As we say farewell to April and head into May, it's time for our monthly photoblog. While spring officially started sometime ago, the weather is typically up-and-down through April with warm days...
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April 30, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in April 2021
As we say farewell to April and head into May, it's time for our monthly photoblog. While spring officially started sometime ago, the weather is typically up-and-down through April with warm days... -
March 22, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in March 2021
March has flown-by and here we are in the final week of the month and time for our monthly photoblog! The first thing to say is that winter has well and truly finished at the park. Temperatures i... -
February 20, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in February 2021
February marks midwinter in Nagano and this year’s season certainly hasn’t disappointed! The snow has been falling steadily, blessing the monkey park and the ski resorts of Nagano with some f... -
January 13, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in January 2021
It’s certainly been a great start to winter with plenty of snow falling all over Nagano and in the monkey park. As always, the monkeys have been coming to the park in big numbers this winter as t... -
December 21, 2020
Say Goodbye to 2020 and ‘Hello’21!’: There’s Plenty of Great Deals in Nagano this Winter!
Winter
is off to a great start here in Nagano! The snow has been falling and the
resorts are already looking fantastic, with great powder and very quiet ski
runs offering an enticing reason to vi... -
December 11, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in December 2020
As
we head into the middle of the month, it’s time for our photoblog for December
2020. December has seen plenty of monkeys in the park each day as the
temperature quickly becomes cold and th... -
November 11, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in November 2020
Many people wonder, do the monkeys come to the park during autumn? The answer is a very definite yes! While their behaviour can be somewhat erratic through October and November, the monkeys still... -
November 5, 2020
#GOTOTRAVEL: The Snow Has Started Falling in Nagano – Plan & Book Your Nozawa Onsen Ski/Snowboard Trip for Winter 2020/21!
Once best known for its hot springs and as a place of healing, Nozawa Onsen has in more recent years emerged as one of Nagano’s most popular ski resorts, offering great powder, a good mix of ... -
October 20, 2020
#GOTOTRAVEL: Shiga Kogen – Everything You Need To Know About Japan’s Largest Ski Resort & ‘Go To Travel’ Deals for Winter 2020/21!
Just over an hour from Nagano Station, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort offering over 600 hectares of terrain spread across eighteen ski areas. Covered by an all-mountain pas... -
October 13, 2020
#GOTOTRAVEL: Winter is Coming – Plan & Book Your Hakuba Ski Trip for Winter 2020/21!
Located only one hour from central Nagano City, Hakuba is home of some of Japan’s best ski resorts. Collectively known as ‘Hakuba Valley’, a total of ten resorts offer an outstanding variety ... -
October 7, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – Head to Hakuba & Enjoy the Autumn Leaves of Tsugaike
The temperature continues to drop here in Nagano, and with that, the beautiful autumn leaves are quickly transforming the landscape – perhaps the most beautiful time of year in Central Japan.... -
September 24, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – Enjoy the Autumn Leaves of Shiga Kogen & Kita-Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi
Autumn is a time of true beauty in Japan. The high temperatures of summer have dissipated yet the days remain pleasantly warm while the evenings are cool and crisp. As we move further into autumn... -
September 23, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in September 2020
There’s no question, that autumn is now
upon us and with that, we turn our attention to the coming winter. September
has seen the temperature remain warm during the day but without the humidity o... -
September 16, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – ‘Koyo’ Season Will Soon Be Here!
Over the past week, the temperature has certainly
begun to drop here in Nagano. The days remain pleasant and warm but the heat and
humidity of summer have gone, and nights are starting to feel cr... -
September 11, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: ‘Go To Travel’ Extended to Tokyo as of October 1st 2020
As highlighted in our recent blog article – ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTS LOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ – Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan are currently eligible for by s... -
September 10, 2020
Go Slow & Discover Yamanouchi – Snow Monkeys, Ski Resorts & A Whole Lot More!
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 c... -
August 31, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?
