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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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December 7, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 7th December 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m...
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November 30, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 30th November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m...
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November 23, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 23rd November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m...
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November 16, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 16th November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m...
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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...
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November 9, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 9th November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m...
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October 30, 2020
Looking for Cheap Shinkansen Tickets? Use Our Step-by-Step Guide to Access Savings of up to 50% Online!
Japan’s rail system is famous throughout the world for its efficiency, speed and comfort. A pleasure to use it does not however come cheap - particularly the ‘shinkansen’ (Bullet Train) syste...
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October 26, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 26th October 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 – ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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August 13, 2020
Using the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Visit Nagano & Central Japan – 50% Discounts Available from August 20th!
With the summer holidays in full swing, it’s a great time to visit Central Japan and escape the intense heat and humidity of the coastal cities. Though also hot during the day, Nagano and Central...
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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...
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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...
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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, ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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July 21, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Experience the Beauty of Mount Fuji & Central Japan
Lying around 2.5 hours to the west to Tokyo, Mount Fuji is Japan’s most recognisable natural landscape and iconic tallest mountain. An active volcano, Fuji is an imposing presence that dominates ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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July 1, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Accessing Medical Assistance in Japan during COVID-19
In anticipation of the borders opening in future and travel resuming under the cloud of COVID-19, one of the most important questions travellers can ask is, should I need it, what access will I h...
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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 ...
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June 26, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – When Can I Travel to Japan & is it Safe?
At the time of writing, entry to Japan is still banned for many foreign passport-holders. There is however conversation about how and when entry bans will be lifted with a strong focus on opening...
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June 24, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy Japan
As announced in our recent blog, our website has been updated to include a section dedicated to COVID-19 including pages intended to help you make an informed decision about travelling to Japan. ...
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June 22, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Update: Introducing our Dedicated COVID-19 Information Pages
In response to the ongoing impact of coronavirus on global tourism, we have revised our website to include information and updates regarding COVID-19. From our homepage you can access our...
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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. ...
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April 2, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Plan Your Visit to on of Japan’s Most Stunning Natural Landscapes
Nestled high in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is one of Nagano and Japan’s most beautiful alpine landscapes. Renowned for its pristine nature and spiritual importance, the stunning alpi...
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February 22, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in February 2020
We are now well into the second half of winter and life goes on, much as usual, at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This year’s weather is much warmer than usual and from day-to-day, conditions at t...
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January 13, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in January 2020
Happy New Year from Snow Monkey Resorts! It's been a strange and frustrating start to the year here in Nagano and at the Snow Monkey Park. Temperatures remain unusually high for January with relativ...
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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...
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December 14, 2019
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in December 2019
Winter has arrived at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! As temperatures continue to drop and the first flutters of snow powder the valley, here’s our final photoblog for 2019! The start of Decembe...
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November 13, 2019
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in November 2019
It's a typical November here at the Snow Monkey Park. The temperature is dropping quickly with strong hints of winter in the air. But before winter arrives, we are being treated to a typical Novembe...
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October 16, 2019
Snow Monkey Resorts Update for Oct-16 2019: Tours are Operating as Normal
Given the recent impact of Typhoon Hagibis on Nagano Prefecture, we are receiving many enquiries about the availability of our tours, access to the Snow Monkey Park, and ability to travel to and fro...
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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...
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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...
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July 31, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN JULY 2019
It’s a little later than usual – let’s face it, a whole lot later than usual! – but here, finally, is our July photoblog for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Summer has arrived at the park and in ...
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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...
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July 27, 2019
1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS, ZENKO-JI TEMPLE & SAKE TOUR: ALTERNATE PICKUP POINTS AVAILABLE IN NAGANO CITY!
As Nagano's No.1 tour and charter operator we are always looking for ways the experience we provide our guests on our tours. Awarded a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award as one of the Top 1...
