NAGANO JAPAN |

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 10...

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 if yo...

Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is home to more than 70 independent and blessed with some of the best powder in the world. Whether you are visiting Nagano for the first time or are a seas...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

Located within easy reach of JR Nagano Station, the Matsukawa Valley is slowly emerging from its quiet corner and becoming known as one of Nagano’s best kept secrets. A region of pastoral vistas leadi...

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. Running fr...

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...

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...

The hot spring-bathing Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are world-famous and observing these curious creatures, and the unique behaviour of soaking in their outdoor pool, is a highlight of any visit to Naga...

  We are now officially into winter and while the snow is a little late this year, sooner or later it will begin to fall in abundance. Most famous as a winter destination, Nagano has so mu...

Japan is a land of legend and mystique. A place of ancient paths leading to imposing castles, dark temples, and forested mountain trails, there is no better place to get off the beaten path and fo...

Running from November 24th to December 25th, the Zenko-ji Omotesando Illumination burst into light over the weekend, warming the city’s heart with the golden glow of winter lights. Nagano is at...

Using the shinkansen (bullet train) services is by far the easiest way to get yourself around Japan including to Nagano. While super-efficient, using the shinkansen system – choosing which pass or...

Nagano Prefecture is one of the biggest prefectures in Japan. Widely known for its high mountains, apple orchards, and rice production, Nagano offers plenty to discover. See below for an itinerary tha...

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...

Less than an hour from Nagano Station, there is a place of tranquillity where orchards and farmlands lead to ravines, waterfalls and mountains beyond, and quiet communities go about their lives un...

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...

Nagano is synonymous with apples. Ripening to perfection each autumn, apple-picking directly from local orchards is an enjoyable (and delicious!) activity that can be done with family and friends with...

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...

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, Yamada, and Kanbayashi...

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...

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...

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...

*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 ...

Nestled in the mountains to the west of Nagano City, Togakushi is famous for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. It is a place of dramatic seasonal change experiencing heavy snowfall in win...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 20 the anniversary ...

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...

What is the Hokuriku Arch Pass: The Japan Rail company has a new pass that could make your travel through the country of the rising sun even more comfortable and convenient. The new pass is called ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

If you intend to visit Shiga Kogen - Japan's largest interconnected area of ski fields, renowned powder wonderland, and UNESCO Eco Park - it is quite easily done using the local public transportation ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Nagano City is bigger than most people imagine, with suburbs going so far out that it will take you 1 hour by car to get there. One of the Nagano suburbs is called Matsushiro, a part of Nagano that is...

One of the main things to do when visiting the temple complex of Zenko-ji, is to find the Key to Paradise. In the main hall of Zenko-ji, under the inner sanctuary and the main altar which holds Japan'...

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...

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"?  ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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) ...

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...

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...

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...

When coming to the Shiga Kogen, participating in snow activities is a definite must! But if you've had your fill of playing around in the snow, then a more cultural or entertaining endeavor might be r...

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...

  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...

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 ...

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...

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, ...

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...