Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Day Tour from Nagano

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Join this 1-day tour from Nagano, led by an English-speaking, nationally licensed guide-interpreter. Visit a historic miso brewery in Nagano Prefecture—Japan’s leading miso-producing region—and observe the traditional miso-making process. Miso is a staple of Japanese cuisine, supporting the nation's diet for centuries. The brewery you’ll visit has a history of around 300 years.

Next, explore the charming town of Obuse, known for its beautiful streets and delicious chestnuts. Enjoy free time to stroll around and sample local specialties.

In the afternoon, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its Japanese macaques—also known as snow monkeys—that bathe in natural hot springs during the winter. The park offers a rare chance to observe these monkeys up close in every season. In spring and summer, you can delight in watching playful young monkeys and adorable newborns. Photos©Jigokudani Yaen koen Inc All Rights Reserved.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Depending on the number of participants, a sedan or taxi van may be used instead

Seats on the bus may not be designated

The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations

This is a hard walking tour covering about 50 minutes of walking each way between the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum and Jigokudani Monkey Park

As Jigokudani Monkey Park is situated 850 meters above sea level, temperatures are cooler than on the plain, so please participate wearing warm clothing. Also, the walking path may be frozen and slippery if there is snow in winter. Please wear winter boots or other non-slip footwear. If it is determined by the accompanying guide that cold weather measures, etc. are insufficient, customers may be recommended to rent equipment from a rental shop near Jigokudani Monkey Park. In such cases, expenses must be shouldered by customers

Observe the Japanese macaques’ way of life and behavior that vary by the season

The sight of Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs can be seen until around March. While it may also not be seen depending on the weather or time, etc., refunds will not be issued for this reason

As monkeys are wild animals, their behavior can be unpredictable, and they cannot be fed or touched. The park may be suddenly closed due to weather or seasonal conditions, Japanese macaques’ behavior, or other reason.　Please note there may also be a sudden tour cancellation. Thank you for your understanding. A full refund will be issued if the tour is canceled

Please note that we are unable to provide special support for those with trouble walking, or small children

Missing time from the tour duration will be allotted for travel time

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter

Monkey park admission fee

Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour

Lunch

Fees other than those listed in Includes

What To Expect

See the manufacturing process of miso, the indispensable ingredient of miso soup, and is said to be synonymous with washoku (Japanese cuisine), which has been designated as an intangible cultural property. After the tour, experience Japan’s food culture by sampling some miso soup and amazake.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Obuse-machi

Enjoy your stroll around Obuse. Obuse is the town where renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai spent his twilight years. It is also famous for chestnuts. Relish the beautiful traditional townscape while strolling around, check out some shops featuring chestnut products, and take some time for lunch (meal charges not included in the tour).

1 hour 20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Round Trip From NAGANO

End point: Tour ends at Nagano Station.

Reviews

4.83

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Monkey-mania!
Kevin R,
Apr 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a great time on this tour. We took the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano and were met at the station. We then boarded a small bus for the tour. The miso soup portion was surprisingly very interesting with a tour of a large, family-owned business. The buildings were fascinating and built in the 1800's. We then were taken to an older portion of town with many restaurants for lunch. Then to the main part--the snow monkeys. We booked this tour in April after the snows had melted. I didn't know what to expect, but it did not disappoint. First of all, there is a lot of walking to get to the monkeys. It is listed as a 50 minute walk and is over a mile. If there is snow, you are hiking through the snow on a wide trail. It is through a beautiful cedar forest. There is some uphill walking and stairs, but no one had to stop to rest. You then enter into the park and from then on, it is money-mania. There were hundreds and hundreds of them everywhere. None were in the hot springs since it was too hot outside, but they were all over. Mothers and babies. Old and young. They are oblivious to the humans and dart around people and all over the hillside. It is sort of like getting into the giant monkey cage at a zoo. But the monkeys ignore the tourists and seem focused on their own monkey-dramas. After about an hour at the park, we hiked back to the bus. There are restrooms at the monkey park and also at the parking area. We were driven back to Nagano station and said good bye to our English speaking host Humie and our nice driver. We really enjoyed this tour as it got us out of Tokyo for the day, gave us a chance to enjoy the bullet train, and let us see more of the quieter part of Japan, away from the big city. Plus so many monkeys!
We had a small group. Our...
Carolyn S,
Apr 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a small group. Our guide was fantastic! Very friendly and a Nagano local, gave great recommendations. The miso brewery and lunch town were small and kinda interesting. The snow monkey park is a real highlight, beautiful hike to get there and monkeys walking all around. We were there in the spring and saw babies wrestling each other.
Humiko is a great guide - amazing tour!
Mary L,
Apr 11, 2024
- Viator
5.00
This was one of the best tours I have ever taken! Our amazing guide Humiko was warm, informative, kind, and made sure to share all interesting Japanese details and fun facts. The tour included much more than just snow monkeys! We also got to visit an ancient village and miso making factory, ask any questions of the mis maker, and got served fresh homemade miso and nonalcoholic sake. It was an amazing and authentic experience! After that we were driven in the lovely bus to a mountain village where we had free time to explore and enjoy lunch, go to a museum if we liked, or try the regional chestnut delicacy. Afterwards, we were chauffeured to the snow monkey mountain region where we did about a 40min hike up the monkey area. There were so many and they let you get very close to them! Due to snow melt the trail was a bit muddy so I recommend wearing shoes you are ok getting muddy, although there is a shoe wash station at the base of the mountain. Dress warm and in active wear for the hike! I needed gloves because of the cold temperature. At the base of the mountain there is also a small area for purchasing local drinks and snacks. A nice touch! Arrive at the meeting place early for settling in and finding your guide, especially if you are taking the train from Tokyo or a nearby city. There are snacks and drinks at a cafe near the meeting place. Our guide Humiko was absolutely excellent and delivered world class service. The bus driver was safe and reliable too. We loved the experience and highly recommend doing this on your special trip to Japan!