nagano tour from tokyo

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Nagano Snow Monkeys: A Day Trip from Tokyo, Japan

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park

Five o’clock in the morning is early for almost everyone, even early risers like Adam and me, but it was especially early on our first full morning in Japan. Three days earlier, we had settled into our seats on a flight from Washington Dulles to Beijing. Two days earlier we had landed after almost fourteen hours in the air, where we secured 24-hour visas and left the airport for a walking tour of China’s capital city, a trek that would have been easy on most days but felt taxing to our stiff, sleep-deprived bodies. One day earlier we had awoken at six o’clock in the morning after sleeping for just four hours in a hotel close to Beijing International Airport, which was convenient for our connection to Tokyo that same day. We landed that afternoon in Japan’s capital, exchanged our Japan Rail vouchers for validated passes, made the journey from Narita to our hotel in the city, ate our first proper meal at what would have been a proper British pub if we were in London (instead, it was a convenient if unorthodox choice), and fell into a dreamless sleep until the alarm startled us into consciousness. It was time to see the snow monkeys.

The snow monkeys of Nagano, Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, a day trip to see the snow monkeys in Nagano pairs the opportunity to see a beautiful part of the country with dozens of playful animals representing a colorful piece of local lore. We had a terrific time—and we know you’ll enjoy it just as much!

A Quick History of Jigokudani Monkey Park

Although seeking out Nagano’s snow monkeys makes a great day trip from Tokyo, you may wonder why the snow monkeys decided to call the region home. The Japanese macaques have lived in the Nagano area for decades, but their habitat began to shrink as ski resorts began to populate the mountains in the 1950s. With nowhere else to go, the monkeys moved into local towns and quickly proved to be a nuisance; as they began looting fruit from neighboring farms, locals were given permission from police to hunt them as a way to keep their population under control.

The entrance to Jigokudani Monkey Park

According to local tales of the monkeys’ earliest days at Jigokudani Monkey Park, researchers would enjoy onsen—outdoor hot springs—during their visits to study the monkeys. One day, an apple intended for the monkeys fell into the onsen, and one of the more curious monkeys jumped into the hot water to retrieve it. The monkey paused for a while, seemingly enjoying the relaxing heat, and before long a few other monkeys had joined him for a swim. Soon, female monkeys were regularly using the onsen to bathe. Since then, generations of macaques have benefited from their determined ancestor, and hours upon hours of relaxing swims are credited to one stray piece of fruit and the primate who wouldn’t let it go uneaten.

As an important note, although the monkeys are encouraged to remain in the area by offering them food, they are not required to stay there. There are no fences or other restrictions in place to keep the snow monkeys in any one area. Additionally, they are not forced to soak in the hot springs or enter areas where tourists might be waiting to see them. The snow monkeys are wild animals, and they are treated as such.

More Information: Jigokudani Monkey Park (with live webcam!)

Nagano Snow Monkeys: the Day Trip Experience

The snow monkeys of Nagano, Japan

I expected to get a bit more sleep on the train ride to Nagano, but Japan is stunning in the winter, and Adam and I sat fixated as the landscape whooshed by us and our high-speed train made its way north to our destination. It felt like no time had passed when our train slowed to a stop and announced we were in Nagano. With our day trip tour scheduled to depart from Nagano Station, we stopped into a convenience store for a few snacks and some coffee before meeting our guide and two busloads of fellow travelers looking forward to seeing the snow monkeys.

The drive to Jigokudani Monkey Park takes about an hour from Nagano Station, and when the bus was finally parked and offloaded in many ways our journey was just beginning. From the parking lot, it’s a mile-long trek to the hot springs where the snow monkeys are commonly found, and although our visit took place on a somewhat mild day, the walk was anything but easy. December and January are ideal times to visit the snow monkeys because there’s a great chance you’ll also see snow; although the monkeys are often interested in bathing when there isn’t snow on the ground, it’s a much more magical setting to watch them frolic with pristine white powder in the background. However, with the snow comes its less welcome partner: ice.

The icy trail to Jigokudani Monkey Park

At the end of the walk, as we climbed the steps leading into the park, we caught our first glimpse of the world we were about to enter. Below us, along the Yokoyu River, a small monkey darted across the rocks. He looked up at us, perhaps even making eye contact with us, before rushing along again in the direction we, too, were headed. I wondered if we would see him again when we made it to the hot springs.

Once we were inside Jigokudani Monkey Park, it took mere moments before we arrived at what must be the best primate pool party on the planet. As we walked across a bridge that leads to the main onsen, a tiny baby monkey—perhaps the same one we had seen along the river—darted past us and cannonballed into the water. One monkey, who moments before was relaxing peacefully in the steamy water, glared in his direction before lazily wading away from the chaos brought by the tiny intruder. Adam and I smiled; it was the first of many story lines we knew we would see that day.

The snow monkeys are wild and untrained, but they are not afraid of humans. Their behavior ranged from cute and playful to frightening and erratic. For the most part, we watched in quiet fascination as little monkeys hitched rides around the area on their mothers’ backs. We delighted in their adorable antics as they splashed, swam, and soaked in the hot springs, clearly appreciating the simple joy of a steamy bath on a cold day. We also watched as snow monkeys taunted one another, sometimes pushing each other too far and causing brief battles to break out as they chased each other, hissing and squawking as they darted between human legs. No fight seemed too vicious, though; grudges were quickly forgotten, and snow monkeys who couldn’t stand each other one minute were happily swimming together the next.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie & Adam Hubka (@roadunraveled) on Dec 30, 2019 at 4:27am PST

We had almost two hours to enjoy within Jigokudani Monkey Park, which was plenty of time for us to make the most of the experience. While you could certainly spend a few hours watching the monkeys, even a single hour will give you enough time to explore the park, take photos or videos, and pause to enjoy the experience of being there.

Additional Things to See in Nagano

Because we booked a full day tour to see the snow monkeys, we also had the chance to enjoy a few other destinations in Nagano.

Zenkoji temple in Nagano, Japan

Because no trip to Japan is complete without sampling sake, we also had the chance to spend some time at Monzen Terrace Enya for a sake tasting . Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, and we were glad to warm up in front of a fireplace while learning about the different styles and flavors available.

Tips for Visiting the Nagano Snow Monkeys

If you’re planning a trip to see the Nagano snow monkeys, here are a few tips to help make your trip easier.

► Consider a Snow Monkeys Tour

The snow monkeys of Nagano, Japan

► Know the Train Schedules

Even if you have flexible travel plans, it’s a good idea to know the train schedules to be sure you don’t get stranded in Nagano. The Hokuriku-Shinkansen train runs directly between Tokyo Station and Nagano Station, and there are multiple trains running between the cities each day. We did not have reserved tickets, but you may be able to secure reserved tickets by visiting a JR Rail office. Our roundtrip journey was included with the seven-day JR Rail passes we purchased before arriving in Japan, but you can purchase roundtrip or one-way tickets at the train station before you depart.

More Information: Japan-Rail-Pass.com/

► Take the right gear

nagano tour from tokyo

Amazon.com: Lightweight Cleat Crampons for Snow and Ice Amazon.com: Collapsible Walking Sticks

► Put your camera down

By all means, take as many photos and videos as you want while watching the snow monkeys in their natural habitat, but don’t forget to put your phone down for a few moments while you visit to enjoy watching them with your eyes instead of through a screen. While we were excited to leave with lots of great photo captures and some fun videos, the best memories we have of our experience are just that: memories that can only be relived through telling stories and thinking about the sights and sounds of the monkeys scurrying along snow-covered railings before plunging into the hot springs. Those memories are some of our favorites from Japan, and we hope you’ll find a few that are just as wonderful during your trip!

Hotels in Nagano

We stayed in Tokyo during our visit, but you will find plenty of hotel options in Nagano if you are planning to stay for more than a day. We use Booking.com to find our hotels—take a look at some of the deals below and see if there is a hotel for you!

Enjoy Your Day Trip to See the Nagano Snow Monkeys!

nagano tour from tokyo

Visiting the Nagano snow monkeys in winter is an experience you won’t soon forget, and if you have the chance to include it as part of a vacation in Japan, we know it will create a full day of wonderful memories.

(The only thing better than a day visiting the Nagano snow monkeys was the eight blissfully uninterrupted hours of sleep we got that night. After all, we believe in making the most of every second of your vacation time, but our Japan trip was just getting started—we had a lot more of Tokyo to see!)

Zenkoji temple in Nagano, Japan

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Nagano Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Nagano. We've got 50 adventures going to Nagano, starting from just 6 days in length, and the longest tour is 21 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the largest number of tour departures.

50 Nagano tour packages with 425 reviews

Japan Adventure Tour

Japan Adventure

Had such an amazing time! The itinerary was well planned out and took me places I would have never thought to of gone on my own! Rachel was absolutely amazing, so welcoming and friendly! Can’t fault the trip!

10 Days Splendid Japan with Nagoya (3 star hotels) Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

10 Days Splendid Japan with Nagoya (3 star hotels)

A fantastic holiday to Japan arranged by Stunning Tours. All flights, transfers, hotels, and trips, as well as driving directions and advice/tips, couldn’t have been any more perfect or gone any smoother. Knew exactly what we wanted and arranged the perfect holiday. Thank you!

8 Days Splendid Japan with Nagoya(3 star hotels) Tour

8 Days Splendid Japan with Nagoya(3 star hotels)

The tour itself was excellent! Our tour guide went out of his way to ensure the tour allowed everyone to experience Japan with all senses, and fully appreciate the culture and beauty that is around every corner. The booking process left me very concerned initially as the tour was cancelled almost immediately. I later found out that nearly everyone on the Tour had wanted the initial booking. This has left me disappointed with that aspect.

Central Japan Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Central Japan

Enjoyed the exposure to modern as well as traditional Japan. Would have liked a few more natural scenery stops, eg waterfalls and a few less temples.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Alps Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Tokyo, Kyoto and Alps

Enjoyed ourselves. Great tour guide. One thing I would note- needs alittle more free time. Too much jammed together so little time to explore sites or shop.

Japan Discovered (No. 1 Best Selling Tour) Tour

Japan Discovered (No. 1 Best Selling Tour)

Horrible dinner and lunch choices, as part of the paid tour. And they dumped us off in some area to purchase cooking equipmnet for a couple hours, which was pretty ridiculous. But everything else was prettty good.

