(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano

Experience the best of Nagano in spring by combining two of Japan’s most iconic sights: the world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys and the ethereal beauty of the cherry blossoms. While the flowers in Tokyo and Kyoto often fade by early April, Nagano’s mountainous climate means cherry blossoms can typically be enjoyed here until the very end of April.

This tour offers a unique seasonal transition; you’ll spend your morning in the shadows of the mountains with the macaques of Jigokudani—where you might even spot newborn babies—before heading to lower elevations to immerse yourself in the pink "sakura" clouds.

**Our Flexibility Guarantee**: Because Nagano’s bloom "moves" across different altitudes, there are occasionally "lulls" where one site has finished and the next hasn't quite reached its peak. We monitor these conditions daily. If we determine the blossoms are not in peak condition on the day of your tour, we offer the flexibility to switch to our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour or receive a full refund. We will notify you of any changes at least 2 days in advance, so you can book your spring adventure with peace of mind.

Highlights

• The Perfect Monkey Pairing: Combine a morning at the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park with an afternoon wandering beneath Nagano's late-blooming cherry trees.
• Extended Sakura Season: Enjoy the blossoms until late April, long after they have disappeared in other parts of Japan.
• Experience One of Various "Hanami" Viewing Settings: From high-energy castle festivals to the peaceful harmony of pink blossoms paired with yellow canola fields.

For the specific site that you may visit on your desired travel date, please see the tour description below for a full breakdown of which sites we are most likely to visit in different parts of April.

• Historic Farmhouse Lunch: Recharge with a delicious local meal at a restored 170-year-old farmhouse.

Want to join this tour from Tokyo? It’s easy to do! Scroll to the bottom for our FAQs including train services that you can use to join the tour!

Review

Description

Morning: Spring Notes and Newborn Babies at the Snow Monkey Park

Witness the world-famous macaques in their natural habitat. The journey begins with pickups at Hotel Kokusai 21 (09:10) and Nagano Station (09:35). Your guide leads you along a beautiful 1.6 kilometer forest trail into the "Hell's Valley," home to the world’s only troop of monkeys known to bathe in natural hot springs.

• Spring Highlights: Spring is a magical time at the park as expectant mothers give birth. From mid-April to May, you may spot adorable newborns with their oversized eyes exploring the world for the first time.
• Expert Insight: With no barriers between you and the monkeys, your guide will explain the unique social hierarchy and behaviors of this famous troop.

Midday: Seasonal Nagano Lunch

Recharge with a delicious local meal near the park. After exiting the trail, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Hotarutei, a resorted 170-year-old historic farmhouse turned restaurant.

• Dietary Friendly: We offer a variety of meal choices, including excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Take this time to discuss the morning’s sightings with your guide before our afternoon 'hanami' flower viewing adventure.

Afternoon: The Art of ‘Hanami’ (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

Nagano’s geography creates a rolling blooming season. To ensure you see the best flowers, we divide our tour season into three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Festival Spirit (April 5th – April 11th)

We visit Nagano’s premier "Festival" spots like Ueda Castle Park or Takada Castle Park.

• The Vibe: Vibrant, social, and traditional.
• The Experience: Explore historic castle ruins surrounded by thousands of trees and the buzz of local festival stalls.

Phase 2: The Local Bloom (April 12th – April 17th)

We shift to locations that offer a more tranquil, authentic experience, such as Garyu Park, Kokugon-ji Temple, or Iiyama Castle Park.

• The Vibe: Serene and contemplative.
• The Experience: A focused appreciation of the blossoms and temple architecture, offering a peaceful "Hanami" as the locals enjoy it.

Phase 3: Canola & Snow-Capped Peaks (April 18th – End of Tour Season)

For the season finale in the last part of April, we head to Chikumagawa Fureai Park for a spectacular visual display.

• The Vibe: Picturesque and awe-inspiring.
• The Experience: Walk through a long avenue pink cherry blossoms with a carpet of vibrant yellow canola flowers (nanohana) nearby, all set against a dramatic backdrop of Nagano's snow-capped mountains.

Important Disclaimer on Seasonal Timing: Please note that the dates listed above are based on average blooming patterns and are not hard-set. Because cherry blossoms are highly sensitive to temperature and climate conditions, the "peak bloom" can shift from year to year. We reserve the right to change the visited site for any particular date range based on our daily morning scouts to ensure you are taken to the location with the best possible viewing conditions on the day of your tour.

Evening: Return to Nagano

A relaxing conclusion to a day of nature and culture. As the afternoon light fades, we board the bus for the return journey.

• Flexible Drop-off: We arrive back at Nagano Station between 17:30 and 18:30, with drop-off at Hotel Kokusai 21 available upon request.
• Note: Return times vary slightly depending on which blossom site was selected for that day’s peak bloom.

Meetup Points

This tour operates from two meetup points in Nagano City - Hotel Kokusai 21 and Nagano Station:

HOTEL KOKUSAI 21 @ 09:10

The meetup point is at the entrance of Hotel Kokusai 21. Please note that this is group tour and there are other pick-up points therefore the tour will need to depart on-time. Please be at the entrance prior to the meetup time and look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. The tour will need to depart on-time.

NAGANO STATION @ 09:35

The meetup point is inside the station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 09:40.

Notes

Included

• Transport from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park and between all listed activities / attractions
• Snow Monkey Park entrance fee
• Lunch (vegetarian options are available)
• English-speaking guide

Excluded

• Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets to & from Nagano Station
• Additional food, snacks & drinks
• Accommodation (unless requested)

Other Information

• Walking Requirements: This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness. The walk to the Snow Monkey Park is a 1.6km (1 mile) forest trail each way (approx. 20–25 minutes). While usually dry in spring, please wear sturdy walking shoes and clothing suitable for changing mountain weather.
• Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking.
• The Monkeys: While rare, there are days when the monkeys do not come down to the park. This is a natural occurrence outside of our control.
• Newborn Macaques: Baby monkeys typically begin appearing from mid-April onward, coinciding perfectly with our "Phase 3" blossom sites.
• Blossom Site Selection: To ensure the best experience, we monitor local conditions daily. We select the specific blossom site based on the peak bloom for your specific tour date; therefore, the location cannot be confirmed until the morning of the tour.
• Bloom Lulls & Flexibility: Blossom timing is dependent on the weather. If there is a "lull" in the bloom and no sites are in good condition, we will offer to switch you to our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour or provide a full refund. We will notify you of any changes at least 2 days in advance.
• Dining: We use high-quality local restaurants such as 'Hotarutei', 'Enza Cafe', or 'GOEN'. The specific venue depends on the tour date and restaurant availability.
• Infants (0-5): Free of charge. Please note that lunch is not included for infants, and they may be required to sit on an adult's lap if the bus is at full capacity.
• Deadline: Tour applications close 1 day before the tour date at 17:00.