1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenkoji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan - followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's then time to head to the Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys! All led by a locally-based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer and get up close and personal with its most famous furry residents!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including to and from the monkey park along a 1.6km (1 mile), unsealed forest trail. Please sure your footwear is appropriate and you are dressed accordingly for the season. The trail includes 2 different staircases, and therefore is not wheelchair accessible.
Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time. There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park.
This tour uses different forms of transport. Tours can be conducted by microbus or a large bus depending on the season and size of the group.
From mid-December until early-April the trail and park are likely to be affected by snow and ice. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable shoes/boots and warm clothing. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons (metal spikes that attach underneath your shoes/boots) can also be purchased. From mid-December until early-March please wear suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C).
During the winter it is common to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring however from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath.
There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park, arrive late or leave early. While this is unlikely, it is possible and is outside of our control.
*Winter only* Guests in Hakuba can join this tour using our shuttle service from / to Hakuba Tokyu Hotel in Wadano and Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. This service is only available from mid December until end of March and may not be available every day between those dates. We apologize that bookings from / to Hakuba cannot be accepted outside of these dates. When using this shuttle service please note that your guide will join and depart the tour at Nagano Station.
*Winter only* This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nagano Station by 17:30 (and by 19:00 for guests joining from Hakuba in winter). However, due to weather and road conditions in winter we cannot guarantee the end time. For guests booking shinkansen tickets to travel to Tokyo after the tour in winter, we ask that you do not book any service earlier than the 17:56 Kagayaki (reservation only) or our recommendation of the 18:23 Hakutaka. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations we also recommend doing so for times of 18:00 or later.
This tour includes lunch at one of Nagano's outstanding restaurants. Please note that the restaurant may change their menu from time-to-time. Please let us know of any food allergies in advance so we can arrange accordingly.
This tour includes ‘sake’ tasting. You must be a minimum of 20 years of age to consume alcohol in Japan.
Infants (0-5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order will be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs.
Train schedule from Tokyo station to Nagano station| Tokyo: 07:20 –> Nagano: 08:43 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Tokyo: 07:24 –> Nagano: 09:14 by Asama| Tokyo: 07:52 –> Nagano: 09:30 by Hakutaka
Train schedule from Nagano station to Tokyo station| Nagano: 17:55 –> Tokyo: 19:20 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Nagano: 18:22 –> Tokyo: 20:00 by Hakutaka
Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors.
Please note that it is the responsibility of each guest to secure their own way back to their specific hotel after being dropped off at one of the four possible drop off points in Hakuba during the winter period, as our large bus cannot drop off at individual accommodations.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hakuba shuttle service (winter only)
Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available, please try to let us know in advance)
Snow Monkey Park entry fee
English-speaking guide
Transportation to and between all activities/attractions
Sake tasting
Shinkansen/bullet train tickets
Entry to paid attractions at Zenko-ji
Additional food, snacks and drinks
What To Expect
Zenko-ji Temple
As one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in Japan, Zenko-ji is the spiritual heart of Nagano. The temple's near-1400 year history is full of legend and myth which your guide will help you unlock as they guide you around the temple precinct followed by free time (time-permitting).
Nishimon Yoshinoya
Home to a huge number of breweries, Nagano is synonymous with sake and no visit to the region is complete without delving into Japan’s most famous beverage. Your guide will treat you to sake tasting and introduce you to the fascinating world of this classic Japanese beverage.
Options
Start from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
Hakuba Tokyu Hotel: Join this tour from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel. Departing at 7:45 AM, our staff will be holding a Snow Monkey Resorts sign
Starting point:
Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, 4688 Hokujō, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Start from Tsugaike
Join from Tsugaike Kogen: Join from the Tsugaikekogen Heights bus stop. Departing at 7:20 AM, our staff will be holding a Snow Monkey Resorts sign
Starting point:
Tsugaike Kogen, Chikuniko, Otari, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9422, Japan
Start from Nagano Station
Meeting Point Nagano Station: Nagano Station at the Information Board, directly across from the shinkansen (bullet train) ticket gates at 09:35
Starting point:
Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan
Start from Happo Bus Terminal
Happo Bus Terminal Hakuba: Join this tour from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. Departing at 7:55 AM, our staff will be holding a Snow Monkey Resorts sign
Starting point:
Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal / Happo Information Center, Japan, 399-9301 Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Hakuba, Hokujō, 大字北城八方5734-1
Start From Nagano Station
Meetup location: Nagano Station at the Information Board, directly across from the shinkansen (bullet train) ticket gates at 09:00
Starting point:
Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan
Start from La Vigne, Echoland
Join this tour from the bus lot next to La Vigne. Departing at 8:10 AM, our staff will be holding a Snow Monkey Resorts sign
Starting point:
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin, 1116 3020 Hokujō, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Reviews
901 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
HIROSHI, Japanese hero !
Lester M,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00HIROSHI WAS INCREDIBLE. THE BEST TOUR GUIDE EVER. We enjoyed our time in Japan because of Hiroshi ! We saw many snow monkeys because of him
Monkeys Temple and sake
Venture44169213666,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Trip was great and enjoyed the monkeys sake and temple The guide was great and knows his stuff Made the trip one to remember
Excellent Snow Monkeys
Kirsten W,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour to the Snow Monkeys with Kei. Kei was an excellent guide sharing all types of information about each part of the tour from the temple to the best places to sample speciality food and the amazing sake. The lunch was the best we have had so far in Japan! We loved the snow monkeys and felt very privileged to see to many. Highly recommended!!!!!
Tour of Obuse and Hokusai museum
Clifford S,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great tour with Nadine. She is an artist resident in Japan and native English speaker. She was amazingly knowledgable about Hokusai and Obuse and it was a very illuminating tour. The lunch in a local Japanese restaurant was delicious and we also enjoyed the local chestnut specialities. Would highly recommend.
An Informative and Engaging Tour
Scenic591816,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Kay, was informative, enthusiastic and engaged. Her companion trainee guide was likewise a great communicator and provided some wonderful insights, particularly around rural Japanese life and also religious practices. We can thoroughly recommend this tour.
Excellent tour
Ronerjoner,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an excellent tour. Our guide, Yama (Sorry if I have the spelling wrong!) was great. Really friendly and knowledgeable. The pace was just right, with enough time at each location. The lunch provided was traditional Japanese and really tasty. The snow monkey park is the last stop of the day. We were lucky to see absolutely loads of monkeys, maybe over 100. The weather was reasonably warm, considering it was the end of October, so there wasn't any snow, but a few of the monkeys were in the spring washing. Overall I'd recommend as its really well organised and a great day. We did it as a day trip from Tokyo and caught the Shinkasen there and back.
Great day with many highlights
Angie M,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice day. Lovely lunch. Tour guide was excellent and informative. We got to see some monkeys so it was very special.
An unforgettable day in Nagano — Snow Monkeys, Culture, and Sake!
Eric K,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Japan! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and thoughtfully paced. Our guide was not only friendly and knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about sharing the beauty and history of Nagano. The day began with a peaceful visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important temples. Prior, I wasn't familiar with Zenko-ji Temple. However, walking through the ancient wooden gates and learning about its centuries-old traditions was fascinating. Our guide explained everything in a way that made the experience come alive, from the hidden passage of enlightenment to the spiritual rituals still practiced today. My only regret is that I did not have the opportunity to walk the hidden passage of enlightenment (the line was pretty long). However, this gives me a reason to return to Nagano on a future trip to Japan! After Zenko-ji Temple, we visited a local sake brewery, where we got to sample several varieties of sake and learn about the brewing process. I now know a thing or two to look for on the label when enjoying sake. It was the perfect way to warm up after the mountain chill! After enjoying a delightful lunch featuring local specialties, we headed to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The Park truly lived up to the hype! Watching the snow monkeys relaxing in the natural hot springs surrounded by a serene mountain landscape was magical — like stepping into a postcard. I was especially surprised by how close we were to the monkeys. I expected to only be able to see them in the distance. However, the monkeys weren't shy. Indeed, they seemed completely unphased by our presence. I especially appreciated our tour's flexibility with respect to drop-off point. Nagano Station, which is about a 50-minute drive from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, was the official drop-off location. However, I was staying in Yudanaka(Shibu Onsen), which is only about 3 km from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The tour dropped me off at Yudanaka, saving me about 1200 yen and two hours of travel time! By the end of the day, I felt like I’d experienced the very best of Nagano — its natural beauty, deep cultural roots, and local craftsmanship. This tour is a must for anyone visiting Japan who wants to see something beyond the big cities. Highly recommended for travelers who love culture, nature, and authentic experiences!
Temples & snow monkeys and Sake!
HelgaMelga,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole day was great. The temple visit coincided with a procession of priests with banners, music and chanting. Quite a spectacle! The temple/shrine is one of the largest sites we visited and there was a lot to see. Sake tasting followed…… 11 in total! Then onto the coach for the journey into the mountains. Lunch was provided at a beautiful hotel/restaurant which was traditional Japanese and delicious. Then came the hike up the trail to see the monkeys. We were not disappointed! There were so many in the area - maybe 70+. They are very used to people and ignored us and our cameras clicking! We even saw them bathing in the hot springs pool. (Not guaranteed) All in all a really great experience.
Great tour, very informative guide and awesome lunch!
LARA K,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great Tour Guide who has lived in Japan for over 30 years now. He could explain everything really well from an expats or foreigners viewpoint as well as from a Japanese one. The bus was really comfortable and the lunch was one of the best I had in Japan so far. They also catered to a vegan diet and allergy restrictions, which was super nice. The sake tasting was short but with a lot of information and 6 different sakes to try (optionally without alcohol) which was nice :) The snow monkeys were really cute and I am glad I did not go up the mountain in winter, because some walking and lots of stairs lead up to the hot spring (onzen).
Related Experiences
Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)