Back Roads of Japan Tour

Back Roads of Japan

The booking process was direct and simple. All my queries were responded to promptly and there were no problems with the site or the tour company.

Japan Discovery - 15 Days Tour

  • Train & Rail

Japan Discovery - 15 Days

The tour was very well organised. Experience traveling through Japan, understanding culture, tasting good food will always stay in my mind. I would recommend this tour to my friends.

Japan Adventure: Budhist temples, Mount Fuji, Bambu Forest Tour

Japan Adventure: Budhist temples, Mount Fuji, Bambu Forest

  • €140 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
  • Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Japan Uncovered Tour

Japan Uncovered

The tour was excellent. Thanks largely to Joy, our phenomenal guide. Some of the tours that were running parallel to ours weren't as fortunate. Joy was always there to provide feedback to and made adjustments to accommodate the desires of the group. A few observations that would have made the trip even better: less western meals and buffets. The set meals with authentic Japanese food were highlights of the trip. Perhaps the biggest disappointment was the meals at the Hiroshima Prince Hotel which were western in theme and poorly prepared. One of the last lunches we had was at a restaurant run by a retired Sumo wrestler. Another tour group had a demo / match with two sumo wrestlers while we were there. That would have been a great addition. Less temples and more other Japanese culture would have also been better for us - origami for example. Also, disappointing was that we didn't receive a package from Wendy Wu (possible because we were from Canada and not the UK like everyone else on the tour - luggage tags ..) The dinner cruise on the last night was another highlight. Overall very satisfied and would recommend to others.
  • €116 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hokkaido & Tohoku - 9 Days Tour

  • Active Adventure
  • Sightseeing

Hokkaido & Tohoku - 9 Days

Colin was good but a little talkative at times. Could have done with a little more free time between bus trips. Overall very enjoyable

Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times Tour

Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

JAPAN – 10 Days highlights Osaka Tokyo Mt Fuji Tour

JAPAN – 10 Days highlights Osaka Tokyo Mt Fuji

Customized Japan Tour 10 Days with Nakasendo Hike, Daily Start Tour

Customized Japan Tour 10 Days with Nakasendo Hike, Daily Start

Ancient & Modern Japan Tour

Ancient & Modern Japan

The itinerary was packed full but this allowed us to see so much around Japan in a short period of time. Lots of walking and use of public transport but that was apart of the fun. Our tour leader Yōko was sweet, organised and helpful in any situation. Even offering to show us places on our free days. I highly recommend this tour to anyone if you’re keen to see a lot and happy to use your walking shoes in doing so.

Reviews of Nagano Tours

The Japan tour was amazing! I really enjoyed my experience, Rachel and Zoe were brilliant group leaders and made it such a special trip! I would definitely recommend the tour. Thank you very much, I had a great time!
Amazing tour. Kayoko was awesome and we got to see so much of Japan. Only wish there was a change on the 10 person minimum for the optional tours. We had a smaller group so getting 10 people for things sometimes was tough.
My family and I just went on our first vacation to Japan. Our tour guide and his experienced driver provided us with amazing service and excellent communication throughout our trip. Highly recommend this company.The staff had been very patient & helpful with all the questions we asked and changes we had to do since we started planning the trips. We will be back next year and will definitely be using Japan Holiday. Thanks again!
  • Japan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • 2 Week (14 Days) Japan Travel Itineraries & Cost 2024/2025
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  • Discover the Best Japan Vacation Packages 2024/2025
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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Nagano Rundreisen
  • Français: Circuits et voyages au Nagano 2024/2025
  • Español: Circuitos y viajes por Nagano 2024/2025
  • Nederlands: Nagano Rondreizen 2024/2025

Nagano Snow Country

7 Days, 6 Nights

Activity Level

Start / Finish

Tokyo / Nagano

Technical Level

A snowshoe tour through Japan’s famed Snow Country.

Guided snowshoeing in Japan’s central Alps region, where pristine powder snow is metres deep and the vistas vast; ethereal, secluded shrines; hardy and friendly locals; accommodation in charming inns, with top-class local cuisine and onsen hot spring baths.

January, February & March.

Map image

Day 1 Tokyo – Nagano – Togakushi

Day 2 togakushi, day 3 togakushi – nabekura, day 4 nabekura – nozawa onsen, day 5 nozawa onsen – akiyamago, day 6 akiyamago - nagano, day 7 nagano, related tours, onsen gastronomy: snowy aizu.

5 days | Late December - early March. Activity Level : 2

Hokkaido Snow Tour

8 days | January, February & March Activity Level : 3

Tohoku Hot Spring Snow Tour

Snow-Country-Trek-Header-Image.jpg

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Snow Monkey Pass Guide 2024 in Nagano, Japan + Photos

nagano tour from tokyo

This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

One of the most memorable experiences in Japan, a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park (using the Snow Monkey Pass) to see the Nagano snow monkeys in a hot spring is an absolute must-do.

Witnessing the beautiful Nagano snow monkeys up close, bathing in a hot steaming onsen surrounded by snow covered mountains is simply (monkey) magic!

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park with Snow Monkey Pass

We’ve visited the hot spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano’s Jigokudani Monkey Park a couple of times, most recently in 2023.

To ensure it doesn’t become a ‘monkey puzzle’, here is our guide on visiting Nagano’s Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, what to expect, with updated prices for 2024:

Table of Contents

How to see the hot spring snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano

If you have a JR pass and you are passing through Nagano from Tokyo, it is entirely possible to jump off in Nagano for the day and visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (but you would have to depart Tokyo very early given the park’s opening times).

The shinkansen bullet train journey to Nagano from Tokyo takes 80 minutes one way.

nagano tour from tokyo

If you are jumping off at Nagano with backpacks and luggage, you can store your belongings in the Nagano JR station lockers. Lockers come in all sizes with higher fees for the larger ones – you can easily fit a large suitcase in the largest lockers at Nagano station.

For our first visit to see the Japanese Snow Monkeys, we used the shinkansen train to go from Takayama to Tokyo via Nagano for a trip to see the snow monkeys all in one day.

With JR train pass prices increasing quite steeply recently, it is important to use your shinkansen train tickets and time wisely.

Find out more about the JR train passes here >

Note – the JR pass does not include the local train that goes near Jigokudani Monkey Park.

nagano tour from tokyo

From Nagano

For our most recent visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in early 2023, we based ourselves in Nagano for several days.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is approximately 37km from Nagano train station and around one hour away by car (although this can take longer in the snowy winter months).

It is easy to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Nagano JR train station either as part of a snow monkey tour (best if you are short on time) or by using public transport with the Nagano Snow Monkey Pass .

You might like – Things to do in Nagano City >

Try this – Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano >

Nagano Accommodation and Hotels

As the snow monkeys are in a wooded forest protected park on a large hill, there are no hotels directly within the park.

However, there is accommodation in the town of Yamanouchi within a 1 to 2 km distance of the Jigokudani Monkey Park including:

Senjukaku (1.8km from Jigokudani Monkey Park) Live like the snow monkeys and enjoy open-air hot spring baths (without the spectators!), a heated indoor pool plus tranquil Japanese gardens. Senjukaku offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation with mountain view – only a 15 minute drive from the snow monkey park. Check rates and availability for Senjukaku

Sakaeya (2.9km from Jigokudani Monkey Park) The highest rated accommodation near Jigokudani Monkey Park, Sakaeya has traditional Japanese style lodgings with historic charm in the heart of the Shibu hot spring area. Every room has tatami (woven-straw) floors and futon bedding. Check rates and availability for Sakaeya

Alternatively, stay in Nagano like we did and get the Snow Monkey Express bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Recommended hotels and accommodation in Nagano include:

Chisun Grand Nagano We stayed at the Chisun Grand Nagano during our five night stay in Nagano as it was a short walk to the train station with affordable rooms. The hotel also has large room sizes (for Japan) – our room had views of the mountains, plus there are free amenities in the lobby. Check rates and availability for Chisun Grand Nagano

Chisun Grand Nagano Hotel

Compass Nagano An 800 metre walk to Nagano JR station, all apartments at Compass have a kitchen and dining area plus some have patios. Great for self catering. Check rates and availability for Compass Nagano

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi Modern hotel just 2 minutes walk from Nagano Station. The rooms offer great views of the local area plus the restaurant serves up a warm buffet breakfast. The highest rated 3* accommodation in Nagano on booking.com. Check rates and availability for Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi

Check out the 10 best hotels near Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi via Booking.com >

Try this – Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch >

How to buy your 2 day Snow Monkey Pass for Jigokudani Monkey Park

The cheapest way to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park is to purchase a 2 day Snow Monkey pass for 4,000 yen (2,000 Yen for children aged 6-12 years).

2-day Snow Monkey Pass - Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park

This equates to approximately € 25, £21 or $26 USD. The 2 day Snow Monkey Pass price for Jigokudani Monkey Park is correct as of February 2024.

NB If you want to find your own way to the Snow Monkey Park or are already staying in accommodation in Yamanouchi close to the monkey park, Jigokudani Monkey Park admission alone costs 800 Yen per adult (400 Yen per child) as of 2024.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

To buy a 2 day Snow Monkey Pass, you need to exit Nagano station on the west side, turn right and head down the escalators to the Nagano Dentetsu Line station.

Turn left after going down the escalator and you’ll see a manned booth to the right where you can purchase the Snow Monkey 2 day Pass from.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

Note that the Snow Monkey Pass must be paid for in cash. We learned this to our error so had to run to a nearby 7-Eleven store to withdraw some cash and then run back to buy our tickets.

Walk through Nagano train station underpass and exit out of the rear entrance (east exit) to find the Snow Monkey bus stop (there is usually a big queue here if you are visiting during peak periods).

Make sure you take a photo / note of the latest timetable when purchasing the Snow Monkey pass (located by the snow monkey ticket booth) as that will tell you what bus stop number to get onto (normally bus stop 23).

Snow Monkey Pass Nagano train station

Try this – Full Day North Nagano Hiking Experience >

What does the Nagano Snow Monkey Pass include?

For 4,000 Yen, the two day Snow Monkey Pass includes:

  • Two days of unlimited public transport in the local Nagano area
  • One entry to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park worth 800 Yen

Express bus between Nagano station and Kanbayashi Onsen for Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Given the weather can vary greatly in the winter months in Nagano, the two day transport pass gives you a little flexibility in terms of which day to visit the monkey park.

To visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with the Nagano Snow Monkey Pass, you need to head to Kanbayashi Onsen , where you will then need to walk for 25 minutes to the park entrance.

There are 2 ways to reach Kanbayashi Onsen:

  • Nagaden Express Bus (the only direct way to reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Nagano station – takes 40 minutes)
  • Train + Local Bus (Nagano Dentetsu line AKA Snow Monkey train from Nagano station to Yudanaka station for 45 minutes, then transfer to local bus for 10 minutes)

nagano tour from tokyo

Try this – Nagano Private Two Day Tour >

All aboard the Nagano Snow Monkey Express Bus

For the easiest and quickest way to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, we would recommend taking the Snow Monkey Express Bus.

The Snow Monkey Express bus journey from Nagano station takes around 40 to 50 minutes and the bus drops you off at Kanbayashi Onsen.

There is a guide at the front of the Snow Monkey Express bus who checks your tickets. Make sure you arrive at the bus stop with plenty of time to spare as the bus gets quite full and you don’t want to wait around for the next one.

You can also ride the express bus without purchasing a Snow Monkey Pass. The cost for a one-way journey is 1,800 Yen per adult / 900 Yen per child.

Snow Monkey Pass Express Bus Winter Timetable 2024

Winter timetable valid December 2nd 2023 until 1st April 2024.

Nagano station > Kanbayashi Onsen

* Saturday only. ** Friday only

Kanbayashi Onsen > Nagano station

Snow monkey pass express bus summer timetable 2024.

This is an example of the Summer timetable from 2023 – times subject to change in 2024

Try this – Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano >

Walking up to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Once you get off the Snow Monkey bus, you need to walk for a further 25 minutes uphill before you reach the monkeys.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

The path can be quite muddy and sludgy in winter months so wear boots or sensible shoes – best not to attempt in flip flops / sandals when snowing!

To reach the Snow Monkey Park, follow the slight uphill trail path through the cedar forest.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

There are also a couple of small shops and cafes along the way BUT do not buy and take food into the Snow Monkey Park as it attracts the monkeys – best to get food on the way back down.

Monkeys are also apparently drawn to the sound of rustling wrappers so just take bottled drinks.

The walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park is beautiful in parks past babbling brooks and verdant forests.

You may also catch a glimpse of some playful monkeys on the bridges or playing in the steaming streams before reaching the main park. They are very relaxed in front of humans and will casually run around your feet.

nagano tour from tokyo

Try this – Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano >

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park History

The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has been around for almost 60 years (it opened in 1964). Jigokudani in Japanese means ‘Hell Valley’ and it was given this name due to all the steep sides and steaming thermal pools.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

Conditions can be quite extreme at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in the winter months – the altitude is 850 meters meaning high snowfall and extremely cold temperatures.

The snow monkeys were drawn to the hot temperatures of the thermal springs and over the decades, it has become a major tourist attraction (plus it has helped with scientific research in terms of observing the monkeys).

nagano tour from tokyo

Try this – Sky Blue Paragliding Experience in Nagano >

Meeting the Monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Once through the entrance gate, you are free to wander around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and get up (relatively close) to the monkeys.

The snow monkeys generally live in the mountains and forests surrounding the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park but are drawn to the onsen style hot spring by the promise of food.

It is a truly magical experience to see the snow monkeys playing or bathing especially if you are visiting during the winter months when there is snow all around.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

The snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) are wild animals and there are no fences as such.

Be aware the monkey parents can be very protective of their babies so do not get close or approach baby monkeys. They also become fearful when they cannot see their parents.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

Try this – Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip >

Monkeying about in the hot spring onsen

The best place to see the snow monkeys up close is when they bathe in the hot spring onsen – this is also a popular spot for the monkeys to preen / clean each other (the younger monkeys preen the older monkeys a lot)!

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

One of the best times to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is during feeding time (no set times). Park staff will start to lay out food around the hot pool and the snow monkeys will scamper down.

The snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) are wild animals and there are no fences as such – note that parents can be very protective of their babies so do not get close or approach baby monkeys. They also become fearful when they cannot see their parents.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

Note a lot of the tourist information and tour pictures you’ll see for Snow Monkey Park show people leaning over the monkey pond are quite old.

There is now a cordon in place to ensure there is thankfully (for the monkeys) a little space between the public and the hot spring bathing monkeys.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

Before you exit the park, you can find toilets, a small gift shop and a couple of water dispensers.

nagano tour from tokyo

Try this – Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour >

Our Final Thoughts

We can honestly say despite all the tourist masses (which includes us!), visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Snow Monkey Pass has to be one of our top 10 Japan experiences and is up there with visiting Japan in cherry blossom season.

Hot Spring Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan - Jigokudani Monkey Park. 2-day Snow Monkey Pass

We’ve been to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in winter on a couple of occasions now (in 2018 and 2023) and would happily return again next time we are in Nagano.

It may be a slight tourist trap but it is delightful to see monkeys frolic and play around in hot springs in such an incredible hillside setting.

Try this – Hot Stuff! A visit to a Nagano Wasabi Farm >

Snow Monkey Nagano Tours and Jigokudani Park Snow Monkey Tours

There are several tours and trips you can book before visiting Nagano or arriving in Japan to guarantee you’ll get tickets to Jigokudani Park Snow Monkey Park.

These Nagano snow monkey tours include:

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano Tour (includes sake tasting and lunch) >

Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park >

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto >

Snow Monkey Tour including Shibu Onsen >

nagano tour from tokyo

When can you see the Nagano snow monkeys?

You can see the Japanese snow monkeys all year round (although the Jigokudani Park may be closed on certain public holidays or when the weather conditions are poor).

Generally, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is open 7 days a week.

nagano tour from tokyo

What are the opening times of the Snow Monkey Jigokudani Park in Nagano?

During the winter season which runs from November to March when there is generally snow on the ground, the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano is open from around 9am until about 4pm.

During the summer season at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano (which runs from April to October), it is open from around 8.30am until about 5pm.

There is normally no snow in the snow monkey park in the ‘summer’ season.

nagano tour from tokyo

How much time should I allow to visit the Snow Monkey Park?

We’d recommend you allow yourself around 5-6 hours for the entire experience.

This includes the return bus journey to the park from Nagano Station, the round trip hike up and down the hill from the bus stop, and time spent with the Nagano snow monkeys.

nagano tour from tokyo

Can you swim with the hot spring Nagano monkeys*?

No, you cannot swim with the monkeys nor touch them. The Nagano snow monkey pool at Jigokudani Park is built and heated especially for the monkeys although there are viewing decks to see them up-close.

*Can you believe people really ask this? Jeez!

nagano tour from tokyo

How much does it cost to see the Nagano / Jigokudani Snow Monkeys?

As of 2024, the cost / price of admission to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is 800 Yen per adult (around £4.40 / $5.42 USD / 5 Euros). The cost of entry for children to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is 400 Yen.

Alternatively you can buy a two day Snow Monkey Park Pass from Nagano station for 4,000 Yen (25 Euros / £21 / $26 USD). This includes one entry into the Snow Monkey park plus unlimited use of public transport in the local Nagano area including buses and trains.

nagano tour from tokyo

Watch our Instagram video

This was filmed using an iPhone 14 Pro

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Can you touch the snow monkeys in Nagano at Jigokudani Park?

No, absolutely not. The Nagano Snow Monkeys / macaques are wild animals and out of respect for the monkeys and their families, you must not touch them, surround them or feed them.

Make sure you read the Jigokudani Park rules before entering the park on your visit.

nagano tour from tokyo

Do you need a long lens camera / zoom lens to get good snow monkey photos?

A zoom lens picture will get clearer pictures of the monkeys (especially when they are scampering down the mountain) but you should still get very good shots with a standard phone camera.

To be honest, as you can get quite close at the hot pools, some of our best Nagano snow monkey pictures were achieved with our phone cameras.

nagano tour from tokyo

When is there snow at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park?

The best time to see the snow monkeys in Nagano is between December and March as this is generally when there will be snow on the ground – generally, there is snow here for around one third of the year.

For the best chance of seeing the Nagano snow monkeys in the actual snow, try to time your visit between December and January (also a great time to ski in Nagano).

nagano tour from tokyo

Can I see the snow monkeys without paying?

Nothing can compare to seeing the Japanese snow monkeys up close and in the wild in Nagano but if you want a taster of what to expect or see the snow monkeys for free, you can watch the free snow monkey live stream here >

Can you visit the Snow Monkeys in Nagano from Tokyo?

Yes, Nagano is less than two hours away from Tokyo by Bullet Train.

There are sometimes tours that allow you to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano in one day.

The round trip from Tokyo to Nagano Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park would take up most of the day – but if you are short on time, a Snow Monkey Nagano tour from Tokyo is well worth it.

Nagano Snow Monkey day tour from Tokyo >

Did you enjoy our Hot Spring Snow Monkeys   in Jigokudani Monkey Park using the Snow Monkey Pass, Nagano Japan guide? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media. 

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Japan Awaits

Travel & Events in Japan

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Nagano Private Two Day Tour

Enjoy a 2-day, 1 night trip in Nagano city (in Nagano Prefecture) where you will spend one full day with an English-speaking guide taking you around the city—enjoying attractions such as snow monkeys, the famous Zenkoji Temple and later relaxing at a traditional onsen (hot springs) and enjoying a traditional Japanese multi-course (kaiseki) dinner at a traditional Japanese ryokan (hotel). On the second day after checking out of the hotel, spend the free day snowboarding/ skiing or spend more time exploring the city on your own (without tour guide), or book one of the add-on second-day tours with us.

