Nagano Day Trip from Tokyo: Snow Monkeys, Hot Springs and Zenko-ji Temple
Tokyo, Japan
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 12 hours
Watch Japanese snow monkeys soak in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano! This day trip from Tokyo by bullet train starts with a guided tour of Zenko-ji, a 7th-century temple designated as a national treasure. Afterward, spend an hour snapping photos of the bathing snow monkeys. This seasonal day trip runs from January to April, and is limited to 15 people to ensure a small-group experience.
Important! Please note we are currently sold out. Please check back by October, 2015 for the rates and availability of 2016.
Important! Please note we are currently sold out. Please check back by October, 2015 for the rates and availability of 2016.
More About This Activity All Day Trips →
Watch Japanese snow monkeys soak in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano! This day trip from Tokyo by bullet train starts with a guided tour of Zenko-ji, a 7th-century temple designated as a national treasure. Afterward, spend an hour snapping photos of the bathing snow monkeys. This seasonal day trip runs from January to April, and is limited to 15 people to ensure a small-group experience.
Important! Please note we are currently sold out. Please check back by October, 2015 for the rates and availability of 2016.With your train ticket in hand, make your own way to Tokyo station in the morning and board the Shinkansen bullet train for the approx. 2-hour journey to Nagano. When you get there, meet up with your guide and small group at the Nagano station departure-arrival course and depart by bus. Following a 30-minute ride you’ll arrive at Zenko-ji Temple. Founded in 642, the Buddhist temple has been used as a place of worship in Japan for centuries. Stroll through the gate with your informative guide to visit the main hall, a majestic wooden structure known for its impressive size.
After a walking tour of this national treasure, stop for a hearty lunch of soba buckwheat noodles (a Nagano specialty).
Then head to Zenkojishita station, where you’ll board a local train for the 1-hour ride to Yudanaka station. Once you’re picked up from here and driven to Kanbayashi Onsenguchi, it’s a 35-minute walk along a 1-mile (1.6-km) promenade to Jigokudani Monkey Park, internationally renowned as the only place Japanese macaques — snow monkeys — can be seen enjoying hot springs.
Watch this close-knit population of monkeys as they settle into the spring-fed pools at Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is often surrounded by snow. They descend from the nearby cliffs and forest to soak here, and you'll be close enough to see the relaxed expressions on their faces as they settle into the warm water.
After almost an hour, you’ll depart for Yudanaka station for a 1-hour ride by local train to Nagano station. From there, it’s almost 2 hours on the bullet train back to Tokyo station, where your full-day tour ends.
Please note: A minimum of two people per booking is required.
Important! Please note we are currently sold out. Please check back by October, 2015 for the rates and availability of 2016.With your train ticket in hand, make your own way to Tokyo station in the morning and board the Shinkansen bullet train for the approx. 2-hour journey to Nagano. When you get there, meet up with your guide and small group at the Nagano station departure-arrival course and depart by bus. Following a 30-minute ride you’ll arrive at Zenko-ji Temple. Founded in 642, the Buddhist temple has been used as a place of worship in Japan for centuries. Stroll through the gate with your informative guide to visit the main hall, a majestic wooden structure known for its impressive size.
After a walking tour of this national treasure, stop for a hearty lunch of soba buckwheat noodles (a Nagano specialty).
Then head to Zenkojishita station, where you’ll board a local train for the 1-hour ride to Yudanaka station. Once you’re picked up from here and driven to Kanbayashi Onsenguchi, it’s a 35-minute walk along a 1-mile (1.6-km) promenade to Jigokudani Monkey Park, internationally renowned as the only place Japanese macaques — snow monkeys — can be seen enjoying hot springs.
Watch this close-knit population of monkeys as they settle into the spring-fed pools at Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is often surrounded by snow. They descend from the nearby cliffs and forest to soak here, and you'll be close enough to see the relaxed expressions on their faces as they settle into the warm water.
After almost an hour, you’ll depart for Yudanaka station for a 1-hour ride by local train to Nagano station. From there, it’s almost 2 hours on the bullet train back to Tokyo station, where your full-day tour ends.
Please note: A minimum of two people per booking is required.
« Go Back