Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
Joined 2018
Jigokutani Yaen Koen, so-called the Snow Monkey Park, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nagano. If you are lucky, you will see some monkeys bathing in the hot spring. In winter, the natural trail is often frozen and slippery. From spring to autumn, trekking to the park is easier than in winter. How about enjoying a local train ride and encountering wild monkeys in natural settings?
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Nagano Station or your hotel near Nagano Station
- Please choose the place you prefer.
Nagano Station
We take a train trip to Yudanaka Station.
Yudanaka Station
In winter, your guide recommends you take a taxi from the station to Snow Monkey Park. If so, you can start trekking at the nearest parking lot to Snow Monkey Park. We can save about 10 minutes to get to the park (usually, a 30 to 40 minute walk from the bus stop).
Bus Stop or the nearest parking lot
We start trekking there. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the bus stop.
Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park)
They are wild monkeys, so sometimes they don't appear in the park. Whatever may happen, the place is worth visiting. Walking in the forest must be refreshing and heals your body and soul. We stay there about 40 to 60 minutes.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the trailhead to the park.
Yudanaka Station
We take a train to Nagano Station.
Nagano Station
Ending Point
Nagano Station or your hotel lobby near Nagano Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Guide transportation fee
Round trip ticket (your group) ¥2,070/person, Snow Monkey Park (your group) ¥800/person, Lunch
Tour Important Information
In winter, you may need crampons (about ¥1500) if there is much snow on the way. They are available at the shop at the entrance.
Important message from the supplier
Basically, I am available on weekdays. But if you are planning to have a long tour including the weekend, please let me know. I think that I can be flexible. In addition to the guide fee, you are requested to pay my transportation to the meeting spot. Thank you for your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Emi F.
Nice to meet you. I am a national government certified guide interpreter, Emi. I just started this business under the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, I had worked for more than 30 years as a teacher. Nagano is a cozy city surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. I enjoy strolling around its center, driving in the countryside, visiting some beautiful spots such as Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi highlands, Matsumoto Castle and so on. I also enjoy local dishes with fresh ingredients. I'd like to introduce our lifestyle to you as well as historical places and nature. According to your expectations, I will make your tour tailor-made, not ready-made!
Reviews
Genevieve T.
“One with nature”
Togakushi Shrine was in our bucket list and we managed to go there with the help of Emi. Emi was patient and replied back to all my questions prior to our trip. She also tried her best to explain things about the sites (Tokagushi and Zenkoji Temple) we went to. The highlight was the walk in the snow covered cedar tree lined pathway. It was beautiful. Thank you Emi for making our trip memorable
Emi F.
Thank you for your wonderful review. I appreciate your patience as we walked through the snow for quite a while, but I’m glad you were able to enjoy the beautiful snow-covered forest. More than anything, the warmth of your family’s hearts for me made the cold disappear. It was truly a precious day for me as a guide, and I’m delighted that you enjoyed my hometown, Nagano.
Taylor K.
“Absolutely fantastic ”
Emi was an amazing tour guide. Zenkoji temple was our main point but she showed us so much more on the way there and back from our hotel. She was extremely knowledgeable and upbeat. We would pick her as a tour guide for every prefecture we're visiting of we could.
Emi F.
Thank you for choosing me as your guide in Nagano. Even though it was a cold day, your cheerful attitude and genuine curiosity about Japanese culture made the tour so enjoyable. I truly appreciate your kindness and cooperation. Spending time with you and your family was such a delightful experience for me. Thank you again for a wonderful day!
Dean T.
“Matsumoto Castle & Town Tour”
We were very fortunate to have Emi as our guide. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We wanted to spend a day in Matsumoto with a focus on Matsumoto Castle. She prepared a itinerary for the day that was gave us plenty of time at the castle and Matsumoto town. Emi was extremely knowledgeable and shared information that only a local would know. She help translate information that was only in Japanese as well as help read inscriptions that were on many actual items. We never felt rushed during the time we spent with her. She was very helpful in communicating with shopkeepers which gave us more insight as to the background of their crafts or foods. One of the highlights was taking us up to the observation deck in the City Hall so we could view the castle grounds from above (we would have never done that on our own). The day we spend with Emi was one of the best days we had during our trip. Even before the tour day, Emi communicated with us giving us updates and answering our questions so we were prepared for our trip to the Nagano area. We highly recommend Emi and would definitely hire her again when we return to the Nagano area.
Emi F.
I am truly grateful for your heartfelt review. It was a pleasure to explore the castle together and take our time to appreciate its history. I was so glad you were interested in Matsumoto's crafts and folk art, and I really enjoyed rediscovering the cultural charm of the area as we strolled through the historic streets and visited local shops. I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan one day. Until then, take care! 
$356/ per group
More tours by Emi F.
Matsumoto Castle and its Surroundings
Matsumoto Castle was built about 400 years ago. It has one of the oldest castle towers in Japan, designated as a national treasure. The black and white contrast of the castle with a backdrop of the Japan's northern Alps is really photogenic!! When you stroll the castle town, you come across rows of old houses and also fresh spring waters in every corner.
Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
Togakushi is a sacred place where mountain worship once flourished. You'll see some shinto shrines in the deep forests guarded by sacred mountains. Unbeaten natural beauty will also make you feel refreshed.
Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
A world-famous ukiyoe painter Hokusai (1760-1849) stayed in Obuse and made his works in his later years. In Obuse Hokusai Museum, you'll encounter not only his ukiyoe woodblock printings but also his original handwritings you cannot see elsewhere. Akso, Obuse is well-known for its chestnuts. There are many chestnut trees and a variety of foods with chestnuts. Why don't you try one of them?
Matsushiro: Unique Samurai Town
Matsushiro is a quiet castle town 10km away from the center of Nagano. The town used to be the domain of the Sanada clan (feudal lords). In Matsushiro, you see the castle remains, the residence of the Sanada clan, middle-class samurai houses, a school for samurai children. You will enjoy walking around the cosy town, breathing fresh air.
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Nagano
Karuizawa Adventure: Ride, Dine, and Unwind
This tour includes horse trekking and lunch. You can relax in beautiful nature away from the city. Horse trekking is for very first beginners to experienced riders. Just let me know what your level is! I will be taking photos for your memory! Later for lunch, you can try Nagano Soba noodle or Tempura in my recommended restaurant(favorite place among local people!), or you can just tell me what you would like to eat.
Snow Monkey&Togakushi Snowshoeing! Nagano Winter Special!
Visiting world famous "Snow Monkey" park and snowshoeing in beautiful Togakushi Shrine's forest! The Mokey park is outstanding and you will love it to see the wild monkeys relaxing in Onsen. Moreover, this tour offers the other special experience "Snowshoeing in Togakushi". Explore the snowy beech forests. Woodland creatures also roam the area, so keep your eyes peeled for animal tracks! Approach the legendary Togakushi Shrine nearby, strolling along its idyllic tree-lined trail.
Togakushi Snowshoe Hiking Tour
The mountains of the north Nagano are covered with deep snow during the winter. The pond freezes, all the shrubs are buried under the snow, and the trees wear beautiful white robes. The sound of footsteps and breathing of ourselves as we step on the snow in silence, and the footprints of rabbits and foxes that remain on the snow surface. In winter, when bushes are covered with snow, you can freely walk around the forest, and you can also get to the forest of giant trees,