Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day.
Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights.
Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Explore the Hokusai Museum, then enjoy Obuse at your own pace—strolling charming lanes, browsing small shops, and sampling a few local treats as you soak up the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Your guide can also point out a few favorite photo spots.
On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures).
With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.
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
If traveling from Tokyo station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
There is a possibility that the monkeys may not appear as they are wild animals. While sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, there are times — particularly in certain seasons — when they may not come to the park due to weather, food availability, or other natural factors. Please understand that we do not offer refunds if no monkeys are present during your visit. Our team will still provide a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-structured itinerary to make your visit meaningful. Even without the monkeys, the walk to the park offers beautiful forest scenery and a memorable nature experience — each season has its own charm.
Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
On-time departure policy: Tours depart on time. We can wait up to 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After that, late arrivals are treated as a no-show (no refund/reschedule).
Please note that due to potential traffic jams, there may be slight delays, making the tour last more extra hours. Guests are advised not to schedule train departures immediately after the tour and to allow sufficient time for boarding.
During winter, please be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and icy, slippery conditions at Snow Monkey Park by wearing non-slip footwear or bringing cleats for added safety.
Flexible Ending: After exploring Obuse, you can return to Nagano Station or, on 8:45 AM departures only (not possible on 9:35 AM departures), continue at the Zenkoji Temple area—one of Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
Peak winter days: If parking is extremely limited, the Snow Monkey Park visit may be done on your own. We’ll share a clear meet-up point, stay in touch via WhatsApp, and provide ticket money in advance (receipt requested).
o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
Please note: The tour starts at 8:45 AM. If we visit Obuse first (based on monkey activity), lunch will be around 11:00 AM, and we’ll go to the Snow Monkey Park in the early afternoon.
This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour.
Strollers are not accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
8:45 AM: Meet in front of Becks Coffee at Nagano Station for a warm welcome from your guide. Getting There: If traveling from Tokyo Station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Witness wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, an iconic Nagano experience.
What‘s Included
Introduction to famous chestnut sweets shops in Obuse (perfect for kids too!
Entry to Snow Monkey Park
For 8:45 departures only: optional drop-off at Zenkoji Temple with return pick-up to Nagano Station.
Transportation between all tour locations
Savor premium sake
Choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian grated yam, made with fresh, local ingredients
Hokusai Museum entrance fee
Optional expenses: food, drinks, shopping, transport to meeting point
There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
Options
Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Truly Perfect Day in Nagano
Heather W,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Masa-san, is a local to Nagano who is very kind and easy to talk to. He is very knowledgeable of the area and the Snow Monkeys. When arriving at Snow Monkey Park, the walking pace was leisurely, with Masa-san going ahead of our group to secure entry tickets, so we could skip the line (usually about 30 minutes). The park itself was a little crowded, but that was expected. No worries though, as people move along fairly quickly in some areas, though you will need to queue up and wait for the perfect picture at the snow monkey onsen. After the park, we headed to Nagano and had lunch at an excellent restaurant. Both meat options are recommended, as they were both very good. Next up, we had a sake tasting which changed my understanding of the drink! Very delicious! Finally, we had a bit of free time in Nagano to explore - we hit up the Takai Kōzan Memorial Hall museum (entry fee, a paltry 300 ¥) which gives you a view of his life. Try the chestnut ice cream in the area if you a chance. After that, there was time for a visit to the Zenkoji Temple. This neat place has a street full of vendors (check out the shop with what I would call Harry Potter style chopsticks - "the wand chooses the wizard, Harry"). There are food stalls as well, if you want a treat after stuffing yourself at lunch. The temple is beautifully maintained and is fairly large, so there's lots to explore inside and out. Finally, I say you ask Masa-san about punk rock. He is a fan!
Wonderful experience in...
Nadine K,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience in Nagano, the guide was very informative and easy to get along with. He gave us a lot of time to explore the places we went which made the tour feel relaxed. Arriving early to the snow monkey park was great so we could enjoy it before the crowds came in. The lunch spot was delicious and sake tasting was memorable. Overall would highly recommend!
Epic day in Nagano
Lyssandro R,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This day trip was a highlight of our trip to Japan. Our guide Masa was very knowledgeable and explained a lot of information about the places we visited on the tour. Super easy pick up at Nagano station, comfortable trip to the snow monkey park, our guide arranged tickets to avoid queues, the monkeys were very cute. The lunch was high quality and delicious, as was the sake tasting. We had time to look around Obuse, including the Hokusai museum. We also visited Zenkoji, which was very beautiful. We really enjoyed this day trip and would definitely recommend!
Snow monkeys
Jesse S,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We missed our train and arrived late, Massa the tour guide was very accommodating. Had a great time, snow monkeys were very cool.
Excellent experience!
jaxmal,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day! Nice small group with an excellent host and driver.fantastic experience walking to and at the monkey park! We loved the sake experience, though wish we had more time at the Hokusai museum
Monkeys, lunch and sake
craighM7030OA,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day. Kei our guide was cheerful , had good local knowledge and made our day a breeze. No waiting in lines as she ran ahead to get tickets great venue for lunch. .
The guide was friendly,...
Annie S,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was friendly, knowledge and kept the group moving patiently but efficiently. We saw a lot of snow monkeys at the onsen before the crowds started to move in and enjoyed a delicious lunch and sake tasting after. Transportation and communication were smooth. 100% worth the price! Highly recommend.
Snow monkey tour & Obuse
GoldcoastKozzy,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide (Masa) very knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. Vehicle comfortable and clean. Tour was very enjoyable and above expectations.
Travelers visit many...
Anna J,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Travelers visit many highlights of Nagano, including the monkey park, a Japanese restaurant, Obuse chestnut alley, and Zenkoji Temple. Masa is a knowledgeable guide as a Nagano native and a world traveler. Our visit was especially lucky, as we picked a day when the snow monkeys visited the park en masse and a few even went into the hot spring water. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can clean and warm clothing.
Perfect day in Nagano just as the title of the experience
Nayive C,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience, having the transportation lets you maximize your time in Nagano, it has the perfect number of stops and the food was very good! Kei was an excellent tour guide and also out driver! The flexibility to adjust to the group was amazing! Punctuality was on point perfect! Would recommend to anyone
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