
Visitors to Nagano will almost certainly of heard of the Jigokudani Monkey Park and its now famous, hot-spring loving monkeys!


One of Nagano’s most popular destinations, the monkeys come to the park throughout the year and are just as comfortable there in spring, summer and autumn as they are in the cold and snow of winter.

As we head into autumn, it’s a great time to visit the park, go slow and explore the surrounding area of Yamanouchi.

Our ‘Explore Yamanouchi – Home of the Snow Monkeys’ page introduces the area including its multiple hot spring towns of Kanbayashi Onsen, Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen along with the beautiful alpine area of Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen.

Blessed with abundant nature, great hiking trails and stunning autumn leaves, it’s an equally good time of year to head to Yamanouchi and onto the mountains; and soon enough, the snow will fall transforming the landscape yet again.

Home to Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest and highest ski resort – along with the resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi really comes into its own in winter.

With numerous guesthouses to choose from – many of which have their own in-house onsen – it’s time to get planning and book your next holiday to the home of the snow monkeys, Yamanouchi.
‘Go To Travel’ Campaign
As our recent blog outlined, foreign residents and Japanese citizens are currently eligible for big savings under the national ‘Go To Travel’ campaign – discounts of 35% 50% off you travel costs!

For full details regarding what’s involved and what’s on offer, see our ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ blog article or head straight to our ‘What is’ Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ page.

For complete overview of current deals available to foreign residents, please refer to our ‘Travel Japan: Offers & Deals’ page.

We hope this page is helpful in understanding what you’re entitled to and helping your explore and discover more in Nagano and Central Japan.

This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind.

Blessed with some of Japan’s most pristine and beautiful natural landscapes, Central Japan is the perfect place to escape the congestion of the city and the worries of daily life, and get back to your true nature.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator

When planning and booking your trip to Central Japan, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.

As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.

We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination.

Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!