  • Nagano City is well-known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and while some of the former Olympic facilities can still be viewed in Nagano, the city has since evolved as a temple town revolving around the famous Zenkoji Temple, and is most visited during the Spring Season (for cherry blossoms), Summer Season (for hiking and other outdoor activities), the Fall Season (for autumn foliage) and the Winter Season (for winter activities and for seeing the snow monkeys).
  • On this tour, spend two days in Nagano exploring the city and enjoying what this quaint town has to offer. Your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up Nagano Train Station by 9:15 AM (on the first day only). You will either take public transportation (train and bus) or private chartered vehicle around town based on your booking.
  • On the route to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape of the Chikuma River.
  • Before arriving at the entrance of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy a 30 – 40 minute leisurely stroll through the forest path. Once you enter the park, you can have some hot tea before spending time with the snow monkeys, many of which are bathing in the hot springs (onsen) to keep warm, especially during the cool months of autumn, winter and some parts of spring.
  • After an exciting morning at the park, visit Obuse Town, which is most well-known for being the home town of Japan’s most famous artist and creator of the “Great Wave”, Hokusai Katsushika. Enjoy lunch in the area before walking around to explore the shops and try sake tasting.
  • After visiting Obuse Town, head to Zenko-ji Temple (one of the most important and popular temples in Japan). Learn about the temple and how the locals pray for good fortune before heading to your traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan) for the night. Just before your scrumptious traditional Japanese multi-course (kaiseki) dinner at the hotel, bid farewell to your tour guide (as you will have a free day to explore without the tour guide on the second day).
  • Relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring) in the area of your hotel just before heading to bed and getting a good night’s sleep. In the morning, enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before checking out of your hotel and spend your free day further exploring the city or snowboarding/ skiing (highly recommended) in one of the nearby resorts.
  • For those who would like to explore neighboring areas such as Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Hakuba, or other neighboring areas, the option is available as an add-on when you receive our form after you make the booking. Please note that this add-on is not included in the tour price you paid. We will send an e-invoice to your email if you choose the add-on.
  • Once you’ve booked the Private 2-day Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park tour, you’ll receive a form with a variety of itinerary options to suit your vehicle option and essential information to complete your booking. You will able to choose your interested Add-on itinerary for your 2nd day in the form. If you need help to arrange the Bullet Train ticket from Tokyo as well, you can address it in the form.

Seasonal Recommendations for This Tour:

Spring Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Viewing: Mid-April to Early-May

Summer Outdoor Activities: Late-May to Late-September

Autumn Foliage (Koyo) Viewing: Early-October to Late-November

Winter Festivities: Early-December to Late-March

  • Transportation within Nagano City on the first day (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle for your group only) Note for “Private Vehicle” option only: The tour guide and driver will pick up guests from hotels located within a 10km radius of Nagano Station.
  • A private tour with English-speaking local tour guide
  • Overnight accommodation at traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan) – 3 Star or 4/5 Star Hotel options available
  • Kaiseki dinner (traditional Japanese multi-course meal) at ryokan on the first day
  • Traditional Japanese breakfast at ryokan on the second day
  • Onsen (hot springs) experience at ryokan. Please note that the onsen is in the hotel and may not be connected to your room, but there may be a designated time for guests to enjoy the onsen privately for a small fee at the ryokan. 
  • Round-trip bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (free for visitors with JR pass). Train tickets (for those who do not have JR pass) available as add-on at checkout.
  • Entrance fee to Zenko-ji Temple,  Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for the guests
  • Meals, snacks and drinks that are not mentioned in inclusions
  • Other optional activities for guests (the guests would also have to cover the entrance fee for the tour guide for locations guest would like to visit that is not on the itinerary)
  • Tour to Kamikochi on second day (from 29,900 JPY per person), Child (21,600 JPY) and Young child (3,500 JPY); 8 hours total
  • Tour to Matsumoto on second day (from 29,900 JPY per person), Child (27,400 JPY) and Young child (3,500 JPY); 10 hours total
  • Tour to Hakuba on second day (from 29,900 JPY per person), Child (25,500 JPY) and Young child (3,500 JPY); 10 hours total
  • Ski/Snowboarding trip on second day (from 22,400 JPY per person), Child (13,200 JPY) and Young child (3,500 JPY); includes 1-day pass, shuttle bus transportation to and from resort (no tour guide on the slopes or on transit)

  Availability:

  • All year round, but especially recommended during Spring (for cherry blossoms), Fall (for autumn foliage) and Winter (for snow monkeys and winter festivities).
  • The monkeys enter the onsen all year round, but sometimes the park wardens will encourage the monkeys by throwing food into the pool, especially during the warmer seasons of the year.

  Location:  Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

  Start time: 8 :45 AM (may be earlier depending on availability, or later depending on location of hotel). The full day tour on the first day lasts for a duration of 8 hours.

  Requirements:

  • Must provide names of all guests and birth dates
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult (same room as adults, up to 3 children in one room)
  • PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM: After your booking, you will receive a link to the Nagano Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Nagano Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before  your tour date.

Additional information:

  • For this tour, if we provide train tickets from Tokyo and return (add-on cost when booking) : We will send train tickets to the guest’s hotel in Tokyo (the hotel which guests are staying at before their Nagano trip). Below is the information in needed: 1) Hotel Name in Tokyo 2) Name of guest who booked the hotel 3) Confirmation Number 4) Dates of Stay at the hotel in Tokyo.
  • Private tour with English-speaking tour guide is for the first day of the tour only. On the second day, the customer is free to explore Nagano on their own (the tour guide will not be present).
  • Snow Monkeys in warmer seasons: The snow starts to melt in March, and the Snow Monkeys Park may not bathe as often as they did in the winter to keep warm. Guests may see the snow monkeys taking a swim as the park staff gives them lunch, but unlike winter months, there are definitely days when the monkeys just do not feel like entering the bath. When it is warm and the sun is out, the monkeys tend to be more active and move around the area. The monkeys are more likely to be grooming in the warmer seasons. While Winter is not the only time to see snow monkeys, please note that they are wild animals and it is difficult to predict their behavior. You can still visit the Snow Monkey Park, but seeing the snow monkeys and watching them bathe is not always guaranteed.
  • Guests must provide information (name, age) of each guest for us to arrange accomodation. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
  • Age Requirement: Guests of all ages can attend this tour, but a booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 12 to 99. Child pricing applies to guests age 6 – 11. Young child pricing applies to guests age 1 – 5. In this private group tour, there must be at least one person that is 18 years or older.

Additional Information

In winter the walking trail to Snow Monkey Park may get slippery, so please wear winter shoes. The temperatures in Nagano are much colder than Tokyo, so prepare warm clothes.

A moderate amount of walking is involved. Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

Non-smoking: All the rooms are non-smoking in ryokan (otherwise requested), there are designated areas outside for those who would like to smoke.

All bookings is payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Firm Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event.
  • Cancellation fee of 75% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event.
  • Cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event.
  • Cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 45 days or less before event

How far in advance should I book?

Nagano  is a popular destination from Tokyo. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible and ideally, at least a month in advance.

Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?

Booking request.

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jigokudani yaen-koen

ITINERARIES Snow Monkeys and Hot Springs in Nagano Snow Monkeys and Hot Springs in Nagano

Nagano is the mountainous heart of japan's main island, easily accessible from tokyo by bullet train., how to get there, from tokyo: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station.

nagano tour from tokyo

1 hour 10 minutes

From Nagano Station, take a Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station. Change to a bus bound for Shiga Kogen and get off at the Snow Monkey Park stop. The park is 25 minutes away on foot.

nagano tour from tokyo

The Jigokudani monkey park, covered with snow almost one-third of the year, is home to Japan’s famous hot-spring-bathing snow monkeys and has become a major attraction. You can enjoy watching the monkeys all year round, and especially in winter, when you can take pictures of them bathing in the hot springs.

From Snow Monkey Park bus stop, take a bus to Shibu Onsen.

nagano tour from tokyo

About 15 minutes by car from Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is a picturesque Japanese hot spring resort on the banks of the Yokoyu river. The area's baths are supplied by multiple sources, each with distinctive properties and mineral contents.

nagano tour from tokyo

There are a variety of traditional ryokan accommodations to choose from, with Kanaguya being one of the most famous. This magnificent ryokan has a history of over 200 years.

An overnight stay is recommended, but there are footbaths and day-use hot springs in the area if you are on a tight schedule.

A taxi is recommended between Shibu Onsen and Takayama Hot Springs as public transportation is limited.

For more hot spring adventures, explore Takayama Onsen Village, a collection of eight small resorts. Among these, Yamada Onsen is most centrally located and has a pleasant public bath, Oyu. Takinoyu in nearby Matsukawa Keikoku Onsen is an excellent choice if you are looking for mixed-gender bathing.

While in the area, consider visiting the thundering Kaminari Falls. You can walk to the base of the falls in most seasons, except winter when the trail is closed because of snow.

Take a shuttle bus from Yamada Onsen in Takayama Onsen Village to Yamada Waka.

nagano tour from tokyo

The northern Nagano region receives a lot of snow in winter and is home to numerous ski resorts. Yamaboku Wild Snow Park, in the vicinity of the Takayama Onsen Village, has some challenging runs yet remains ideal for families with its kids’ park. Other popular resorts nearby include the 18 interconnected resorts of Shiga Kogen.

nagano tour from tokyo

On the same train line connecting Nagano, Suzaka, and Yudanaka stations is the small town of Obuse, a pleasant and easy addition to any Nagano itinerary. The main highlight is the Hokusaikan—a museum dedicated to the internationally-renowned ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, who spent some of his final years in the town. Afterward, stroll the town center dotted with small craft shops, local eateries and a couple of sake breweries.

Recommended for You

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Bucket list trip:

Japan 10-day Itinerary [Tokyo, Nagano & Kyoto]

Day 1 tokyo, day 2 tokyo, day 3 tokyo, day 4 nagano, day 5 nagano, day 6 kyoto, day 7 kyoto, day 8 kyoto [nara], day 9 kyoto, day 10 kyoto.

Where to go and what to see in Japan to get the most from your trip – a 10-day itinerary from destination expert and Japan travel writer Rob Goss .

Editor note – Rob has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Kyoto destination guide and Tokyo destination guide .

Start the day at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, then take the Ginza Line a couple of stops to Ueno for the vast collection of Japanese art and artefacts at the Tokyo National Museum.

For lunch in Ueno, try Ichiran Ramen . Like all the best ramen joints, just be ready to queue.

Near Ueno, visit the Yanaka area’s traditional shopping street (Yanaka Ginza), then explore the winding backstreets for contemporary art venues like SCAI the Bathhouse.

Afterwards, stop for locally made craft beer at Yanaka Beer Hall , which also serves izakaya food.

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

Sensoji temple at Asakusa.The Sensoji temple in Asakusa area is the oldest temple in Tokyo.