For our friends living in Japan, you have no doubt heard of the national 'Go To' campaign by now. Under that campaign, those living in Japan – including Japanese citizens and foreign residents – ... -
August 26, 2020
Visit Yuzawa & Niigata – Central Japan’s Legendary ‘Snow Country’
Lying to the northwest of Tokyo, the small hot spring town of Yuzawa has a big reputation. Fondly known as ‘yukiguni’ or ‘snow country’, the area in and around Yuzawa was brought into the nationa... -
August 24, 2020
Using the Joetsu Shinkansen to Visit Yuzawa & Niigata – Escape the City & Get Back to Nature
With the summer holidays now drawing to a close, our attention turns to the coming autumn. Though days are still hot, the worst of the humidity has now gone and the evenings are cool and comforta... -
August 19, 2020
Discover the Kii Peninsula – Japan’s Inspiring Spiritual Nexus
In our recent blog, ‘Explore Central Japan – Using the Tokaido Shinkansen to Reach Nagoya & Beyond!’ – we highlighted Nagoya as one of the region’s most attractive destinations and a convenie... -
August 17, 2020
Explore Central Japan – Using the Tokaido Shinkansen to Reach Nagoya & Beyond!
Running from Tokyo to Osaka, the Tokaido Shinkasen is one Japan’s main shinkansen lines – connecting those to cities to other major destinations including Kyoto and Nagoya. Located in Aichi Prefe... -
August 11, 2020
Enjoy Nagano in Summer – Open Spaces, Cool Evenings & Lots to Do!
If
you are living in Nagano or headed this way over the next few weeks, it’s a
great time to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer in and
around the city. Nagano isn’t immune... -
August 7, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in August 2020
As summer heats-up we’d like to share some
photos from a recent visit to the monkey park including lots and lots of
babies!This year, mums in the troop have given birth to around forty ba... -
August 4, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Fruit-picking in Nagano – an Ideal Outdoor Activity in Summer & Autumn
As we head into the middle
of summer, there’s one thing on our mind here in Nagano… fruit! Lots and lots
of tasty fruit!Blessed with an ideal climate for growing many varieties of fruit, ... -
July 30, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Relax & Renew in the Hot Springs of Central Japan
When planning your travel in Central Japan,
we recommend staying in the region’s many outstanding hot spring towns. Known
as ‘onsen’ in Japan, natural hot springs are found throughout the prefect... -
July 28, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Visit Kanazawa – One of Central Japan’s Most Enjoyable Cities
Sitting in north-west corner of Central Japan, Kanazawa is a popular stop on the route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. Terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo via Nagano, along... -
July 23, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: The Kurobe Gorge Railway – One of Japan’s Most Scenic Train Rides
Running from Unazuki Onsen, the Kurobe Gorge Railway is a relatively short but stunning train ride into one of Central Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. The Kurobe Gorge is regularly cited as on... -
July 16, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Kusatsu Onsen – One of Japan’s Most Famous Hot Spring Towns
Lying nearby Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous ‘onsen’ (hot spring) towns. For many if not most Japanese, the town is instantly recognisable due to its immense ‘yubatake’, an... -
July 13, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Eat, Shop, Play – Visit Karuizawa
Nestled high in the mountains between Tokyo and Nagano, Karuizuawa is a small resort town that attracts visitors at all times of year. Notably cooler than Tokyo in summer, beautiful in spring and... -
July 6, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Get Outdoors & Get Back to Nature!
