At Snow Monkey Resorts, we believe travel should go beyond ticking boxes. As a registered travel agent and award-winning tour operator, we specialize in curating authentic, transformative travel experiences throughout Japan. Whether you’re drawn to bustling metropolises, tranquil mountain valleys, or remote cultural heritage sites, we’re here to guide you off the beaten path and into the heart of Japan’s most captivating regions.
From single-day excursions to multi-day adventures, private charters, ski packages, and more—our tours are designed to connect you with the soul of each destination. Here’s a look at the regions we proudly serve:
Nagano: Gateway to the Japanese Alps
Home to our headquarters, Nagano is where it all began—and remains at the heart of our operations. Renowned for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, this region offers far more than its famous hot-spring-loving macaques.
Explore ancient Zenko-ji Temple, hike the dramatic Kamikochi Valley, unwind in traditional onsen towns like Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, or hit the slopes in Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, two of Japan’s top ski destinations.
Popular tours & services in Nagano:
1) Award-winning tour of Nagano's Snow Monkey Park
Discover the best of Nagano on this full-day tour featuring a guided visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist sites, followed by a sake tasting and lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, journey into the mountains to meet the famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, all led by a friendly, English-speaking local guide. Named one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Experiences in Japan (2022), this tour offers a perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable wildlife in a single day.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
2) Snow Walls and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Journey to the breathtaking 'Roof of Japan' on this full-day tour along the legendary Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, featuring the iconic Snow Walls and dramatic alpine scenery. Starting from Nagano City, you'll travel with an English-speaking guide using a series of unique mountain transports to ascend to nearly 2,500 meters above sea level, where you’ll walk among towering snow corridors and take in the vast beauty of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. With round-trip guidance and transport from Nagano, this tour is the perfect way to explore one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Best Selling
[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
- Spots:
- NaganoAlpine Route
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
3) Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
Combine winter adventure with one of Japan’s most iconic wildlife experiences on this fun-filled day tour to Shiga Kogen and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! Start your day playing in the deep powder of Japan’s largest ski resort, trying activities like snow-scooting, snow-biking, and sledding, followed by a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys, all led by a locally-based, English-speaking guide. With multiple convenient pickup points, this tour is the perfect winter escape for snow lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike!
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
Tokyo: Tradition Meets Innovation
Japan’s vibrant capital is more than neon lights and bullet trains. Our Tokyo tours take you deeper—into quiet neighborhoods, hidden shrines, artisanal workshops, and thriving street food scenes.
Experience the contrast between the bustling crossings of Shibuya and Meiji Shrine, uncover the training practices of sumo wrestlers, or take a day trip to Nikko or Mt. Fuji with ease.
Popular tours & services in Tokyo:
1) Kamakura & Enoshima Day Tour from Tokyo
Escape the city and explore the seaside charm of Kamakura and Enoshima on this full-day tour from Tokyo! Just over an hour from Shinjuku, this guided adventure takes you into the heart of Kanagawa Perfect for travelers looking to step beyond Tokyo and experience local favorite seaside destinations.
2) Tokyo Highlights Tour: Featuring Sumo, Sushi, and more
Discover the cultural heart of Tokyo on this immersive day tour featuring a rare visit to a Sumo Beya to watch wrestlers train, a stroll through a historic Japanese garden with a traditional matcha and sweet experience, and a walk through a Buddhist temple complex. Savor fresh sushi and street food at one of Tokyo’s most iconic markets, then cap off your day with panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower.
3) Walking Tour of Shinjuku and Shibuya
Experience the best of both traditional and pop culture on this immersive day tour through Shinjuku and Shibuya, two of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods. Begin by stepping back in time at a local history museum with life-size replicas of old Tokyo, followed by a peaceful stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen Park and a relaxing matcha and wagashi tea house experience. Discover hidden shrines and explore the buzzing streets of Shinjuku before heading to Shibuya, where you’ll visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, explore the colorful world of Harajuku fashion and sweets, and take in sweeping views of Shibuya Scramble Crossing from a modern observatory—perfect for travelers wanting to experience two vibrant sides of Tokyo in one unforgettable day.