With towering gateways and a five-storied pagoda, this busy temple in Asakusa is a standout. If you have time for just one temple in Tokyo – make it this one.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2-3 hours

When: March, May and Sept

Frequency: annually

Tokyo National Museum

Pair of long and short swords ,Edo period ,19th century ,Forged iron ,lacquered wood ,rayskin ,cotton.

Japan’s oldest and largest art and cultural museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in Japan’s fascinating history. Collections include samurai armour and swords, ancient Buddhist sculptures even tea ceremony utensils.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 8+

Museums of Ueno Park

The National Museum of Nature and Science is in the northeast corner of Ueno Park in Tokyo.

A collection of six excellent museums in one park, including the Tokyo National Museum. Also one of the city’s most popular sites for hanami in Cherry Blosssom season.

Adult price: £Varies

Best for ages 6+

Old Tokyo at Yanaka

Yanaka Ginza is one of the few districts in Tokyo where the shitamachi atmosphere, an old town ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from past decades, still survives

Having avoided damage from the great quake of 1923, the bombs of World War Two and the attention of developers, this mellow, retro and rickety neighbourhood is reminiscent of ‘old Tokyo’.

Begin with the traditionally landscaped Hamarikyu Gardens before a short walk to the food stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market.

While in Tsukiji, don’t miss the sushi. Sushizanmai is one of many places here that serve super-fresh sushi for lunch at excellent prices.

In the afternoon, head to the upscale Ginza district for its plush department stores and international boutiques, or try a tea ceremony at the nearby Imperial Hotel.

If you fancy splurging on dinner, try the teppanyaki at Ukai Tei .

Tsukiji Outer Market

Merchants sale seafood in Tsukiji fish market

A bustling and vibrant food market offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and traditional Japanese delicacies. Sample delectable sushi, sashimi, street food, and local snacks.

Ginza Six is a luxury shopping complex located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, jointly developed by Mori Building Company, Sumitomo Corporation.

A swanky retail complex in Ginza – a plush district in the heart of the city, home to high-end department stores and boutiques.

Tokyo’s best shopping

Crowds walk through Takeshita Street in the Harajuku district at night.

From mega-malls and swanky boutiques to food markets and traditional craft stores, Tokyo has all the shopping bases covered.

Duration: -

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Tokyo

Woman ladles tea into cup

The traditional tea ceremony, practiced for centuries, combines all the formality and ritual of traditional Japan, capped by a cup of thick green tea.

Adult price: £20

Duration: Up to 4 hours

When: On request

Frequency: Selected dates

Have a morning of contrasts, with the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori street, an epicentre for quirky youth fashions.

For a high-calorie, sweet-toothed lunch on Takeshita-dori, try Marion Crepes.

From there, take an afternoon walk along the boutique-lined Omotesando-dori and on to Shibuya for the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

A few stations away in Shinjuku, dinner could be Hokkaido-style mutton barbecue at Youichi , before bar hopping in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai district.

Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine

Tourists and visitors to Meji-jingu temple

Surrounded by 170 acres of lush forest, this calming, functioning shrine in otherwise heaving Harajuku is one of central Tokyo’s most tranquil spots.

Harajuku district

The place to come to discover the latest urban street fashions on Cat Street, as well as the colourful teen trends on the narrow and frequently ram-packed Takeshita-dori (street).

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing

Like a thousand-person scrum, this is purportedly the world’s busiest road crossing – with as many as 3,000 people crossing at any one time. Grab a photo from above at the Crossing View observation deck.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen Park

Hundreds of cherry trees, combined with an entrance fee and no-alcohol policy, make the lawns of this park a great hanami spot for families.

Drinks in Golden Gai

The Golden Gai in Shijuku. District with almost 200 tiny bars in six alleys- a glimpse of old Tokyo. One of few areas not to be rebuilt after earthquake or WW2 damage.

This collection of ramshackle alleyways in Shinjuku is home to some of Tokyo’s tiniest, but most unique bars.

Best for ages 18+

Take the Bullet Train to Nagano (80 minutes), where a first stop should be the sprawling Zenko-ji Temple complex.

Near the temple, lunch on hand-made soba noodles with a side of tempura at Fujikian .

In the afternoon, head just outside Nagano City for Shibu Onsen, a quaint town known for its traditional ryokan inns and onsen (hot-spring baths).

Staying at a ryokan in Shibu, you won’t need to think about dinner: a multi-course, kaiseki-ryori meal comes with the deal.

Ride the Bullet Train

Bullet train speeding in front of Mount Fuji

Reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h, Japan’s iconic bullet train revolutionised high-speed train travel and remains a must-do experience.

Adult price: £90

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 2+ hours

Onsen in Japan

steaming outdoor thermal pool surrounded by red acer trees

Geothermal Japan is home to thousands of mineral-rich and bathable hot springs known as onsen . An integral part of Japanese daily life and culture.

Duration: 30+mins

Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen

Nagano, Kansai, Japan

| Official star rating:

Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen

A traditional ryokan in Shibu Onsen, Nagano, with its own onsen (hot spring) spa baths. An ideal place to stay for visiting the famous Snow Monkeys.

Average £320

2+ bedrooms

Fitness center

Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...

In the morning, visit the bathing-loving snow monkeys near Shibu Onsen.

After, it’s a transfer to Kyoto. Catch the express train to Nagoya and then change onto the Bullet Train to Kyoto (4 hours) to arrive at your hotel for dinner.

Onsen-bathing snow monkeys of Nagano

Nagano, Chubu, Japan

Two snow monkey heads peeping out of an onsen, a naturally occurring outdoor hot spring bath

See the world-famous, red-faced Japanese macaques blissfully soaking in natural hot-spring baths, then try it yourself in a traditional onsen .

In the morning, head to northeast Kyoto to avoid the worst of the crowds at two of the city’s top UNESCO-designated sights: the gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Zen garden of Ryoan-ji Temple.

For lunch, try cooking your own okonomiyaki savoury pancakes at Katsu , near Ryoanji Station.

Then take the Randen tram to Arashiyama for the famed bamboo grove, but also the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, the opulent Okochi Sanso Villa, and, if time, a footbath by the station’s Kimono Forest.

Finish in Arashiyama with a dinner of unagi (char-grilled eel) at Hirokawa .

Kinkakuji Temple

Kyoto, Kansai, Japan

Temple surrounded by trees

The stunning, gilded temple of Kinkakuji, casting its golden reflection onto an islet-studded pond, is the iconic Kyoto image. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ryoanji Temple

Spring cherry blossom seen from temple

Translating as The Temple of the Dragon at Peace , this Zen temple’s cryptically designed rock garden is considered one of the finest surviving examples of ‘dry landscape’ Japanese Zen temple garden design featuring distinctive larger rock formations arranged amidst a sweep of smooth pebbles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Adult price: £3

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Bamboo grove greenery

The towering stalks and soft light of Arashiyama’s much-photographed bamboo grove make this iconic Kyoto sight an almost otherworldly experience.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Japanese house by lake

This temple near the famous bamboo grove in Arashiyama is worth admission for its 700-year-old Zen garden. Although built around a central pond, it’s also a classic example of a garden that employs shakkei (borrowed scenery), with the surrounding mountains adding depth to each scenic point.

Start at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple then walk through the lovely old streets nearby, stopping for a yudofu (simmered tofu) lunch at Okabeya .

After, walk to the Yasaka Shrine and the adjoining Maruyama Park (a great cherry blossom spot in spring), before a stroll around the nearby Gion district, where early evening you might spot a geisha or two.

For dinner, indulge in teppanyaki . Near Gion, both Gion Ichidou and Kobe Misono have menus that include high-grade wagyu steak.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Founded in the late 700s, this World Heritage temple in the Higashiyama area is best known for its five-story pagoda and main hall, the latter of which features a photogenic veranda jutting out over a maple-covered hillside.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine

The shrine that protects the Gion geisha district is one of Kyoto’s most distinctive sights. Entered through a roofed gateway painted a vivid vermillion, its grounds include a striking dance stage – used for performances during festivals – that’s adorned with several hundred lanterns lit each evening.

Maruyama Park

People socialising at tables under blossom trees

This extremely popular spot near Gion has a giant weeping cherry tree that’s illuminated at night, plus loads of food stalls.

Duration: 2 months

When: March & April

Geishas in Gion

Geisha women

The place to see Japan’s mysterious and enigmatic geisha – colourful kimonos, elaborate hairstyles and oshiroi make-up.

Best for ages 10+

Take a train south to Nara, the capital before Kyoto in the 700s, to spend the morning visiting Todai-ji Temple and other UNESCO sites around Nara Park.

For lunch, navigate by the park’s snack-hungry deer for noodles or tea and sweets at the thatched Mizuya Chaya teahouse .

Use the afternoon to take in the stores and traditional sights of Naramachi, Nara’s old quarter.

Before the train back to Kyoto, stop at Junpei for dinner and drinks at a classic izakaya.

Day trip to Nara

Nara, Kansai, Japan

Exterior red temple

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, from 710 to 794. Today, it’s revered for eight locations making up the ‘Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara’ World Heritage site.

Todaiji Temple

Statue of a gold Buddha in temple

One of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. It was built in 752 as the head of all provincial Buddhist temples, and instantly became a seat of power to rival the shogun. Today, it’s also renowned for the 15-metre-high bronze statue of Buddha ( Daibutsu ) in the main hall.

Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine

Red temple in forest

This UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 768, is the shrine of the once-powerful Fukjiwara clan and an outstanding example of kasuga-zukuri architecture. Nara’s most important shrine is also renowned for hundreds of bronze lanterns, donated by worshippers and lit twice a year during for lantern festivals.

Isuien Garden

Hill trail

Meaning ‘garden founded on water’, Isuien is a gorgeous Japanese garden dating back to the 17th century. It’s filled with ponds, colourful acer trees and a smattering of traditional tea houses.

Start the day with a stroll through Nishiki, Kyoto’s oldest and most vibrant food market: pick on street snacks and shop for authentic souvenirs. After, for the afternoon, sign up for a traditional tea ceremony in English at Maikoya.

If you haven’t before now, stay the night at a traditional ryokan inn. Central Kyoto has many to choose from, but if you want to splurge on one of the city’s finest, try Hiiragiya . You’ll dine on an intricately arranged multi-course kaiseki dinner, included in the price.

Nishiki Market

Busy covered market

Stretching along five shop-lined blocks, Kyoto’s oldest food market immerses visitors in Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Over 100 stalls and restaurants offer all and anything food related.

