Nagano Snow Monkey and Obuse Tour: English Speaking Driver Only
Overview
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This 8-hour self-guided tour is perfect for travelers who want to visit the world-famous Snow Monkey Park and the charming town of Obuse at their own pace.
Your journey begins at JR Nagano Station, where you'll meet your English-speaking driver.
Your driver will take you to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can witness Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs
After your visit to the Snow Monkey Park, you may choose 3 to 4 sites to visit from the itinerary/what to expect list to visit.
After spending a few hours, your driver will take you back to JR Nagano Station.
Experience two of Nagano’s must-see destinations in one convenient day trip!
1: The driver can understand basic English, but communication may be limited. They will use a translation app if needed. Plan your itinerary in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
2: Monkeys don't soak in the hot spring in warm weather. They bathe in winter to prevent from the severe coldness.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Monkeys don't soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter.
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
What To Expect
Nagano
Your driver will meet you at JR Nagano Station and drive you to Kanbayashi Onsen, the starting point of the trail to the Snow Monkey Park. The journey takes approximately one hour.
Snow Monkey Park (jigokudani Yaen Koen)
The world-famous “Snow Monkey Park” is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River in northern Nagano where the troops of wild Japanese monkeys inhabit naturally through the ages. To access the monkey park, you must walk along a forest trail located at the top of Kanbayashi Onsen. Kanbayashi is small and the trail entrance is located next to the Snow Monkey Resort Information and Gift Shop. Pease note that entry tickets for the monkey park are not sold and there are no toilets. Tickets for the park are purchased at the park itself, at the end of the trail. When the weather is fine, this is an easy walk and it takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The trail to the park is 1.6 km / 1 mile in both directions. It is unsealed but well-maintained and other than a short staircase at the trail entrance and a final steep staircase and sloped path at the end of the trail / entrance to the park itself, the trail is completely level and easy to walk.
Options
Regular Car (Up to 3 Pax)
Regular Car (Up to 3 Pax) Pickup included
Van (Up to 8 Pax)
Van (Up to 8 Pax) Pickup included
Minivan (Up to 5 Pax)
Minivan (Up to 5 Pax) Pickup included
What‘s Included
Visit to 3 to 4 sites other than Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Private vehicle
English speaking driver: The driver can understand basic English, but communication may be limited
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
The entrance fee to Jigokudani Monkey Park: Adults 800 JPY, Children 400JPY JPY
Admission fee to Ganshoin Temple: Adults 500 JPY, Students (6-18) 200 JPY
Admission fee to Hokusai Kan Museum: Adults 1200 JPY, Students (Junior high and high school students) 500 JPY, Children 300 JPY
Admission fee to Takai Kozan Memorial Museum: Adults 300 JPY, Children 150 JPY
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day made easy by the assistance of the driver
julie m,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our driver made the day so easy. The Snow Monkey park is always so busy; we were dropped at the closest spot and he was there on our return. We stopped at Obuse which was lovely -
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency