Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Starting with pickups from multiple locations, the tour begins at 08:40 from the Akakura Hot Spring Sightseeing Information Center, followed by the Shin-Akakura bus stop, and Hotel Madarao. From there, travel towards the Snow Monkey Park. Upon arrival around 10:30, your guide will lead you along the scenic forest trail into Jigokudani—aptly named ‘Hell’s Valley’ due to its steamy volcanic activity.

4 hours • Admission Included

After exiting the park, enjoy a delicious winter hotpot lunch made from fresh, local ingredients; Expect a satisfying meal that showcases the flavors of Nagano. For those who wish to try local wines, sake, and beer, you can order and pay directly at the counter to enjoy the spirits of Nagano.

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Round-trip transportation from Myoko Kogen & Madarao Kogen.

English-speaking guide

Guided sake tasting

Lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)

Entry to the Snow Monkey Park

Options

From Akakura Sightseeing Cntr

Meetup location: The meetup is at the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center at 08:40 Look for a guide holding a Snow Monkey Resort sign
Starting point:
Akakura Onsen, 585-1 Akakura, Myoko, Niigata 949-2111, Japan

From Hotel Madarao Kogen

Meetup location: Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30.
Starting point:
Madarao Kogen Hotel, 11492-321 Iiyama, Nagano 389-2257, Japan

From Akakura Kanko Resort Bus

Meetup location: Meet up at Akakura Kanko Resort Bus Stop at 08:50. Make sure to look for a guide holding a Snow Monkey Resorts Sign
Starting point:
216 Tagiri, Myoko, Niigata 949-2102, Japan

Reviews

5.00

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Perfect Day in Nagano – Don’t miss this!
Diana R,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had an incredible day with Dillon! We started at the Snow Monkeys and we arrived right as they were being fed. We saw so many of them and got some amazing photos! After an extremely delicious lunch, we visited Zenkoji Temple. Dillon was knowledgeable about the history and significance of the temple, which made the visit much more meaningful. We finished the day with a fantastic sake tasting. Throughout the entire trip, Dillon was extremely nice, patient, and informative. He really looked after us and made the whole experience seamless. We highly recommend booking with him!
Nagano variety
Dean C,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nice variety of sights in a quieter Japan. Shawn was friendly, knowledgeable and very attentive. The sake tasting was interesting and the information was accessible which made it even more enjoyable. Expect a healthy turnout at the monkey spectating, but it didn’t cause delay or inability to get close and take some photos. Our group had a great time.
Great guide
reagany2026,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Dillon was a fantastic guide! I had so much fun learning about the history of Zenkoji Temple, trying different kinds of sake, and visiting the snow monkeys. Would highly recommend!
Lovely day out
patricksT6343DF,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely day out guided by Kei. She was extra kind and caring for our 5 year old. Geting to the snow monkeys with pre booked tickets before the crowd was too large saved us a lot of hassle.
Awesome trip
N8441XQameliat,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great tour, Shauun was very helpful and always there to assist in everything. He was also very knowledgeable on the history and we had a great time. Thank you.