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto

Traditional green matcha in bowl

Frequency: daily

Kaiseki-ryori dinners in Kyoto

Breakfast table at a ryokan

The pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, this traditional dinner features a succession of up to 12 dishes, artfully presented and culinarily sublime. Tastes range from the familiar to the wonderfully indecipherable.

Adult price: £100

Duration: 3-4 hours

Stay at a ryokan in Kyoto

Inside traditional room

Japan oozes tradition and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in it than a night at a ryokan , a traditional inn.

Adult price: £-

Duration: 1 night

Hiiragiya Ryokan

Traditional bedding in ryokan

Indulge in luxury the authentic Japanese way at this 200-year-old ryokan in the heart of Kyoto that ticks all the traditional boxes. The price includes a 12-course kaiseki-ryori dinner.

Average £200

In the morning, head to Fushimi Inari Shrine for a photogenic stroll through its torii gateway-lined pathways.

Afterwards, there are several simple restaurants for lunch near the shrine, but for something sweet try the green tea parfait at Sando Chaya .

Fushimi is also a major sake-making district, with close to 40 breweries; sign up for a tour and tasting at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.

Take an early evening shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Kyoto back to Tokyo for your flight home, but before boarding, buy a bento box for an on-train dinner.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Shrine entrance external view

One of Japan’s most sacred shrines, Fushimi Inari’s thousands of torii gateways also make it one of the country’s most Instagrammable sights.

Adult price: £2

Gekkeikan Sake Brewery

Brewery exterior

Learn about and sample some of Kyoto’s best sake at this engaging museum-slash-brewery in Fushimi.

Adult price: £4

nagano tour from tokyo

Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, 5-days nagano itinerary: what to do in nagano prefecture in japan.

This past October, I went on my twice-yearly pilgrimage to Tokyo . I was determined to see something new this time. My husband suggested to do a road trip out Nagano, so I did a quick research and realized it’s the perfect choice for my criteria! I wanted to visit a place outside Tokyo and I also wanted to be in nature, which I can’t really find back home in Singapore. Nagano ticks both of those boxes perfectly.

Kumabo Pond in Karuizawa

How to get around Nagano prefecture

Self Driving – Nagano prefecture is a large area to explore. If you have an international driver’s license and are comfortable with driving in a foreign country, this is the most convenient and flexible option since you won’t have to be dependent on public transport. You can book a car rental from Tokyo here, which you can pick up from the airport or the city:

  • Car Rental Pick up from Narita Airport
  • Car Rental Pick up from Haneda Airport
  • Car Rental Pick up in Tokyo

By Train – If you can’t / don’t want to drive, then getting a JR Pass is still a great option. You can use the unlimited JR Pass , or if you’re only planning to visit Nagano then you can opt for the cheaper 5-day JR East Nagano pass , which will cover most of the itineraries below. Keep in mind JR Pass MUST be bought from outside of Japan, so get this before your trip!

The price of Unlimited JR Pass has increased by 70% since 1 Oct 2023 . Even though you’ll see many recommendations for buying a JR Pass to save some costs, it could be outdated. Since the price hike, it has become harder to justify the cost of the JR Pass, however regional passes like the JR West Kansai Pass might still be worth it. I am working on updating my blog post to reflect this change.

Tips for Roadtripping in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano prefecture is a mountainous area . If you are self-driving, make sure you know how to drive in the mountains. And, if you’re visiting in the winter, please be prepared to drive in icy conditions.

It’s worth noting most restaurants seem to close rather early here (8-8:30 pm) so make sure you’re well-fed by then unless you don’t mind eating at an Izakaya or meals from the Konbini (convenience store), which is really not that bad.

What to eat in Nagano Prefecture

1. soba noodles.

Due to the mountainous terrain of Nagano prefecture, it is difficult to successfully grow rice. Instead, soba (buckwheat) became the main produce of Nagano.

The most popular form of buckwheat is, of course, Soba noodles! I’m sure most of us are already familiar with this noodle – but in Nagano, you definitely can’t miss it. It’s served in almost every traditional restaurant. You can have Soba noodles in a hot soup or served cold with a broth on the side, and with various toppings.

Hot Soba in Nagano

2. Oyaki (Savory or Sweet Dumpling)

Oyaki is a Japanese savory dumpling, traditionally stuffed with roasted local vegetables. Oyaki is super popular and widely available in Nagano. Like Soba noodles, It’s a great representation of the prefecture – Oyaki skin is made from buckwheat flour. I tried one near Matsumoto Castle which had leek, mushrooms, and potatoes. Apples and other fruits are also commonly used to make the sweet version!

Oyaki in Matsumoto, Nagano

My 5-day Nagano Prefecture Itinerary

Here is my five-day itinerary when I went to Nagano. I think it’s a great itinerary as it combines both city exploration and nature! You can easily stretch this to more days too if you have more time than I did. I’ll include other places worthy of visiting that I didn’t get to go to.

Day 1: Karuizawa

Day 2: matsumoto.

  • Day 3: Kamikochi (Japanese Alps)
  • Day 4: Omachi – Lake Kisaki and Kurobe Dam
  • Day 5: Kusatsu Onsen town
  • What else can you see in Nagano?

And now without further ado, here’s what you can expect from each stop in my Nagano Itinerary:

Our first stop is a small town called Karuizawa. Although small, Karuizawa is hardly unknown to Japanese people. And especially to people from Tokyo, Karuizawa is known as an idyllic mountain town and an escape from the summer heat.

Harunire Terrace in Nagano

So what makes Karuizawa a worthy stop? Well, Karuizawa is the perfect mountain town that has everything: nature, hiking, good food, and shopping. I’ve written a separate blog post on Karuizawa which will tell you all about this town.

Tip! Find out more about what to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Karuizawa: Read my blog post on Karuizawa here

Where to eat in Karuizawa

  • Cheesecake from Izumiya Saku at Harunire Terrace
  • Sonmin-Shokudo at Hoshino Onsen
  • Kumobatei next to Kumoba Pond
  • SASA Japanese Cuisine – famous as the curry shop of one of the Terrace House participant
  • Hamy’s

Where to stay in Karuizawa

  • Karuizawa Pension Sato is where we stayed in Karuizawa. It’s a super cute 2-story house, located deep inside the foresty streets of Karuizawa, where you can pick rooms with either shared bathroom or private bathroom ensuite. Their price is the most affordable I could find in Karuizawa.
  • Hotel Wellies – a cute british style cabin hotel located in the resort area of Karuizawa
  • APA Hotel Karuizawa Ekimae – If convenience is what you’re after, this hotel is only 2 mins walk from the station with easy access to Karuizawa tourist spots.

From Karuizawa, we drove approximately 2 hours to Matsumoto. Honestly, the only reason why we made a stop here is because it is the closest point to Kamikochi, which is next on our itinerary.

1. Matsumoto Castle & Matsumoto City Museum

Matsumoto Castle is difficult to avoid when you are in Matsumoto. It’s definitely a must-do. Unlike the rest of the castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle is unique due to its black exterior, which has earned its nickname “Crow Castle”. It is said the cost of the maintenance for this castle is high due to the material and man hours needed to keep up the black paint exterior.

Matsumoto Castle

At the castle, you can opt to go inside and explore all 5 floors which I totally recommend. The castle gets more and more narrow as you reach the top and the stairs get steeper, but you get a nice view at the top where you can really see how this area is surrounded by mountains.

Next to the entrance to the castle is the city museum, which you can explore after the castle.

2. Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Matsumoto City Museum of Art is a must-stop if you’re a fan of the works of Yayoi Kusama, arguably one of Japan’s most famous contemporary artists who was born and raised in Matsumoto. Heck, even if you have no idea who Yayoi Kusama is, I still think the permanent exhibition is worth a visit! It only costs 400 yen to enter and you can go through it in less than an hour. Keep in mind the museum is closed on Mondays.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

In this museum, you can see permanent collection of her works. While you won’t see the famous “Infinity Mirrored Rooms” (which has gone viral thanks to Instagram and commanded hours of queue at The Broad in Los Angeles ) you’ll get to see many of her early works and an insight into her quirky mind.

3. Former Kaichi School

Kaichi School was one of the first schools in Japan. If you are interested in seeing how schooling was done, I suggest visiting this place. However, if you are out of time you can give it a miss.

4. Nawate Dori

Nawate Dori is a shopping strip where the style of the shops is preserved to look like how it would back when Matsumoto was a castle town. You can find souvenir shops, vintage goods shops, and most importantly, please stop by Furusato for a delicious treat of Taiyaki!

Nawate Dori

5. Asama Onsen

What is Nagano without a daily visit to the onsen? Okay, fine, maybe it’s not normal to go to Onsen every day, but we made a point to try an Onsen in each of the places we stopped by. Asama Onsen is out of the way from the city, so you don’t have to stop by here if you’ve done / planning to do onsen elsewhere (Kusatsu might have been the better choice).

Anyway, compared to Hoshino Onsen from Karuizawa, Asama Onsen is much more simple. Their price is very simple too – more than half of Hoshino at 600 yen per adult. Inside, you can find one cold pool, one hot pool, and one outdoor pool. I suggest trying the hot/cold bathing method – first, take a shower and then dip yourself into the hot pool. Once you feel that your body temperature is high enough, go to the cold pool and dip yourself. Then go back to the hot pool. It sounds crazy, but I’ve been told this builds immunity!

Where and where to eat in Matsumoto

  • Miyota Soba
  • Matsumoto Fried Chicken at Matsumoto Karaage Center
  • Furusato Taiyaki at Nawate-dori

Where to stay in Matsumoto

L-BASE at Matsumoto

  • We stayed at L-BASE Fuchian Mura , and got one of their mountain lodge/holiday home. It’s a super small yet cozy wooden lodge with a bed located on the second floor. I posted this on Instagram and got so many requests to reveal the location, so here you go! L-BASE isn’t located in the city itself though, so it might be a bit inconvenient if you aren’t driving – but it’s still within walking distance to one of the train stations.
  • Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto – If you need to stay close to the train station, this hotel is a great choice. It’s close to the Matsumoto castle and city center.
  • Dormy Inn Matsumoto – Also a great option for staying near the city center.

Day 3: Kamikochi

Kamikochi is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, also known as the Northern Japanese Alps . It has also been referred to as the “Japanese Yosemite Valley”, due to the similarity of the terrains found in Kamikochi.

