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Snow Monkey Park & Local Train Experience
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
“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! 
“Nozawa Onsen Quaint Peaceful and Abundant Charms ”
Emi F. Is endearing, knowledgeable and professional. She meticulously created an itinerary for our visit. Every activity was well planned and performed with accuracy. We were lucky to have Emi as our guide.
Emi F.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed Nozawa Onsen Village. It’s one of my favorite places, and I’ve always dreamed of sharing it with guests from abroad—thank you for making that dream come true. The peaceful countryside views we enjoyed together were truly unforgettable. Wishing you and your wonderful son and daughter a very happy New Year ahead.
“May 2024, Nagano and Matsumoto”
Emi was wonderful and the best guide we could have asked for. She was nice, flexible, great sense of humor, and very accommodating. She was very knowledgeable about history, the region, the customs and the local cuisine. We truly enjoyed all of her recommendations and her going out of the way to ensure we bought the best souvenirs. We enjoyed both of our days with her, and if we come back, we would definitely book her services again!
Emi F.
Your family was wonderful guests to me, too. For the two days, I enjoyed your company very much. You had already learned many things about Japan, so your curiosity and great love for Japan has made me develop as a guide a lot. My dotted knowledge and experiences in my life were woven into loving silk strings through you. In that sense, you are beautiful silkworms, lol! I greatly thank you for everything, and I hope that you'll have many wonderful family trips. :)
$337/ per group
More tours by Emi F.
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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.
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