Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
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?
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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
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
Charlene O.
“Autumn walk in Obuse Town with Emi”
Emi is a professional: prompt, knowledgeable and thorough. She did a great job in planning our itinerary. It was obvious that she was well prepared, and it was obvious that she wanted us to enjoy the beauty and history of Obuse, which we did. Lunch was incredible. The day we spent with Emi was a most pleasant one, as she is personable and sincere. We would not hesitate to schedule another tour with her!
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Emi F.
Thank you very much for your wonderful words. Your long-cherished desire to visit Obuse truly inspired me, and it was such a pleasure to spend that time with you. I’m truly grateful that you chose me as your guide. Please stay well and enjoy many happy times with your family and loved ones! :)
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
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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.
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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!
$334/ per group
More tours by Emi F.
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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?
Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
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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.
Matsumoto Castle and its Surroundings
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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.
Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
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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.
Matsushiro: Unique Samurai Town
Other Popular Nature & Outdoor Tours in Nagano
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Naena Waterfall 1/2 day Tour
If you will be free in the afternoon while you stay in Nagano city, how about visiting Naena Waterfall in Niigata pref. next to Nagano pref. Nature is calling you !!
Naena Waterfall 1/2 day Tour
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Kamikochi Nature Tour
We'll enjoy an easy hike in Kamikochi. It is 75mins walk along the creek from Taisyoike pond to Kappabashi, admiring diversity of nature and serenity being away from big cities. No private vehicles are allowed to enter Kamikochi. For your comfort We take a taxi from and to Kamikochi. Taxi fare(Around 40000yen) is not included to the tour fee, and payable to the driver.
Kamikochi Nature Tour
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Hell Vally "Can You Believe Monkeys Bathing" Tour
Japanese monkey is called as Snow Monkey because only these monkeys inhabit in heavy snow and sub-zero weather. At Jigokudani (Hell Vally) Wild Monkey Park, monkeys are very famous as soaking in a hot spring. You can watch these unique monkeys at a close range without cage or fence.
Hell Vally "Can You Believe Monkeys Bathing" Tour
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Snow Monkey Park / Matsumoto Castle / Daio Wasabi Firm
The Jigokudani Yaen-koen (altitude 850 meters) is known as snow monkey park that has been a worldwide popular place for watching the bathing monkeys in a hot spring. (Winter is the best tour season for it.) The five-story, six-tiered keep of Matsumoto Castle is Japan's oldest existing National Treasure. Daio Wasabi Firm is one of Japan's largest wasabi farms.
Snow Monkey Park / Matsumoto Castle / Daio Wasabi Firm
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