When thinking about your future travel to Japan, it’s a
great time to consider heading outdoors and exploring some of Japan’s beautiful
natural landscapes. Whether you are first-time visitor or s... -
July 3, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Discover Central Japan
When researching and planning a visit to Japan, understanding the regions and which areas are nearby others, can be a little confusing – particularly for first-time visitors.While some n... -
June 29, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Choosing your Accommodation in Japan
When considering your future travel to Japan, one of the biggest decisions is where to stay and what to expect once you arrive.Japan is one of the cleanest countries and hygiene-focused ... -
April 22, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Winter Tours & Charters
From all of us at Snow Monkey Resorts, we would like to give a big shout out to all of our guests who joined us in Nagano during winter 2019/20! Thanks to you we were able to have a successful winte... -
April 13, 2020
Nagano Cherry Blossom Update: April 13th 2020
From everyone at Snow Monkey Resorts, we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and with that, provide a quick cherry blossom update. Yesterday was lovely, sunny and warm spring day here in Nagano. ... -
December 15, 2019
Bright Light in the Winter Night: Combine Your Visit to the Snow Monkeys with a Winter Festival in Nagano
As host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and home to around 80 ski resorts along with the famous hot spring-bathing monkeys of Jigokudani, Nagano is synonymous with winter. Offering abundant snow in clos... -
December 13, 2019
2-Day Private Winter Tour from Takayama to Nagano through the Nakasendo Kiso Valley
Planning a trip to Takayama this winter? Worried there's not enough to do in the area? There are actually a ton of fun winter activities in Central Nagano, but public transportation can ... -
September 17, 2019
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY & DISCOVER THE TRUE NATURE OF JAPAN: INTRODUCING OUR 2-DAY PRIVATE TOUR TO AZUMINO, NAGANO
Located within three hours of Tokyo, Azumino is just such a region - a place of quiet villages, farms and orchards, temples and shrines - set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Alps. Ea... -
September 9, 2019
TRADITIONAL CRAFT EXPERIENCES IN NAGANO CITY: MORNING & AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES NEAR ZENKO-JI TEMPLE!
One of the main attractions for many visitors to Japan, are the numerous beautiful crafts that play such an important role in traditional and contemporary culture. Although one of the world’s most... -
August 18, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN AUGUST 2019
August has been a hot and at times wet and wild month in the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. In the middle of summer, the winter days of cold and deep snow seem like a dream and for visitors to the p... -
July 30, 2019
RECOMMENDED FIREWORKS FESTIVALS IN NAGANO
You can't say that you have experienced the Japanese summer until you see one of Japan's astonishing fireworks festivals! Fireworks in Japan are an essential summer tradition with a long history and a... -
July 28, 2019
WINTER-ONLY SHUTTLE SERVICE: YOU CAN NOW JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING 1-DAY SNOW MONKEY TOUR FROM HAKUBA!
Recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan with a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, guests based in Hakuba this winter will be able to join our most popular tour through use of o... -
July 14, 2019
COMBINING SNOW MONKEY RESORTS SKI PACKAGES & PRIVATE CHARTERS: RECOMMENDED MULTI-RESORT SKI TOURS IN NAGANO!
As recently featured, Shiga Kogen is not just Nagano’s but also Japan’s largest and highest ski resort. With 79 ski runs serviced by 51 chairlifts and gondolas, Shiga offers the largest expanse of... -
June 30, 2019
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY & ENJOY THE BEST OF JAPAN THIS AUTUMN! BEST DAY TOURS FROM TOKYO DURING THE RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019!
The world will turn its focus to Japan this autumn, as it hosts the Rugby World Cup from September 20th to November 2nd 2019. With 13 host venues spread throughout Japan – from Hokkaido in the nor... -
June 22, 2019
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARDS: OUR 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS, ZENKO-JI TEMPLE & SAKE TOUR NAMED ONE OF JAPAN’S TOP 10 EXPERIENCES FOR 2019!
Snow Monkey Resorts is happy to announce our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour has been recognized as one of Japan’s best tour experiences winning a 2019 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Cho... -
June 4, 2019
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS WINTER TOURS & CHARTERS! START PLANNING YOUR NAGANO SKI & SNOWBOARD ADVENTURE FOR WINTER 2019/20!
Winter is never far away – or at least never out of mind – here in Nagano. With the past winter having come late but then refusing to call it quits, and ultimately blessing us with a massive amoun... -
June 3, 2019
NAGANO’S BEST SPRING/SUMMER TOURS! COMBINE TOURS & CREATE YOUR OWN MULTIDAY PACKAGE!
As Nagano’s No.1 tour operator, Snow Monkey Resorts continues to welcome new and old friends into the region, as more and more people discover the seasonal beauty of Central Japan. There’s never a... -
June 2, 2019
ANNOUNCING OUR NEWEST TOUR: 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS & ZENKO-JI WINTER ILLUMINATION!