Kansai (Kyoto & Osaka): Japan’s Cultural Heart
From Kyoto’s timeless temples to Osaka’s bustling food alleys, the Kansai region is where Japan’s history and personality come alive. Our tours guide you beyond the tourist hotspots, into craft villages, tea fields, and preserved merchant towns.
Popular tours & services in Kansai:
1) Discover the Daruma Shrine
Escape the bustle of Osaka and discover the serene charm of Minoh City on this off-the-beaten-path day tour combining cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin your journey at the peaceful Katsuoji Temple, known as the “Temple of the Winning Daruma,” where you'll explore tranquil gardens, koi ponds, and hundreds of symbolic Daruma dolls. Then enjoy a gentle, scenic hike through Minoh Park—one of Japan’s oldest nature reserves—on your way to the spectacular 33-meter-high Minoh Falls, surrounded by lush forest and local wildlife. Ideal for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike, this tour offers a refreshing escape into one of Osaka’s hidden gems.
2) Walking Tour around Kobe
Discover the dynamic blend of cultures, landscapes, and flavors that make Kobe one of Japan’s most underrated gems on this active full-day walking tour. Perfect for curious and energetic travelers, the tour explores the city’s unique fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences, from historic foreign settlements and shrines to Japan’s first mosque and one of its top Chinatowns. Travel by foot, public transport, and ropeway as you journey between mountaintop views and the bustling harbor, visit a leading sake-producing district, and uncover the rich history and vibrant street life that define this port city nestled between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay.
3) Walking tour of Osaka
Experience the heart and soul of Osaka on this immersive full-day walking tour that blends the city’s rich history, vibrant street culture, and world-renowned food scene. Known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” Osaka is a paradise for culinary lovers, but it also boasts iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple, dynamic districts like Dotonboriand Shinsaibashi, and a warm, down-to-earth local culture. Alongside an expert guide, you’ll explore bustling markets, take in lively backstreets, and even create your own ukiyo-e woodblock print in a hands-on art experience—all while traveling on foot and by public transport for a truly authentic look at one of Japan’s most flavorful and friendly cities.
Nagoya: Japan's Most Underrated Destination
Often overlooked, Nagoya is a great destination for those looking for both tradition and technology. Known for its samurai heritage, ceramics, and cuisine, the city also serves as a convenient jumping-off point to many places in Central Japan, including Shirakawago and Nakasendo Trail.
Our tours connect you to Nagoya’s best-kept secrets—from historic castle towns to artisan workshops and scenic countryside escapes.
Popular tours & services in Nagoya:
1) Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
Recommended Tour: Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku on Snow Monkey Resort's highly rated 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail.
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
2) Ise Jingu (Japan's most sacred shrine) and Ise Bay
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines provides you with the chance to marvel at the natural beauty of the Ise-Shima region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
3) Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle
Recommended Tour: Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle.
Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword, meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife, and stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food under the shadow of Japan's oldest original castle.
Kanazawa: Art, Architecture & the Samurai Spirit
Kanazawa blends refined elegance with Edo-era charm. Tour Kenrokuen—one of Japan’s top three gardens, explore well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, and dive into the world of gold leaf crafts, lacquerware, and contemporary art.
Popular tours & services in Kanazawa:
1) Tour UNESCO World Heritage sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Discover the timeless charm of Japan’s mountain villages on this full-day bus tour from Kanazawa, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama with their iconic gassho-style houses dating back over 250 years. Along the way, visit Inami, a historic town renowned for its master woodcarvers, where you’ll stroll through streets rich with traditional craftsmanship and admire the intricate carvings of the 300-year-old Zuisenji Temple. The tour also offers a hands-on experience in traditional Japanese paper making in Gokayama, providing a deeper connection to the local culture. This journey through history, art, and rural life offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s enduring farming communities and artisanal heritage.
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
2) Walking Tour of Kanazawa: featuring Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha
Explore the cultural heart of Kanazawa, a historic city on the coast of the Sea of Japan, known for its rich heritage, scenic streets, and unique crafts like gold leaf artistry. This guided walking tour takes you through Kanazawa’s compact yet captivating highlights, including the Nagamachi Samurai District where you can step inside a traditional warrior’s home, the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, and the Kanazawa Castle grounds where you’ll enjoy matcha tea and traditional sweets overlooking beautiful scenery. You’ll also visit the atmospheric Higashi-chaya Tea District, learning about the city’s geisha culture while exploring tea houses and the backstreets of Kazue-machi where geisha still perform. This tour is the perfect way to discover Kanazawa’s treasures on foot with an expert guide.