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July 18, 2019
RECOMMENDED PLACES TO SEE AUTUMN LEAVES IN NAGANO
With its beautiful mountains, forested valleys, and vast highlands, there couldn’t be a better place to see the fall colors than in Nagano. There are fantastic spots all over the prefecture, but i...
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July 7, 2019
Get More Out of Your Winter Adventure in Japan: Private Charters to, from & Between any Nagano Ski Resort!
As host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is home to around 80 independent ski resortsand blessed with some of the best powder in the world. Whether you are visiting Nagano for the first time o...
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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...
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June 21, 2019
FESTIVALS AND FIREWORKS! EXCLUSIVE SUMMER TOURS IN THE MATSUMOTO-AZUMINO AREA IN NAGANO
If you want to spend the summer in the true Japanese way, you cannot pass up seeing one of Japan’s massive fireworks shows or going to an exciting local summer festival. We have two exclusive tour...
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June 17, 2019
RECOMMENDED TRAIL IN NAGANO PART 2: HISTORIC TRAILS
In the next installment of our “Recommended Trails in Nagano” series, let’s take a look at two of the most captivating historical trails in the prefecture—the Nakasendo Post Town Trail and the Togakus...
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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...
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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...
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June 2, 2019
ANNOUNCING OUR NEWEST TOUR: 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS & ZENKO-JI WINTER ILLUMINATION!
*The illumination event 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 March 2020. It ...
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February 2, 2019
BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE DARK NIGHT: NAGANO’S TOMYO LANTERN FESTIVAL
As host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Nagano remains proud of its Olympic legacy and since 2004 has commemorated its most celebrated winter with its annual 'Tomyo' Lantern Festival. Runni...
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January 24, 2019
2019 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM FORECAST
Spring in Japan brings beautiful weather and a welcome end to the cold of winter. As the weather warms and winter clothing is shed, the spirits lift and the world seems fresh and new again. A popu...
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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...
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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...
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November 6, 2018
How To: Getting to Nagano from Tokyo by Shinkansen
When heading to Nagano from Tokyo, the shinkansen - often referred to as the 'Bullet Train' - is by far, the fastest and easiest way to get here! Taking between 80 and 110 minutes (depending on whic...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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August 20, 2018
THE 3 BEST ‘ONSENS’ (HOT SPRINGS) NEAR THE SNOW MONKEY PARK
The snow monkey region is famous for its numerous 'onsens' (natural hot springs) that bubble to the ground throughout the mountains. Mainly found in the town of Yudanaka, Shibu, and Kanbayashi Onsens,...
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August 5, 2018
ZENKO-JI OMOTESANDO ILLUMINATION: NAGANO’S FAMOUS TEMPLE COMES TO LIGHT!
Founded in 642, Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. As the nucleus of the city we know today, Nagano grew out from the temple, with Zenko-ji a...
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July 14, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN: A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR NATURE LOVERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shiga Kogen is situated in a broader mountain range known as Joshinetsu Kogen National Park; a vast area that spans Nagano, Gunma, and Niigata prefectures. The region has long been known for its beaut...
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July 10, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN: INTRODUCING THE HIGASHITATEYAMA SKI AREA & GONDOLA
Conveniently located in the central area of Shiga Kogen, the Higashitateyama Ski Area offers visitors some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. As the host venue for the 1998 Winter Olym...
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May 15, 2018
TOUR PICKUP POINTS IN NAGANO CITY: WINTER 2018/19 (Dec 1st 2018 to Mar 31st 2019)
*Please note that in 2019, this service has been extended to now be available all year round for guests joining us in Nagano City. Up-to-date information can be found at: 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS, ZENKO-JI ...
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May 3, 2018
SNOW MONKEYS & CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR: THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GUESTS & LOOKING FORWARD TO CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS IN 2019!
As spring continues to warm this year’s cherry blossom season has come to an end. During April, Snow Monkey Resorts welcomed many guests to the region on our 1-Day Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossom Tou...