Though we aren’t yet into summer, winter is never that far away from the mind when living in Nagano. With the coming winter season already tantalizing us, Snow Monkey Resorts is happy to announce... -
April 16, 2019
CYCLING THROUGH RURAL AZUMINO TO MATSUMOTO CASTLE!
As mentioned in the recent cherry blossom forecast, Nagano’s long winter has finally come to an end!The snows that attract skiers from all over the world are giving way to the leaves, buds, an... -
January 13, 2019
INTRODUCING AZUMINO: 15 THINGS TO DO IN NAGANO’S NEXT MUST-VISIT DESTINATION!
Nagano is home to most of Japan's highest mountains, spread across three mountain ranges that collectively make-up the Japanese Alps. This dramatic landscape offers visitors some of the most impressiv... -
November 29, 2018
ZENKO-JI OMOTESANDO ILLUMINATION: A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE NAGANO AT NIGHT!
*Please note, the illumination of the temple - scheduled for December 2019 - has been moved to February 22nd to March 1st 2020. As a result, our tour will operate on the same days in February and Marc... -
November 2, 2018
INTRODUCING OUR NEW 2-DAY SNOW MONKEY TOUR: NAGANO TO TAKAYAMA via MATSUMOTO
Nagano and the surrounding regions that make-up central Japan are a place of natural beauty, typified by high mountain peaks, and deep culture found in its historic towns, temples and castles. Often o... -
October 19, 2018
COMBINE THE SNOW MONKEYS WITH AUTUMN LEAVES IN SHIGA KOGEN AND LUXURY RYOKAN VISIT
Viewing autumn leaves, called koyo in Japanese, is after cherry blossom-viewing the most beloved seasonal activity for the Japanese. If you're planning on visiting the Snow Monkey Park in fall, we rec... -
September 30, 2018
Sales of Snow Monkey Pass for 2018 Green Season finishes on Sep 30.
Sales of "Snow Monkey Pass" for 2018 Green Season finishes today (Sep 30th).For winter season, it will be re-sold from the beginning of December (Dec 1st, if it will be as has happened in the past... -
September 22, 2018
AUTUMN FRUIT-PICKING IN NAGANO: AN EASY DAY TRIP FROM NAGANO STATION
Nagano is synonymous with apples. Ripening to perfection each autumn, fruit-picking directly from local orchards is an enjoyable (and delicious!) activity that can be done with family and friends with... -
September 19, 2018
INTRODUCING OUR NEW SNOW MONKEY WINTER TOUR FROM HAKUBA!
Snow Monkey Resorts is excited to announce our award-winning 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour is now available to guests based in Hakuba this winter, with a daily shuttle servic... -
September 5, 2018
VISITING ZENKO-JI: ONE OF JAPAN’S MOST ACTIVE & WELCOMING TEMPLES
Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist complexes in Japan with a near-1400 year history. A place of true religious significance, legend, and myth, Zenko-ji is the he... -
August 22, 2018
NAGANO CITY NIGHTLIFE: AFTER DARK AROUND ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
Most visitors to Nagano will take the time to head up the hill from the station and visit the city’s most famous attraction, Zenko-ji Temple. With a near 1400-year history, the temple embodies a seduc... -
August 12, 2018
NAGANO’S ‘ENNICHI’ SUMMER FESTIVAL: EAT, DRINK, DANCE!
Summer in Japan is synonymous with heat, humidity, and more enticingly, festivals! While ‘matsuri’ (festivals) take place throughout the year and for countless (often obscure) reasons summer is the se... -
July 30, 2018
Shiga Kogen: 79 Courses, 51 Chairlifts/Gondolas & 18 Ski Areas Covered by 1 Common Ticket
There are many reasons to choose Japan for your winter sports holiday. Numerous resorts, reliable snow conditions including world-class powder, friendly locals, great food, all the cultural trimm... -
June 18, 2018
YUDANAKA SUMMER FESTIVAL: PARTY LIKE A LOCAL!
