Visit the heart of the region, Nagano's near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple, filled with history and legend. Enjoy lunch and a sake tasting at one of the most popular restaurants, followed by an afternoon at the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 8 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Go to Zenkoji, the first temple to house a Buddha statue in Japan
- Take photos with the world-famous snow monkeys
- Enjoy lunch at the restaurant nearby the Snow Monkey Park
- Enjoy the vibrant shopping street of Nakamise
- Try Japanese sake at the local sake brewery
Full description
A great tour for all seasons, this is a 1-day guided tour of the most famous attractions of Nagano City and Jigokudani or “Hell’s Valley”, home of the Snow Monkeys. Take a scenic route to see the cutest monkeys in the world, then experience the tranquility of Zenkoji Temple and lively Nakamise shopping street.
For guests traveling from Hakuba, from December 18, 2019 through March 31, 2020, your journey can begin with a shuttle from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal at 8:20 AM; otherwise, meet your guide at Nagano Station at 9:35 AM (the guide will be there from 9:20 AM) before heading to Zenkoji. Famous for being the temple to hold the first Buddhist statue in Japan. Zenkoji Temple has a special energy and welcomes people of all faiths and religions. The temple grounds are beautiful and tranquil; there are hidden gems to explore, such as the dark tunnel running under the temple, said to be where you can gain enlightenment by finding the “Key To Paradise”.
After lunch, return to Nagano Station again by public transport and take local bus from there to the Snow Monkeys. World-famous for their rare habit of soaking in the hot spring and living in the snow, these amazing macaques will let you get really close to them for some great photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience. After saying goodbye to the snow monkeys, stroll back along the tranquil forest trail to a delicious lunch at the restaurant near the trail exit.
After seeing the Snow Monkeys, head to the local Japanese sake brewery to try various types of sake maybe even find a nice souvenir for yourself.
Includes
- Snow Monkey Park entrance fee
- Lunch
- Personal tour guide
- Transportation between attractions
- Sake tasting
- Hakuba shuttle service (winter only)
- Bullet train ticket
- Optional attraction entrance to Zenko-ji Temple
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you at the Information Board of JR Nagano Station across from the Shinkansen exit gates at 9:35 AM (the guide will be there from 9:20 AM).
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Please note that this is not a private tour and you might be together with other travelers, depending on the day
- There will be a substantial amount of walking involved, although routes will be generally flat and easy to walk. In winter the forest trail can get slippery
- Please wear suitable shoes for walking the forest trail (no heels) and a bag that is easy to carry. A small rucksack is recommended
- There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park. In such case the park is closed and we will provide an alternative activity
