1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
This adventurous one-day tour combines a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani with morning of fun in the deep powder snow of Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort! Including lunch and led by a locally-based, English-speaking guide, this tour follows a simple equation: snow monkeys + lots more snow = big fun in Shiga Kogen!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Guests are required to walk in and out of the monkey park along a 1.6km / 1 mile trail. In winter, the trail and park will be affected by snow and ice. This walk should not be attempted by anyone who is mobility impaired, in a wheelchair or cannot confidently walk an extended distance over snow and ice. If you have concerns about you or a member of your group's ability to handle the conditions, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
This tour does not include skiing or snowboarding, nor is there the time to arrange your own skiing and snowboarding while at the resort.
There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park or that the monkeys leave the park early. While this is unlikely to happen, it is possible and is outside of our control.
While unlikely, should weather or road conditions make it impossible to access Shiga Kogen, we would switch the activity to a visit to Zenko-ji Temple. As we cannot confirm weather conditions until the day of the tour, we would not be able to notify guests of the change in advance.
Infants (0-5) are free of charge. (No tour meal is included. Please order foods directly from the restaurant.)
This tour is insured however as the guest, you are required to have your own travel insurance which covers snow activities including riding chairlifts and using snowdrives, snowscoots, sleds, and tubes. Please confirm that your insurance policy covers this activity prior to the tour.
The temperature in the Shiga Highlands in the winter is cold and can be minus 5 – 10 degrees. Dress in warm, waterproof clothing and boots for snow activities. Snow outfits (snow jackets, pants, gloves, snow boots) are available to rent for ¥500 each. Crampons may be purchased at Snow Monkey Park, if needed.
Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
You will be transported to the central area of Shiga Kogen for a morning of snow fun, with an activity area sectioned-off for you to enjoy using snowscoots, snowdrives, and good old-fashioned sleds and tubes. While at the resort you will also have time for lunch a restaurant next to the ski fields - included in the price of the tour.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Meet these truly curious creatures and have time to enjoy the unique experience of observing them in close proximity. Your guide will introduce you to everything that makes them so unique and famous while giving you plenty of time to explore for yourself. Please note that estimated time at the monkey park includes walking in and out along the forest trail - 1.6km each way / 25 minutes each way in summer, slightly longer in winter. We endeavor to give our guests 1 hour in the park to observe the monkeys.
What‘s Included
Snow activity fees in Shiga Kogen
Lunch
English-speaking guide
Entry fee to the Snow Monkey Park
Transportation from your desired meetup point to all tour destinations and back.
Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets to / from Nagano
Rental clothing including snow jackets, pants, and boots
Additional snacks, food & drinks
Accommodation
Skiing or snowboarding at Shiga Kogen
Options
Start from Shibu Onsen
Meeting Point Shibu Onsen: The meetup point is in front of the Shibu Onsen Visitor Centre at 10:25
Start from Kanbayashi Area
Start from Nagano Station
Meeting Point Nagano Station: In front of the Information Board at 08:45 Nagano Station across the Shinkansen ticket gates.
Starting point:
Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan
Start from Yudanaka Station
Meeting Point: Yudanaka Stn: Please wait on or near the stairs of Yudanaka Station on the side with ticket gates and office at 9:50
Starting point:
Yudanaka Station, Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Reviews
90 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect Day with Amazing Guides, 1000% Recommend!
asZ3189SZ,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot say enough wonderful things about our Snow Fun / Snow Monkey Tour! We absolutely loved the itinerary—from having fun sledding and enjoying a delicious traditional Japanese lunch to snapping hundreds of photos of the sweet snow monkeys running around us. Every moment was memorable. The staff truly went above and beyond to take care of us from start to finish. They were responsive and helpful with my questions both by email and in person, our bus driver was friendly and safe, and our guides immediately felt more like friends than staff. A huge thank you to Joyce, Nadine, and Orlando! It was such a pleasure meeting you, and we wish you all the best. As a bonus, when I asked for a dinner recommendation afterwards, we were directed to Mountain Q (about 10 minutes from Nagano Station). It was such a neat experience, and the Hawaiian food was fabulous! We had a perfect day filled with special memories that we will truly treasure forever.
DON’T SKIP THIS TOUR! WORTH EVERY PENNY!
rhiannonk376,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the BEST tour we’ve ever done! So well organized and it was the first time we actually felt like our money was well-spent. From the pick up to the drop off, everything was perfect! Bus was comfortable, Tour guide (Kei) was attentive/welcoming & entertaining throughout. Snow gear was provided free of charge if needed (jacket/pants/goggles/boots & gloves) which was a huge help, as we thought we had to hire that stuff separately and were stressing about it. Even the included lunch was one of the best meals we’d had in Japan! We got to participate in snow activities (tobogganing etc) in the morning before heading to the monkey park, which was a lovely surprise! Our visit to the Monkey park itself was made much more seamless and enjoyable by being on a tour, as we got dropped off to the entrance and was able to skip the big queues.
Wonderful, unique visit
meiwenti-lg,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family of four took this tour in late December. The tour was well organized. Our guide, Dillion, was knowledgeable, helpful and conversational. In other words he was the perfect guide one can find. We had so much fun and wonderful sight of the cute monkeys bathing in Onsen. Strongly recommend! I also recommend bringing or renting crampon for walking safely on the icy trail.
Wonderful all inclusive snow monkey tour.
Paradise331435,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dylan was our guide for the day. He was very knowledgable and affable. Kids really enjoyed the snow play and snow monkeys. Lunch was delicious and plentiful. Highly recommend!
Great tour, wonderful guide!
Lenore M,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My friend who lives in Japan and I (visiting) had an incredible time on this tour! Our guide, Dylan, was extremely knowledgeable about the region, as well as patient and kind, and did an incredible job leading our group and ensuring we all were comfortable and enjoying our time. The tour was well-paced and all the activities were truly memorable. We loved the time spent at the snow park, the lunch was delicious, and the snow monkeys were incredible! The bus was also very comfortable and all communication was top notch. Highly recommended experience! And thank you, Dylan, for your friendliness, organization, and knowledge!
A good tour on a sunny day
LiYu M,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a well organized tour and Jens was a great guide. The snow fun experience was more suited for families with kids less than 13 but my teenagers made the most of it and had fun on a beautiful sunny day. Lunch was a traditional hotpot with a few sushi rolls and a few bits of tempura— a good enough portion. Extra beverages were available for purchase. The hike to the snow monkey park was beautiful but a bit slippery given the snow the day before. Crampons were available for rental. The snow monkeys were a delight to see. Overall a good experience and the tour company organized it well.
Family friendly snow fun
glennl399,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guides Kevin and Dylan were very informative and lively. They made effort to interact with the tour group and made sure we were well taken care of. The pace of the tour was comfortable as we had enough time for both attractions.
My birthday tour
870janea,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful tour with our energetic guide Kevin and his very supportive partner guide Dylan. They made the tour more interesting and fun. We had a magical birthday tour, superb fun time in the snow, sumptuous lunch, all in all - super fun! Again thank you guys!
10/10 experience!!!!
AussieKatie84,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kevin made the experience seamless and very enjoyable. He was full of information and extremely helpful with going the extra mile in us booking a tour the following day. The snow play & snow monkeys were the best!!!! Plenty of time at both. Excellent day for both adults & kids. The lunch they provided was amazing & catered for my ceoliac husband. 10/10 day!!!!!!!!
Wonderful! Snow Monkey!
almonda157,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our tour guide, Kevin. Your professionalism and expertise made our journey enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for making this experience so wonderful!
Related Experiences
Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)