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NAGANO’S YUKEMURI EXPRESS SIGHTSEEING TRAIN: TURNING YOUR JOURNEY TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK INTO AN EVENT!
There are several transport options when visiting the Snow Monkey Park from JR Nagano Station including train (and local bus) or express bus. All of these services are operated by Nagano Dentetsu (Na...
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April 29, 2018
GETTING TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK: UPDATED TRAIN TIMETABLE AS OF APRIL 2018
One of the most popular ways to access the Snow Monkey Park is using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line from JR Nagano Station. The train affords you an easy and comfortable journey to Yudanaka...
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April 19, 2018
2018/4/19 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
The blossoms are now coming into full bloom across Nagano including at Yamanouchi and Kanbayashi Onsen - home to our favorite furry residents, the snow monkeys! The small and quiet streets of Kanbaya...
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April 12, 2018
2018/4/12 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
Cherry blossoms, known locally as 'sakura', play an important role in Japanese society. Blooming sometime between late-March (at the earliest) and early-May (at the very latest), these beautiful flow...
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April 5, 2018
2018/4/5 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
In Japan the season of spring is heavily celebrated. The most famous habit the Japanese display is sitting under colorful cherry blossoms and just watching the blossoms bloom while drinking a beer, et...
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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 ...
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February 16, 2018
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEYS IN FEBRUARY
The beginning of February was still very cold and saw quite a few monkeys taking a bath or rummaging around for barley. The monkeys in the two photo's below were exactly doing that; digging in the sno...
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January 21, 2018
How To: Introducing the Hokuriku Arch Pass
Japan Rail offers a range of passes to international visitors that offer fantastic convenience and savings. While the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass is well-known and well-used by foreigner travelers in ...
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December 14, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN SNOW UPDATE: DECEMBER 15TH 2017
It's been snowing steadily in the Snow Monkey area and even more up in the mountains of Shiga Kogen. The slopes are slowly all opening up, with the higher altitude slopes already fully open. The ar...
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November 10, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: BEST VIEWS YOU CAN WITNESS IN SKI SAFARI
Shiga Kogen, with its high altitude, has a few spots where you can really see some spectacular views. The massive amount of snow in winter only adds more beauty to the mountainous scenery. If you want...
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October 15, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN OCTOBER
It's October! The temperature has gone down quite a bit compared to September and this is noticeable in the behavior of the monkeys. Some of them have started to get into the hot spring to warm themse...
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September 25, 2017
NAGANO CITY: INTRODUCING THE GONDO DISTRICT
Most people stay close the Nagano Station when visiting Nagano City. We'd like to propose an alternative course. When staying overnight, stay closer to Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano's main attraction, and c...
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September 15, 2017
NAGANO CITY: RESTAURANTS AROUND ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
One of the biggest attractions in Nagano City is the near-1400 year old temple complex of Zenko-ji. As one of the oldest, largest, and most significant Buddhist temples in Japan, visiting Zenko-ji is ...
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September 14, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: SNOW MONKEY OF JAPAN IN SEPTEMBER
It is September which means another blog about this month's monkeys! The monkey below was kept on watching the exit of the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and tried to sneak his way into the room...
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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...
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September 9, 2017
BEST VIEWS OVER NAGANO CITY
Nagano City lies in a valley, surrounded by mountains from all sides. If you know the right vantage point, you can see all over the plains of Zenko-ji and surrounding areas like Obuse and even up to t...
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September 1, 2017
Matsushiro Castle Park: Former Stronghold of Nagano’s Samurai Town
Like most modern cities, Nagano grew rapidly through the 20th century, absorbing what were once separate and distinct towns, villages and hamlets. One such areas of the Nagano suburbs is the hist...
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August 26, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: 2017 SNOW MONKEY BABIES
The page is completely dedicated to the adorable snow monkey babies. The last baby has been born last month in the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, so we thought it was time to introduce you to some o...