I gotta admit – this entire itinerary was built around our plan to hike in Kamikochi! I saw one photo of Kappabashi (below) and I was sold.

As there is a lot to say about this place, I’ve written a separate guide on hiking in Kamikochi . This includes what to expect and places to stay, as well as day trip options if you’re not in the mood to hike.

Kamikochi Kappabashi

Keep in mind though, Kamikochi is only open from  April 15 – November 15 . You need to check their official website at  kamikochi.org  for exact dates, as it may change on a yearly basis. The park closes down for winter and you cannot visit, so it’s best to skip if you’re here during the winter months.

Day 4: Omachi – Lake Kisaki & Kurobe Dam

I designated this day as our rest day after the insane 10 hours hike / walk we did in Kamikochi , but we still ended up walking around plenty!

1. Lake Kisaki & Kizakiko Camping Ground

If you did the same hike as we did and stayed in Kamikochi, then you have the option to go straight to Lake Kisaki once you’ve left Kamikochi. It’s about 2 hours drive from Kamikochi.

Lake Kisaki

Lake Kisaki is a fairly small lake – walking the perimeter of this lake takes about an hour, and it’s mostly lined by holiday houses and farms. There isn’t much to do here, but relax. That’s the main reason why we came here! To stay at one of the lake side lodge and rest after our Kamikochi trek.

Lake Kisaki Camping Ground

If you feel like going to an onsen, there’s (of course) one nearby the camping ground called Yupuru. This one is the most basic out of all the onsen I’ve visited so far, with only one indoor pool and a washing area. It costs 700 yen per adult to enter.

2. Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam is one of the marvel of Japanese engineering, built in the post-WWII era to resolve drought and power shortage in the area. It is the tallest dam in Japan at 186m high, completed in 1963 after an arduous 7 years of construction which claimed the lives of 171 workers.

Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam station is only about 30 minutes drive from Lake Kisaki. From the station, you need to take one of their electric buses through Kanden Tunnel to continue your way up to the dam itself. You get to pass through the famed “fracture zone” which made the construction of this dam so difficult. The temperature in this tunnel is very cold regarding the outside temperature – it always remains around 10C.

Crossing Kurobe Dam

If you happen to be here on a beautiful day, a visit to the dam is totally worth it. It’s also part of the Japanese Alpine hiking route (the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to be exact), so you might see hikers in their gear and bear bells walking across the dam!

What and where to eat

  • Kurobe Dam Curry – This dish is technically just a Japanese curry dish, which is already delicious on its own, what makes the dish an Omachi specialty is the way it’s served. The Japanese white rice is moulded to the shape of Kurobe Dam, and the sauce is green (from Spinach) to represent the color of the water in Kurobe dam. Two pieces of nuggets are also served to represent the boats that you can take during certain months in Kurobe Dam. You can have this dish at the Kurobe Dam restaurant or at Yupuru onsen restaurant near Lake Kisaki.

Where to stay

  • Kizakiko Camping Ground – We booked a lake-side bungalow at this camping ground. It was not cheap by any means (8000 yen a night!), especially for how simple the bungalow is, but the location couldn’t be better. It’s literally by the lakeside! The only issue is that booking needs to be done in Japanese.
  • Hotel Yume-no-yu – A ryokan with a private bathroom and its own onsen in the vicinity.
  • Nanakuraso – This ryokan is located conveniently in Omachi town.

Day 5: Kusatsu

Kusatsu is such a charming little town. The entire vibe of the city reminds me of Spirited Away, and it’s made extra whimsical on cold nights since the natural hot spring would occasionally stir up steam into the air. Many visitors would dress up in a Yukata (Japanese summer wear) and Geta (wooden slipper) while going to an onsen.

Read more: If you’re visiting Kusatsu, take the time to read my Kusatsu travel guide

Yubatake at Kusatsu

Where to stay in Kusatsu

  • Ryokan Tamura – If staying near the town center is your priority, then this Ryokan fits the bill. It’s a cute Japanese-style inn located minutes from the town center.
  • Hananigen – Similar to Tamura, Hananigen is also a ryokan located within minutes of Kusatsu town center.
  • Kusatsu Onsen Eidaya – Slightly cheaper ryokan as the location is a bit further away from the town center, but still within walking distance!

What else you can see in Nagano Prefecture

If you have more time in Nagano and wondering what else to do, here are some recommendations you can check out.

  • Jigokudani Monkey Park – You’ve probably seen photos of Japanese Macaque (monkeys) taking a bath in an onsen.
  • Mount Kusatsu-Shirane – I really wanted to check out this mountain, but unfortunately, it was closed during the time I visited as it is an active volcano and there were a lot of activities observed around the mountain.
  • Nagano City – Nagano City is the capital of Nagano prefecture. Most famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, you can still see the remnants of Olympics architecture around town.
  • Hakuba – Most famous as a ski resort, Hakuba is best visited during winter.

So that’s all my itinerary for Nagano prefecture! After leaving Kusatsu, we drove straight back to Tokyo.

A little trivia: I was actually there right on the day before Typhoon Hagibis was set to hit the center of Tokyo. It was rated as the biggest Typhoon of the year, and we could already see the weather being affected by the incoming typhoon – it started to rain, whereas the previous days were clear sunny days. It was also my first time hunkering down for a typhoon. Thankfully for us, the typhoon did not cause too much damage in Tokyo itself. However, we heard Nagano prefecture was flooded and we were lucky to have gotten out just in time.

As usual, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions! I will always reply 🙂

  • November 1, 2023

Great info and beautiful photos. Details will come in handy. Planning a trip with family next fall. Thanks a lot!

  • May 30, 2023

Wonderful tips! I used a lot of them on my one week Nagano trip. Thank you for posting and your incredible work.

  • November 13, 2022

Hi … is parking easy on your trip ? Are the charges expensive ? Does the lodging provide free parking ?

  • November 15, 2022

Hey Alvin, parking was pretty easy when we went. Some lodging provides parking, it depends where you book. Usually if its city center they probably don’t have parking. Parking cost was ok, less expensive than Tokyo.

  • May 7, 2022

Nagano is one of my favourite areas for travel in Japan. I recently explored Kumamoto as well. Maybe you already know it? anyway, thanks for reading my comment.

  • January 6, 2020

Its seems like perfect place where we can enjoy and see natural beauty of nature. I love Japanese Food and I will try to visit their with my best ones.

  • December 11, 2019

Love following your blog. It is most informative with useful and relevant detail. Also sharing a common interest of travel, food ,culture and dive experiences. Have you looked into Shikoku island, Japan or had been there already! Thank you for sharing your experiences.

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From Tokyo: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

As one of the world’s great cities, Tokyo offers visitors so many things to do, see and experience that it is tempting to spend your entire time in Japan exploring the capital. A truly huge metropolis, Tokyo is without doubt, the financial and political heart of the nation. Yet for many Japanese, Tokyo doesn’t encapsulate the essence of the country. That spirit lies in the villages and traditions of rural areas such as Nagano. Lying to the north-west of Tokyo, Nagano is the gateway to Central Japan – a place of dramatic mountains, abundant farmlands, heavy snow in winter and of course, the Jigokudani Monkey Park. On this page you will find the following information:

— Where is the Jigokudani Monkey Park?

— How to Get to Nagano from Tokyo

— Accessing the Park via Nagano Station

— Monkey Park General Information

— Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City

— 25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & Where to Stay

— Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park from Tokyo

Open all year round, the monkeys come to the park in all seasons. Winter is a time of heavy snow, as the ski resorts of Nagano attract visitors from all over the world. As the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano’s pedigree is well-known. Home to around 80 resorts, visitors are spoiled for choice including Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest resort and the nearest to the monkey park.

Outside of winter, Nagano and Central Japan offer some of Japan’s best outdoor experiences including the iconic Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, the alpine valley of Kamikochi, and the Nakasendo Trail. Spring brings the regions beautiful cherry blossoms into bloom, and through summer and autumn the fruit of Nagano fills the orchards while tables are full of culinary delights, before the stunning leaves of autumn wash over the landscape. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer in the region, see our ’40 Things To Do Around Nagano & Where To Stay’ page .

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator . Our group tours run throughout the year, including multiple tours to the monkeys. We can also arrange private tours and charters to the park along with any destination in the region, and as a registered travel agent, we can package transport, accommodation and more together so you save and get the most out of your time at the park, Nagano and beyond – scroll to the bottom for details.

WHERE IS THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK?

The Jigokudani Monkey Park – often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park – is around 35KM / 50-minutes to the north-east of central Nagano City and approximately 270KM / 4 to 5-hours drive north-west of Tokyo. Open every day, the monkeys come to the park through the year making it one of Nagano’s most popular attractions. When heading to the park using public transport, it will be easiest to do so from Nagano Station, from where an express bus runs directly to Kanbayashi Onsen – where the park is located – or alternatively, you can take the Nagano Dentetsu railway to Yudanaka Station – the nearest train station to the park – and from there, take a local bus to the park. Both options take around 50 to 55-minutes in total to get here. The park is located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, which itself is located in the wider region of Yamanouchi – a region including the park, multiple hot spring villages, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the smaller ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Within easy reach of Nagano City, visiting the monkey park as a day-trip is easy while also providing lots of reasons to stay in the area on a multi-day visit.

HOW TO GET TO NAGANO FROM TOKYO

Despite the park being located a long way from Tokyo, the efficiency of Japan’s rail network means that you can get there in under 3-hours making it possible to visit as a day-trip from the capital. To reach the park from Tokyo is a two-stage journey via Nagano Station:

1 / From Tokyo Station or Ueno Station , take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano. All services heading north on the Hokuriku Line stop at Nagano, taking 80 to 110 minutes depending on which service – Kagayaki, Hakutaka or Asama – you choose. A one-way fare costs around JPY8,500 if using reserved seats, and all services on this line are covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass , JR East Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass .

The daily shinkansen schedule from Tokyo to Nagano can be accessed via our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page .

2 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.