3) Tour the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s Northern Alps on this winter tour of the iconic Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, starting from either Kanazawa or Toyama. Journey through stunning mountain landscapes, crossing gorges, lakes, and highlands to reach Murodo, the highest point at 2,450 meters, where you can walk along the towering snow walls—some reaching up to 20 meters high—and enjoy panoramic alpine views. Along the way, stop at Ashikuraji to explore the traditional starting point of the Mt. Tateyama climb, including a shrine dedicated to Enma, the god of the underworld, offering a glimpse into local spiritual beliefs about heaven and hell. This immersive experience combines unique mountain transports with scenic winter landscapes in Japan’s majestic Chubu Sangaku National Park, making it a must-see adventure for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Recommended
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa or Toyama: Tateyama Alpine Route Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
Takayama: Mountain Heritage & Folk Traditions
Tucked in the Japanese Alps, Takayama retains its old-town atmosphere, wooden merchant houses, and morning markets. As a base for exploring Shirakawa-go’s thatched-roof villages and Kamikochi’s alpine trails, it's perfect for slow travel seekers.
Popular tours & services in Takayama:
1) Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Explore the serene mountain towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where traditional Japanese life is beautifully preserved away from the busy cities. Guided by a local English-speaking expert, you’ll visit the historic Takayama Jinya, stroll through Takayama’s charming old town with its centuries-old wooden buildings, and browse the Miyagawa Morning Market to discover local crafts and foods. Then, experience rural village life in the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, with the chance to enter its iconic thatched-roof houses and admire their exceptional craftsmanship, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s past and rural culture.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
2) Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi
Experience the breathtaking Japanese Alps on the ‘Alpine Majesty’ tour from Takayama, featuring a thrilling two-stage ride on the Shinhotaka Ropeway with panoramic 360-degree views of towering peaks and valleys. Then, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Kamikochi, strolling along the Azusa River to the iconic Kappa Bridge surrounded by lush forests and mountain scenery. With personal free time to explore Kamikochi at your own pace, this tour offers a perfect blend of exhilarating alpine vistas and peaceful natural landscapes for an unforgettable day in Japan’s highlands.
3) Hida's Hidden Gems - Hida Folk Village, Limestone Caves and More
Discover the cultural and natural wonders of Japan’s Hida region on the ‘Hida Wonders: Folk Village, Limestone Caves, and Ropeway’ tour from Takayama. Explore Hida no Sato, an open-air museum featuring traditional thatched-roof houses and artifacts that reveal rural Japanese life, then venture into the mesmerizing Hida Great Limestone Cave with its stunning stalactites and unique underground atmosphere. The day culminates with a scenic ascent on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps from the observation deck, blending culture, adventure, and nature into an unforgettable alpine experience.
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Hida Folk Village, Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway
- Spots:
- TakayamaShinhotaka
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- Takayama
Hiroshima: Resilience & Reflection
Hiroshima offers a powerful mix of history, hope, and natural beauty. Beyond the Peace Memorial Park, we guide guests to Miyajima Island, local food spots, and hidden gems that showcase the region’s vibrancy and depth.
Popular tours & services in Hiroshima:
1) Walking tour of Hiroshima
Experience the best of Hiroshima in one day with this comprehensive tour that covers the city’s rich history and the stunning natural beauty of nearby Miyajima Island. Explore Hiroshima City’s key sites including the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden, the historic Hiroshima Castle ruins, and the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s origins and the impact of the atomic bomb. Then, take a scenic ferry ride along the World Heritage Sea Route to Miyajima, renowned as one of Japan’s most picturesque spots. On the island, visit iconic landmarks such as Itsukushima Shrine, Senjokaku Pavilion, and Daisho-in Temple, observe freely roaming deer, and sample local delicacies while admiring the famous “floating” O-torii gate at varying tides—an unforgettable journey blending history, culture, and natural beauty.
