Private Tour
Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts
(Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City.
On this tour, you will visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture.
Guests will also have a chance to stroll the charming streets of the historic town of Obuse, and enjoy viewing its remaining Edo period buildings, as well as explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan.
A Sake tasting experience with detailed explanations from your guide is also included(non-alcoholic options available).
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Enjoy Traditional Japanese lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture.
Private transportation
Guided tour at Zenko-ji Temple & Obuse Town
Private Tour guide
Sake Tasting
Snow Monkey Park entry tickets
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Once your tour begins, you will board our private tour vehicle and leave the city behind as you are transported to the Snow Monkey Park, located in the onsen town Yudanaka at the foot of the mountains. Your guide will take you along the forest trail which leads to the park and into Jigokudani - rather dramatically translating to 'Hell's Valley'. Home to the only troop of monkeys in the entire world known to bathe in hot springs, there are no barriers separating you from the wild monkeys, making this a unique and memorable experience. Your guide will introduce these truly curious creatures and provide you time to enjoy the unique experience of observing them in close proximity. Make sure to bring your camera as you`re going to need it!
Your guide will then accompany you back along the trail to nearby Hotarutei for a well-deserved lunch and you will enjoy "nabe," meaning "hot pot" in Japanese. Nabe is a classic winter food in Japan and a perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day. To suit individual preferences, you may choose between beef, seafood, or vegetarian nabe. In addition, your meal will include assorted tempura, miso soup, sushi, and tea/coffee. This beautifully prepared, filling lunch is designed to match the season and highlight the best of Nagano's renowned food culture.
Options
Start from Hakuba Ski Resorts
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation
Pickup included
Start from Nozawa Onsen
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation
Pickup included
Start from Shiga Kogen
Meetup point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation
Pickup included
Start from Nagano City
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation
Pickup included
Start from Myoko Kogen
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation
Pickup included
Start from Madarao Kogen
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation
Pickup included
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best snow monkey tour
Lisa F,
Jan 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00The best snow monkey tour! We had Lin and she went above and beyond to get us to the monkeys. This was no mean feat as I’m using a wheelchair and struggling to walk due to illness. Loved Obuse village and visited a lovely temple that was actually wheelchair accessible. I would highlight recommend this tour!
A not to be missed experience
Cathy H,
Dec 28, 2024
- Viator
5.00This day long tour was fantastic and educational. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we learned so much. The day was perfect with just enough snow and the monkeys showed up in number. The provided lunch was excellent. We enjoyed the visit to the temple as well as our walk around Obuse. The day ended with a fantastic sake tasting. The whole experience was the main highlight of our visit to Japan.
Awesome Day in Nagano
Alan G,
Apr 3, 2024
- Viator
5.00Our guide for the day was Joyce. What a wonderful guide! She had a great cheerful disposition and engaged with all members of our group. The trip was a wonderful diverse experience highlighted by the snow monkeys. We had a great day with the playful primates and got many great pictures. The bento box lunch was very authentic and presented beautifully. Following lunch, we headed to a town where the artist Hokusai, who is famous for The Great Wave, has a museum and the animated vendors were happy to share samples of their wares. We finished by exploring the Buddhist temple and sake tasting. What a great day, a great itinerary, and especially our great guide Joyce! This tour is exceptional and highly recommended.
A great visit with the monkeys!
Steph B,
Jan 10, 2024
- Viator
5.00Fantastic trip with a great guide - lunch was spectacular and visiting the temple in Nagano was very special
Related Experiences
Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)