ACCESSING THE PARK VIA NAGANO STATION

Once at Nagano Station , you have two choices to reach the park*:

1 / Use the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus directly from the station to the monkey park

2 / Take a train on the Nagano Dentetsu Line followed by a Nagaden local bus to the park

Starting from Nagano Station, the express bus costs JPY1,800 each way and takes 45 minutes (to the park) and 55 minutes (back from the park). In comparison, the express train from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station takes around 45 minutes and costs JPY1,290 , followed by an 8 minute local bus ride, costing JPY310 – meaning that the option of an express train + local bus will cost a total of JPY1,600 and take at least 55 to 60 minutes (depending on train and bus timetables). Not sure which option is best of you? See our ‘How To Get To the Jigokudani Monkey Park’ main page for suggestions of what works best.

*Please note, the Nagaden express bus, train and local buses are not covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, JR East Pass or JR Hokuriku Arch Pass .

1 / USING THE NAGADEN EXPRESS BUS

The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus operates from Bus Stop No.23, on the east side of the station. Simply line-up for the bus and once onward you buy your ticket directly from the driver – JPY1,800 one-way – and accepting cash or cashless payments such as credit cards equipped with tap to pay functionality. To check the bus schedule, see our ‘Nagaden Express Bus Timetable’ page .

2 / USING THE NAGANO DENTETSU LINE

The Nagano Dententsu Line operates from the underground level of Nagano Station. The journey from Nagano to Yudanaka Station – the final stop on the line – takes approximately 45 minutes and costs JPY1,290 . Local services from Nagano to Yudanaka are only slighter cheaper – at JPY1,190 – but take substantially longer and require passengers to transfer trains. As such, we always recommend using an express service to reach Yudanaka. For the train schedule, please refer to our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page .

Once at Yudanaka Station you need to jump-on a Nagaden local bus for the final leg of your journey to the park. Two local bus lines – the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line – head to stops nearby the monkey park. The ride is only around 8 minutes and costs JPY310 per adult and JPY160 per child. The ride back from the park takes a little longer – around 15 minutes – due to a different route and stops. Yudanaka is a small station and the buses operate from directly outside. You can’t miss them! For the local bus schedule, please refer to our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable’ page .

SNOW MONKEY PARK GENERAL INFORMATION

Open every day of the year, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Nagano’s most popular destinations. Our ‘Snow Monkey Park Information’ page has everything you need to know including opening times, prices, the park rules, FAQs and more. We hope you enjoy your visit with our favourite furry friends.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION IN NAGANO CITY

Given the distance and time taken to reach Nagano from Tokyo, we recommend staying in Nagano City for at least one night, from where you can explore destinations including Togakushi and the city’s near-1400 near old Zenko-ji Temple . When staying in Nagano City,we recommend Hotel Kokusai 21 . One of Nagano’s most established international hotels with a reputation built on attentive service, in-house services, Western-style amenities and English-speaking staff, Kokusai 21 is our recommendation for guests wanting the convenience, comfort and service of an international hotel in the heart of the city.

25 THINGS TO DO AROUND THE MONKEY PARK & WHERE TO STAY

Often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park, you’d be forgiven for thinking the park is only open and the monkeys only venture there in winter. While it’s true they are most famous for their winter antics, the monkeys come to the park all year round and there are just as many reasons to visit in spring, summer and autumn. Located in the beautiful rural enclave of Yamanouchi and within easy reach of Nagano City, visiting the park can be easily combined with plenty of nearby destinations and activities, as a day-trip or multi-day visit. Our ’25 Things To Do Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park & Where To Stay’ page has lots of tips and suggestions of what’s on offer and the best area to stay when visiting the monkeys.

TOURS AND CHARTERS TO THE MONKEY PARK FROM TOKYO

We offer multiple ways for you to join in on the monkey business in Nagano from Tokyo. Whether you want a group tour, private tour, or charter, we have you covered.

Our most recommended tour if you are looking to enjoy a day trip to the Monkey Park from Tokyo, this option starts with a morning at the Zenkoji Temple alongside a lunch in Nagano, followed by a trip to the Monkey Park. Always accompanied by your friendly and knowledgeable guide, this tour is sure to be an enjoyable way to take a break from the big city.

If you are coming from Tokyo, the tour meetup time of 9:35 has been selected specifically to allow you time to catch the morning Shinkansen and arrive in Nagano for the tour. After the tour is over, you need only ride the Shinkansen back to Tokyo to return to your hotel. Please see the tour page for more specifics.

Private Tour

If you are looking for a more private option, look no more! Our private tour of the monkey park takes you and your companions to all the destinations included in the group tour, as well as some additional stops such as the charming town of Obuse. This private tour is also accessible to those taking a day trip from Tokyo, and we can even hold your luggage on the bus during the tour.

We also offer charter services to and from the Monkey Park, as well as other destinations around Central Japan. We can pick you up from anywhere in Tokyo, including directly from the airport, and take you straight to Nagano and the Monkey Park Area. While the drive by car is longer than taking the Shinkansen, the ease of door to door service cannot be ignored when planning your trip, especially as many areas in Central Japan are inconvenient to access through public transport alone.

Other Snow Monkey Park / Tokyo Pages

Plan your visit, snow monkey park information, the snow monkey faqs, 25 things to do around the jigokudani monkey park & where to stay, snow monkeys & their hot spring: why they love it, best onsen (hot springs) near the snow monkey park, snow monkey hierarchy: the top monkeys, when does it start to snow in the jigokudani monkey park, information about the walk to the snow monkey park, snow monkey park throughout the year, where to stay around the jigokudani monkey park, 20 things to do in yamanouchi, where to stay in tokyo best neighbourhoods & accommodation areas, 10 best dining & restaurant areas in tokyo, 40 best museums / galleries in & around tokyo, 20 things to do around yokohama & where to stay, 15 best places to see autumn leaves in & around tokyo, 20 things to do around kamakura & where to stay, 30 things to do near tokyo: best day-trips & overnight getaways, 25 best places to see cherry blossoms in & around tokyo, best places to stay in yokohama, 1-day tour: snow monkeys, zenko-ji temple & sake in nagano, 1-day tour: snow monkeys & snow fun in shiga kogen, (spring only) 1-day tour: snow monkeys & cherry blossoms in nagano, [start from nagano city] private snow monkey tour, [start from hakuba] private snow monkey tour, 2-day snow monkey tour: nagano to takayama via matsumoto, 2-day snow monkeys & nagano cultural tour inc. luxury villa stay, (green season) 4-day tour from nagano to kanazawa: the ultimate central japan tour, [start from nozawa/madarao] private snow monkey tour, [start from myoko] private snow monkey tour, [start from shiga kogen] private snow monkey tour, [start from matsumoto/azumino] private snow monkey tour, hotarutei villas, kanbayashi hotel senjukaku, yamanouchi area – home of the snow monkeys, kanbayashi onsen area, tokyo: tokyo station / marunouchi area, tokyo: ueno station area, tokyo: shinjuku station area, tokyo: shibuya station area, tokyo: shinagawa station area, tokyo: ginza station area, tokyo: akihabara station area, tokyo: asakusa station area.

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The Hokuriku Shinkansen began service in 1997 in advance of the Nagano Olympics. Passing by Takasaki from Tokyo, it ascends steeply and crosses Usui Pass before arriving in Karuizawa, a resort area with history. As the train continues forward, Mount Asama can be seen to the right, and then a valley opens up with an abundance of apricot and apple cultivation. Soon, the train comes to Zenko Temple and Nagano City. Service between Nagano and Kanazawa Stations begins on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

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Starting from Nagano Station, this hiking course takes you to the Zenkoji Temple Seven Gods of Fortune venerated in the vicinity of the front approach to Zenkoji Temple. Why not take a “good luck” tour before the Zenkoji Temple gate? [PDF/759KB] During the period of 2/18 - 3/31, events above are cancelled.

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Hiking Event Information

Starting from Nagano Station, this hiking course takes you to the Zenkoji Temple Seven Gods of Fortune venerated in the vicinity of the front approach to Zenkoji Temple. Why not take a “good luck” tour before the Zenkoji Temple gate?

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A free hiking event will be held on Saturday, June 22. You can participate in hiking to a natural hot springs public bath and the Harumiya and Akimiya compounds of the Suwa Grand Shrine Lower Shrine in the historical Nagano Prefecture town of Shimosuwa.

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Starting March 20, 2023, Car No.9 of some weekday Hokuriku Shinkansen trains will offer "TRAIN DESK" service. TRAIN DESK cars are ordinary reserved seat cars intended to offer the ideal space for customers who wish to work or study during their time on board. All passengers are welcome to make use of these cars, but we request that when doing so, you refrain from speaking in a loud voice, engaging in conversation or otherwise making noise that might disturb other passengers.

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We can't ski, so we're only after a day of some snow activities (eg snow tubing or snowmobiles, sledding etc), plus snow scenery. Thank you for previous suggestions. Karuizawa looks like a great option. Looking a bit further into it, a sightseeing trip to Nozawa Onsen might also be nice, maybe the snow monkeys, maybe Matsumoto.

This leads to my question - for non-skiers like us, would it make sense to base ourselves for maybe 3 nights in Nagano and just take day trips to these areas? I assume that would be a lot more cost effective than staying onsite at these resorts? We'd be pretty much happy with some snow scenery sightseeing, a day of the snow activities mentioned above, some shopping/cafes/wandering about. Travelling as 2 adults, 15yo and 11yo. Thanks.

2 replies to this topic

nagano tour from tokyo

Maybe you would like to go snow shoeing?

https://www.go-nagano.net/en/trip-idea/id19236

Shiga Kogen is very close to you, if you're going to see the snow monkeys. https://shizenhogo-center.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/?lg=en

D1 - Snow monkey + nearby Obuse

D2 - Matsumoto

Not much sightseeing in Nozawa onsen town in winter. Just check out Shibu onsen and/or Yudanaka onsen towns nearby the Snow monkey park if interested.

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nagano tour from tokyo

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Nagano City (����) is the capital of Nagano Prefecture . It evolved as a temple town around Zenkoji , one of Japan's most popular temples . In 1998, the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games , and some former olympic facilities can still be viewed around town.

In the forested mountains northwest of the city center lies the Togakushi area which attracts tourists with its popular shrines and as the legendary home of the Togakure Ninja School. The Togakushi Ninpo Museum and the Kids Ninja Village provide good entertainment and a glimpse of the area's ninja past.

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Togakushi Shrine •

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Yamanouchi ••

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  19. Tokyo to Nagano

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  20. From Tokyo: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

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  25. Nagano Travel Guide

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