Private Tours to the Snow Monkey Park
Open throughout the year, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Central Japan’s most unique and popular destinations. At it’s popular during winter, the monkeys in fact come to the park all year and are just as reliable outside of winter as they are in the months of cold and snow.
We offer a range of group tours that include visits to the monkey park and for visitors wanting the comfort and convenience of their own transport, we also offer private tours including a locally-based guide.
We can arrange a private tour starting and ending at any regional location and combining a visit to the monkeys with lunch and another morning or afternoon activity.
Transport can be arranged for single travelers and couples, families and friends and larger groups of up to 44 passengers in one vehicle. Our guides are all locally-based and love introducing our guests to our home region!
Under the national ‘Go To Travel’ campaign, our private tours rates are significantly reduced with the following starting points discounted by 35%:
This offer is only available for Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan with price dependent on inclusions and distance covered. The prices above are calculated based on 4 guests however tours can be provided for groups sizes of 1 and up, including large tour groups!
HOW IS THE DISCOUNT CALCULATED?
Discounts under Go To Travel can be a little confusing but basically for eligible day-trips i.e. packages starting and ending on the same day and without accommodation, the discount is capped at JPY10,000 per guest with maximum saving of 35% of the original cost of the package. Meaning that if the total saving of JPY10,000 per guest comes to more than 35% of the original price, the discount will be capped at 35%.
It is also important to note that to be eligible for a discount under Go To Travel, the tour must start and finish at the same point i.e. if we pick you up from Nagano Station or your accommodation, we must take you back there.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Itineraries and inclusions are customisable to match your needs. We can provide both one-day and multi-day tours. As an example, a one-day tour (typically) includes:
— private vehicle/driver for the day – up to 9 hours* and including luggage transport
— private English-speaking guide for the day – up to 9 hours*
— entry tickets for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
— lunch at a local restaurant
— one additional activity of your choice (examples are included below)
The tour cost is calculated per person (aged of 6 years and over) with infants (under 6 years of age) included free of charge. Infants are included free of charge and therefore do not receive lunch (if required, please order directly to the restaurant according to your needs).
*Longer tours can be arranged at an additional charge.
WHY CHOOSE US?
As Nagano’s No1. tour and charter operator, Snow Monkey Resorts offers the convenience and flexibility of private tours designed to suit your itinerary, needs and interests.
Our vehicles and drivers are fully accredited and offer the best way to get the most out of your time in Nagano with both one-day or multi-day tour itineraries available.
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.
Awarded a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano.
Starting from your preferred location, we transport you to the monkey park in combination with your choice of morning or afternoon activity or, should you wish to, just to the monkeys!
Whether you just want to spend time with the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, explore Nagano’s ancient Zenko-ji Temple, soak in an ‘onsen’, indulge in the region’s renowned food culture, or snowmobiling in Shiga Kogen, we’ve got you covered and will help you get the most out of your time in Central Japan!
POPULAR ACTIVITIES TO COMBINE WITH YOUR VISIT TO THE MONKEYS
Combine your visit to the monkeys with a morning or afternoon activity in and around Nagano. Some popular choices include:
Explore Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tasting / All Year Round / 1.5 hours
One of the first Buddhist temples to be established in Japan, Zenko-ji is the spiritual and cultural heart of Nagano and as such, is rich in history and folk tales from its near-1400 year history. The main hall of the temple is the third largest wooden temple in Japan and a registered National Treasure.
Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s most open and welcoming temples, offering activities including ‘Zazen’ (seated) meditation, ‘Shakyo’ (brush) meditation, and ‘Goma’ (fire prayer) services’ available to international visitors.
Explore historic Obuse town / All Year Round / 1.5 hours
Explore the picturesque town of Obuse and its remaining Edo-style buildings. Known for its historic character, chestnut delicacies and sake breweries, Obuse is most famous as home to the Hokusai Museum, showcasing the life and work of the country’s most influential artist, Hokusai Katsushika.
The world-famous artist spent some of his final years in Obuse and painted his final masterpiece here. As one of the few (if perhaps only) Japanese artist to influence Western art movements, a visit to Obuse is your chance to view and discover the masterful work of a universally acclaimed artist.
Snow Fun Activities in Shiga Kogen / Dec. to Mar. / 2.5 hours*
Let’s face it. Skiing and snowboarding usually requires a lot of practice and first-timers spend more time on their backsides than they do on their feet! Why put yourself through that when you can enjoy a morning or afternoon of snow fun using a range of snow-specific gear – including snow scoots, sit-down skiing, sleds and tubes! – at Japan and Asia’s largest ski resort – Shiga Kogen.
Suitable for both children and adults alike, this activity is designed for everyone, whether it’s your first time in snow or you’re a seasoned veteran of the slopes*.
Snowmobiling in Shiga Kogen / Dec. to Mar. / 2.5 hours*
Want to pick-up the pace and go a bit faster? Snowmobiling in Shiga Kogen is an exhilarating way to experience Japan’s largest ski resort. Led by a qualified instructor, you will first be taught how to use the equipment in a safe manner before you are lead around a circuit to enjoy the thrill of controlling your own snowmobile.
With the option of either single or tandem, this activity is a popular and fun inclusion in your winter adventure!
‘Onsen’ (Natural Hot Spring) Experience / All Year Round / 1.5 hours
Nagano is blessed with numerous ‘onsen’ (natural hot springs) and the odd onsen-bathing monkey. But if you’re a human and would also like to experience this most Japanese of custom, we are happy to arrange a visit to a local hot spring to soak and unwind in the warm thermal waters of this ancient island country.
The private onsen is gender-mixed and has an outdoor bath including rental towels. Please note that due to the size of the hot spring bath, this activity is for a group for up to 8 people and is available for 50 minutes per a group.
*This activity includes a surcharge which will be included in your quote and is subject to availability. For guests wanting to include snowmobiling in their tour, please also note that single ride is restricted to participants aged 13 years and above while tandem ride is appropriate for participants aged 6 years and above. Infants – below 6 years of age – are not permitted to participate in snowmobiling.
Looking for a quote or to book at tour? Simply click the ‘CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE’ buttons within the text above or the ‘Get A Quote’ button below. You’ll jump to our inquiry form, head to private tour form where you can provide your preferred travel date, contact name and details, number of guests and details of what you would like to include in your tour.
Just let us know what you’re interested in seeing or doing, and we’ll get back to you via email within 48 hours.
