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. The natural trail is often frozen and slippery in winter season. From May to November, reaching the place is easier than in winter. How about enjoying a local train ride and encountering wild monkeys?
Nagano Station or your hotel near Nagano Station
We take a train trip to Yudanaka Station.
We should take a taxi to Snow Monkey Park. If we do so, we can get to the nearest entrance. If you take a bus, you need to walk about 20 to 30 min. from the bus stop to the entrance.
We walk about 30 to 40 min. to the park.
They are wild monkeys. So sometimes they don't appear in the park. Whatever happens, it is absolutely worth visiting!! We stay there about 1 hour.
We take a trip back to Yudanaka Station by taxi. We have some time to walk around the nostalgic streets near the station.
We take a train to Nagano Station.
Nagano Station or your hotel near Nagano Station
guide fee, guide transportation fee ¥300
Round trip train fare (you and guide) about ¥2,070 per person, Round trip taxi fare to the park (a standard vehicle for 4 people): about ¥5,000, Park entrance fee (your group) ¥800 per person, A set of crampon (if necessary, in winter) about ¥1500, Lunch or tea
In winter, you need crampons (about ¥1500) if there is much snow on the way. They are available at the shop at the entrance.
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.
“Great trip to snow monkeys/ Nagano!”
Emi was a wonderful guide! She is very knowledgeable about the Nagano area. We truly enjoyed our day visiting the snow monkeys. Emi gave me frequent updates on weather, how to prepare, and was available for any questions. We then explored Nagano, ate local food, and went to a sake brewery. This was one of my favorite days in Japan! Thank you, Emi-san for a memorable experience!
Emi F.
(6 reviews)Thank you very much for your wonderful review! I really enjoyed accompanying you. We detoured on the way and I cannot forget the soba lunch with you! Thank you for the warm-hearted memory. I wish you a merry Christmas and a new year filled with good health and happiness.
“Wonderful Tour”
Emi was amazing! I initially booked the incorrect start time and she was more than willing to change it for us. She was thoughtful, well-prepared, and very knowledgeable. She customized the tour to meet our needs. I would highly recommend booking a tour with Emi, you won't regret it!
Emi F.
(6 reviews)Thank you very much for choosing "Nagano Town Walk”. You kindly allowed me to do what I most wanted to do as a local guide. I was "super happy” walking with you two and showing my hometown around. Nothing would be better to me than my guests enjoyed my hometown! I won’t forget our pleasant walks before and after dusk. I sincerely appreciate your high recognition.
Stanley S.
Beautiful Japanese early modern castle, Matsumoto Castle
Customized
“Professional and helpful tour guide”
I hired the service of Emi for a two hours tour of Matsumoto Castle. We are a group of travelers who would like to learn in depth about the castle, focusing on its history, architecture and restoration. I have to say that Emi met our expectations comfortably. She was very meticulous in her planning; she proposed a detailed itinerary that includes info such as which parts of the castle is more interesting and which part is less crowded. She gave a good explanation about the history and restoration process using old pictures of the castle that she printed out in advance. Her English is also very good, loud and clear to understand. She's very friendly and prompt in her response, and she continue to reply our queries even after the tour. I will definitely hire her service again if I have a chance to visit the Nagano region in the future.
Emi F.
(6 reviews)Hello Stanley, Thank you very much for taking time to write a good review on me. I understand that you have been busy operating your tours. I was very happy to be with you and your friendly customers on April 10th. Although the half of them had to turn back halfway because of the accident which occurred in another group, the rest of them who reached the top of the donjon enjoyed a fine view, the robust structures of the ceiling and the story of the goddess of 26 nights I narrated. In spite of the unexpected incident, you led the customers professionally, and your customers looked very satisfied with your services. I hope I can work with you again in the future. Congratulations on your hard work. Regards, Emi