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park and between activities / attractions
Snow Monkey Park entrance fee
Guided tour at Zenkoji, 'sake'-tasting and at the monkey park
Additional food, snacks & drinks
Optional entrance fee to the inner sanctuary of Zenkoji Temple
Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets
Accommodation
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- 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.
Important Booking Information
- A minimum of 2 participants is required to book this tour.
Walking & Accessibility: The park requires 1.6km walking each way on an unsealed forest trail. Wear appropriate footwear. Not wheelchair accessible. Contact us before booking if you have mobility concerns.
Transport: Tours use microbuses, coaches, or trains depending on season and group size.
Winter Conditions (mid-Dec to early-Apr): Expect snow and ice on trails. Wear warm clothing for temperatures down to -10°C and sturdy boots. Rental boots and crampons available near the park.
Monkeys: These are wild animals. While monkeys commonly bathe in winter, spring-to-autumn sightings vary. We cannot guarantee monkeys will be in the hot spring or present at the park.
- Winter Hakuba Shuttle (Dec-Mar only): Available from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, Happo Bus Terminal, and Base Camp Echoland. Not available daily. Guide joins at Nagano Station.
- Tour End Time: Scheduled for 17:30 at Nagano Station (18:45 for Hakuba guests). Winter weather may cause delays. Book shinkansen departures from 18:00 or later.
- Meals & Drinks: Lunch location and menu vary by season. Sake tasting included (must be 20+). Infant meals (ages 0-5) ordered separately at restaurant; lap seating may be required.
- Other: Booking closes one hour before departure. Itinerary subject to change due to weather, events, or availability. Hakuba guests arrange their own transport from drop-off points to accommodations.
Cancellation Policy
Policy
Full refund for cancellations made at least 10 days before the tour date
80% refund for cancellations made 7–9 days before the tour date
70% refund for cancellations made 1–6 days before the tour date
50% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours before the tour start time
No refund for cancellations made after the tour start time or for no-shows
Location
Meeting Point Info
Hotel Kokusai 21
Agata 576 Nagano City Nagano Prefecture, 380-0838 Japan
Note:
Meet up time: 09:10. Please wait at the entrance of the hotel lobby. This is a group tour with multiple pickup points to follow. Please ensure you are at the hotel entrance prior to the meeting time - as the guide will not have time to wait or have reception call you room
PATIO DAIMON / ZENKOJI AREA
380-0841 Nagano, Daimoncho−５７−2
Note:
The meetup point is outside of the restaurant called 'Monzen Terrace Enya'. Please stand on the wooden decking / outdoor seating area directly in front of the restaurant and be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Please also ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 10:00.
(Winter Only: Until 31 March 2026) HAKUBA TSUGAIKEKOGEN HEIGHTS BUS STOP, TSUGAIKE AREA
Chikuniko, Otari, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9422, Japan
Note:
Please wait at the Tsugaikekogen Heights Bus Stop in the Tsugaike area of Hakuba. This is a group tour with multiple pickup points to follow. Make sure you arrive before 07:20 and look for the guide carrying a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign or badge. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart on-time, so please be punctual to ensure a smooth departure.
(Winter Only: Until 31 March 2026) HAKUBA TOKYU HOTEL, WADANO AREA
4688 Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301
Note:
Please wait at the entrance of the hotel lobby. This is a group tour with multiple pickup points to follow. Please ensure you are at the hotel entrance prior to the meeting time and look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart on-time. Pick up time: 07:40
(Winter Only: Until 31 March 2026) HAKUBA HAPPO BUS TERMINAL, HAPPO AREA
〒399-9301 Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Hakuba, 大字北城八方5734-1
Note:
Please wait inside the bus terminal and stay warm. Several tours operate from the bus terminal be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're joining the correct tour. Please ensure you are at the terminal before the meeting time. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart on-time. Pick up time: 07:55
(Winter Only: Until 31 March 2026) BUS LOT NEXT TO HOTEL LA VIGNE, ECHOLAND AREA
MRVV+6WH Hakuba, Nagano, Japan
Note:
Please wait at the bus lot directly next to La Vigne Hakuba, not at the hotel entrance. This is a group tour with multiple pickup points to follow. Make sure you arrive before 08:10 and look for the guide carrying a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign or badge. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart on-time, so please be punctual to ensure a smooth departure.