2) Discover the Rabbit Island
Discover the charming coastal city of Takehara, Hiroshima’s “Little Kyoto,” known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets and rich history as a sake and salt production hub. This tranquil town invites you to step back in time as you wander its nostalgic streets. The tour also includes a visit to Ōkunoshima, or “Rabbit Island,” famous for its large population of friendly wild rabbits and its darker past as a secret site for chemical weapons development during wartime. Experience a unique blend of history, nature, and adorable wildlife on this relaxing one-day tour exploring Takehara and the intriguing Ōkunoshima.
3) Full-day tour of Miyajima
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Miyajima, one of Japan’s top three scenic spots, on this full-day guided tour. A short ferry ride brings you to the island, where you’ll explore iconic sites like the Senjokaku Pavilion, Itsukushima Shrine, and Daisho-in temple, gaining insight into Japanese Buddhism and Shintoism. Wander among friendly wild deer, savor local delicacies such as oysters and momiji manjū, and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the Miyajima Ropeway and the summit of Mt. Misen. Don’t miss the unforgettable sight of the famous “floating” O-torii gate, admired both at high and low tide, as you soak in the serene atmosphere and scenic wonders of this enchanting island.
Sapporo & Hokkaido: Japan’s Wild North
Hokkaido is a dream for nature lovers, snow enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Our tours take you beyond Sapporo’s famous snow festival into national parks, wildlife-rich coastlines, and indigenous Ainu culture.
Popular tours & services in Hokkaido:
1) Learn of The Indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido
Discover the rich heritage of the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people, at the Ainu Cultural Center nestled in lush nature just outside Sapporo. This well-curated museum invites you to explore authentic Ainu artifacts and handcrafted houses, with opportunities to touch and experience their traditional crafts firsthand, all guided by a native English-speaking expert. The journey continues to the scenic Jozankei Hot Spring Village, famous for its numerous natural hot springs along the Toyohira River. Enjoy a relaxing walking tour of the village’s beautiful surroundings, soak your feet in free public footbaths, and unwind with a two-hour traditional onsen bath at a reputable hot spring hotel, all while savoring local cuisine and the rejuvenating atmosphere of this perfect getaway.
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Sapporo: Learn of The Indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido & Jozankei walking tour
2) Tour the port city of Otaru & Sapporo beer brewery
Explore the charming port city of Otaru, just a quick 30-minute train ride from Sapporo. Once a thriving fishing and coal port on Hokkaido, Otaru’s rich history is still visible throughout the city. This tour focuses on the picturesque Otaru Canal and the bustling Sakaimachi Sightseeing and Shopping District, where traditional merchant streets and Western-style buildings from the late 1800s offer a step back in time.
3) Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo Gems & Sake Tasting
This day tour in Sapporo offers a serene and culturally rich experience, beginning with visits to the Shari-Zan Butsugan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s largest reclining Buddha, and the mysterious Hill of the Buddha, both nestled in lush greenery that inspires peace and reflection. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the iconic Sapporo T.V. Tower for stunning 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck. The tour concludes with a relaxing stop at the Yata Sake Stand Bar, where you can sample a variety of expertly served Japanese sakes while mingling with locals and learning about sake culture from knowledgeable staff.
Why Travel With Snow Monkey Resorts?
✓ Locally based with offices across Japan
✓ English-speaking guides and support
✓ Responsible, small-group travel philosophy
✓ Customizable itineraries for individuals, families, and groups
✓ Deep connections with local communities, artisans, and nature
At Snow Monkey Resorts, our mission is to create authentic travel experiences by guiding our guests off the beaten path and immersing them in Japan's hidden gems. We offer a wide variety of tour services in multiple locations across Japan—including major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, as well as more rural destinations such as the Nakasendo Trail, Kamikochi, and, of course, the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
Our services range from 1-day group tours to customized multi-day itineraries, private charters, ski tours, and more. Whether on a single day trip or a multi-day adventure, our goal is to provide transformative travel experiences that leave positive impacts for both our guests and the places we explore.
Get started planning your next trip to Japan by checking out our extensive list of tours and charters, or gain inspiration through our list of recommended itineraries.