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August 22, 2017
NAGANO CITY: GET BLESSED AT ZENKO-JI’S BUDDHIST MORNING RITUAL
The morning service, also called "o-asaji" at Zenko-ji Temple, is one of the most interesting activities that you could partake in while you are in Nagano City. What's "o-asaji"?  ...
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August 17, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEYS IN AUGUST
The month August has started and the heat is still continuing. Slowly but surely though, the temperature is going down and becoming more comfortable. The monkeys now sometimes dare to go from their sa...
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August 14, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: LAKE HIKING COURSE
Shiga Kogen has a great number of hiking courses, all different. The most popular one would be the Lake Course, or the Ike-Meguri in Japanese. This blog is to explain the hiking course step-by-step so...
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May 12, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: THINGS TO SEE/DO IN SHIBU ONSEN
Shibu Onsen is famous for its variety of hot springs and its lovely streets. If you're in the Snow Monkey area for a visit to the Jigokudani Monkeys, don't miss out on a stroll through the picture...
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May 10, 2017
SHIBU ONSEN: TOURING THE 9 HOT SPRINGS
Close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a little town called Shibu Onsen. Shibu Onsen is famous for its long history with hot springs (onsen in Japanese). From 600 AC., many Japanese have traveled...
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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 ...
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April 28, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: 2017/4/28 CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
The blossoms are finally blooming in the town of Yamanouchi, the town closest to the Snow Monkey Park. Here are a few photo's to give you an impression of the colorful trees. Here you...
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April 21, 2017
SNOW MONKEY AREA CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE: APRIL 21ST 2017
Most of Japan have now seen the last of the sakura blossoms. The cherry flowers in places like Tokyo and Kyoto have fallen from the trees. The trees in Yamanouchi (also known as the snow monkey area) ...
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April 14, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: SUNNY MONKEYS IN APRIL
The sun is out and the monkeys are here for the sunshine! While many people think that the monkeys only appear in winter, they are here all year round. Spring is a lovely time to see the Japanese maca...
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April 8, 2017
CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON/SITES IN NORTHERN NAGANO
When you ask people to name three things that define Japan they usually name Mount Fuji, geisha, and cherry blossoms. Nagano Prefecture is quite far from Fuji and we would advise you to go to Kyoto to...
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March 16, 2017
Attractions Around Nagano City
Having found your way to this website most likely means that you want to see the snow monkeys. Many people do this as a day trip from Tokyo. They leave Tokyo early in the morning and arrive back to To...
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January 14, 2017
WHAT TO DO WHEN TAKING A BREAK FROM SKIING/SNOW BOARDING
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September 10, 2016
ABOUT THE CITY OF NAGANO
The city of Nagano has a long history and was formally established as a city on April 1, 1897. It was the first established city within Nagano Prefecture and the 43rd city in Japan. Nagano City is loc...
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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...
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June 23, 2016
BE LIKE A MONK AT ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
There are many Buddhist temples in Japan and tourists, both Japanese and foreign, enjoy taking photos of these holy places. But one remains on the fringes of Buddhism by just taking photos. There are ...
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June 4, 2016
TOGAKUSHI SHRINE OKUSHA
Shinto is the religion indigenous to Japan and its rituals play a big part in everyday life. Unlike the majority of religions the Shinto religion has no official scripture. Japanese people who practic...
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May 6, 2016
Things to Do Around Jigokudani Monkey Park
Welcome to Snow Monkey Resorts in Nagano, Japan ! Here at Snow Monkey Resorts we would like to on top of your great experience with the snow monkeys make your stay in the area, or even your day-trip, ...
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April 13, 2016
TOP 5 SOUVENIRS AT ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
When you visit Zenkoji-temple, the third largest wooden temple in Japan and one of the most historical temples since the Buddhism arrival in the 7th century, you will pass through the main pilgrim...