You may not know the name but you know the place! Yudanaka Onsen (and the unsurprisingly named Yudanaka Station) is the final stop on the Nagano Dentetsu train and the nearest station to the Snow Monk... -
June 17, 2018
IT’S ALMOST SUMMER & TIME TO CELEBRATE: NAGANO CITY’S BINZURU DANCE FESTIVAL
As we head toward summer in Japan, it means one thing – festivals, lots of them! Japanese love a matsuri (festival) and whether you are a visitor to Japan, or living here yourself, there’s no better t... -
May 27, 2018
VISITING ZENKO-JI TEMPLE: EXPERIENCE 3 ESSENTIAL JAPANESE BUDDHIST PRACTICES
Nagano City is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, Zenko-ji. Located within an easy 20 minute walk from JR Nagano Station, the temple is one of the most popular attract... -
March 15, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN POWDER REPORT: ICHINOSE FAMILY TREE RUN
Another favorite area in Shiga Kogen for lovers of tree runs is a course which runs from the top of Ichinose Family Area down to bottom. It's a little hard to find the course on the map so here is how... -
March 3, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN POWDER REPORT – TERAKOYA TREE RUN
This winter season (2017/2018) in Shiga Kogen brought a lot of powder snow and many fantastic days of skiing and snowboarding. The early and massive snowfall experienced in December created a good ba... -
February 20, 2018
1998 Nagano Olympics Pt.2: Ski Resorts 1998
With the recent completion of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games and upcoming XII Paralympic Winter Games in Pyongyang, South Korea, there is understandable interest in celebrating the 20th anniversary ... -
September 12, 2017
TRADITIONAL CRAFT EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS & INTERESTING SHOPS ON THE STREET LEADING TO ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
When visiting Nagano City, many people choose to stay around the central precinct surrounding the station. It has the greatest concentration of accommodation, restaurants and bars and of course, i... -
June 3, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: WHAT TO DO IN SUMMER
The Shiga Kogen Highlands are most know know as the region that holds the largest ski resorts of all of Japan. Loads of people come to enjoy skiing and snowboarding down the mountains. In summer howev... -
May 7, 2017
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE SNOW MONKEY AREA
Even though this region is called the Snow Monkey area, we have more than six months without snow. Our Spring, Summer, and Autumn all have their own attractions. In this article we will expand on the ... -
March 25, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: SKIING IN SPRING
Skiing season in Japan usually ends around the end of March, when the temperature starts rising and the snow starts melting. However, the Shiga Kogen Highlands hold to a different schedule.The... -
January 14, 2017
WHAT TO DO WHEN TAKING A BREAK FROM SKIING/SNOW BOARDING
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December 17, 2016
THE REASON WHY SHIGA KOGEN’S SNOW QUALITY IS SO GOOD
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, people regularly refer to "powder snow" and will do anything to find it! Powder is the most coveted type of snow when you want to bomb down a mountain with th... -
September 22, 2016
WINTER IS COMING: SNOW MONKEY VERSION
Autumn is only just starting, but here in Japan's mountainous region winter will come sooner than you think. Some of you reading this might be in the process of planning your trip to the snow monkeys ... -
September 10, 2016
NINJAS AT TOGAKUSHI
In a previous article we talked about Togakushi's Okusha Shrine. Today we would like to introduce to another popular attraction in Togaukshi - the fascinating Ninja Museum! But firstly, who were the... -
August 31, 2016
AUTUMN IN JAPAN
Watching the reds, oranges and yellows of the autumn leaves is the next best thing to watching the cherry blossoms bloom to the Japanese. When the summer heat of August cools down and ch... -
August 5, 2016
SHIGA KOGEN – INTRODUCTION
On the basis of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program launched in 1971 with the purpose of establishing a scientific basis for the improvement of relationship between people and their environments, S... -
December 10, 2015
WHAT IS SNOW MONKEY RESORTS ?
“Snow Monkey Resorts” refers to numerous resorts nestled within northern Nagano prefecture in Japan, home of the world famous Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen). Our landscape, which...
