Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
★5.0(27)
Starting from 158.9 USD
Duration: 420-480 min
Confirmation: INSTANT
Free cancellation available
Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day.
Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights.
Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace.
On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures).
With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.
What's included
Choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian meal, made with fresh, local ingredients
Small-group experience with an English-speaking local guide
Entry to Snow Monkey Park
For 8:45 departures only: optional drop-off at Zenkoji Temple with return pick-up to Nagano Station.
Savor premium sake
Transportation between all tour locations
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If traveling from Tokyo station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
There is a possibility that the monkeys may not appear as they are wild animals. While sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, there are times — particularly in certain seasons — when they may not come to the park due to weather, food availability, or other natural factors. Please understand that we do not offer refunds if no monkeys are present during your visit. Our team will still provide a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-structured itinerary to make your visit meaningful. Even without the monkeys, the walk to the park offers beautiful forest scenery and a memorable nature experience — each season has its own charm.
Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
On-time departure policy: Tours depart on time. We can wait up to 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After that, late arrivals are treated as a no-show (no refund/reschedule).
Please note that due to potential traffic jams, there may be slight delays, making the tour last more extra hours. Guests are advised not to schedule train departures immediately after the tour and to allow sufficient time for boarding.
During winter, please be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and icy, slippery conditions at Snow Monkey Park by wearing non-slip footwear or bringing cleats for added safety.
Flexible Ending (8:45 AM departures only): Optional Zenkoji Temple Visit After Obuse, guests who choose to visit Zenkoji Temple will be dropped off there first for free time. Guests who prefer to return directly to Nagano Station may do so instead. After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji Temple to pick up the remaining guests and bring them back to Nagano Station. This option is not available on 9:35 AM departures.
Peak winter days: If parking is extremely limited, the Snow Monkey Park visit may be done on your own. We’ll share a clear meet-up point, stay in touch via WhatsApp, and provide ticket money in advance (receipt requested).
o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
Please note: The tour starts at 8:45 AM. If we visit Obuse first (based on monkey activity), lunch will be around 11:00 AM, and we’ll go to the Snow Monkey Park in the early afternoon.
This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour.
Strollers are not accessible
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
More than 1 days before departure: 100% refundable
1-0 days before departure: 0% refundable
Experience may be cancelled in bad weather.
Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not reached.
