Private Tour

Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Private Tour (Nagano, Myoko, Madarao)

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

The departure location is selectable from Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen.

Starting with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park. Get up close and watch as the Snow Monkeys relax in the naturally occurring hot springs of Jigokudani. Thanks to the tour's early morning start you will see the Monkeys as exclusively as it gets!

Following this, we will commute to Shibu Onsen town. The first place to stop is Tamamura Honten, a sake & beer brewery established in 1805 attached to a traditional art gallery.

After that, our guide will offer you insight into the historic Onsen village. This village was once frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsen in town.

This section is a walking tour, but if you would prefer to relax in an Onsen, you may do so for just ¥800!

Finally, during the green season, we visit Kokugonji, a serene and beautifully maintained temple nestled in rural Nakano and founded in 825.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

It is not allowed to bring Luggage during the tour

Travel time is included to the total duration of the product.

Rain gears are needed to be arranged by paricipants.

In the event of damages (vomiting etc.) which require the vehicle to be out of service for a duration and are caused by your party, a fee of up to ¥30,000 may be incurred.

Most shops in Shibu Onsen are closed on Wednesdays

Tamamura Honten (the brewery) is closed on Sundays

Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking for 2km to/from the Monkey Park

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

See the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Monkey Park, named for the plumes of steam rising from the ground, as if from hell itself! Despite the name, this is a fun and unforgettable trip for the whole family. The driver will provide information about all points of interest on the way to the park, but may not accompany you into the park.

1 hour 50 minutes • Admission Included

Sake Storehouse Art Museum - Gallery Tamamura Honten

(Closed on Sunday) This Sake & Beer brewery has been around for 200 years! Come and taste the local Sake or the award-winning beer variety! Upstairs, from the owner's collection, which has been building over the last 200 years. Take a walk through the art museum, before looking into the Sake brewery itself! Closed for New Year's holidays from 31st Dec ~ 2nd Jan.

15 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Guided walk in Shibu Onsen

In-person guide is also the driver

Monkey Park Entry Tickets

Lunch

Guideded walk in the Monkey Park

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Full-size Van (Up to 9 pax)

Hi-Ace Grand Cabin
Pickup included

Commuter Van (up to 13 pax)

Hi-Ace Commuter : No luggage Space
Pickup included

Subcompact Wagon (up to 3 pax)

Daihatsu Wake
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent tour in and around Nagano.
Safari66654006940,,Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful visit tour to the snow monkeys and surrounding towns. Tommy was a great guide, knowledgeable of the region, friendly, and fun. All around great way to spend a day!
Super fun and cool
Angela T,,Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a very sweet and pleasant day. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We very much enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Great way to explore the local area!
Jonesy266,,Jan 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Arrived to see the monkeys being fed. Up close but they just went about their own business. So cool to see them bathing in the hot spring baths. Interesting to see the local onsen village too. Our driver was amazing and made it a really fun experience all round.
Nothing short of amazing!
Maria v,,Nov 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide was amazing and knew so much about the area and the park itself (I’m sorry I don’t know how to spell his name). The drive was great and the walking tour of Shibu Onsen like stepping back in time, would highly recommend to anyone.