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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2020.10.30
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... -
2020.10.29
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: JR East Welcome Pass 2020 – A Great Deal for Foreign Residents of Japan!
Foreign residents of Japan can currently take advantage of some great deals through the ‘Go To Travel’ campaign, with savings of up to 50% of your travel cost available! In addition, Japan Rail (... -
2020.10.26
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... -
2020.10.13
#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 ... -
2020.10.12
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 12th 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... -
2020.10.05
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 5th 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... -
2020.09.30
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Japan Set to Lower Travel Advisories for Certain Countries
It’s important to start this blog by saying that at this time, travel to Japan for tourism purposes remains extremely difficult and for nationals of many countries, impossible. In total, as of Se... -
2020.09.28
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 28th September 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... -
2020.09.11
#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... -
2020.08.31
#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 – ... -
2020.07.21
#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 ... -
2020.07.01
#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... -
2020.06.29
#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 ... -
2020.06.26
#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... -
2020.06.24
#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. ... -
2020.06.22
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... -
2019.12.13
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 ... -
2019.10.01
Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen: Ichinose, Okushiga or Sun Valley?
Shiga Kogen, the largest and highest ski resort in Japan, accommodates 18 interconnected ski areas, each located at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,300 meters. Shiga Kogen is nestled in the north-eastern al... -
2019.07.27
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... -
2019.07.14
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... -
2019.04.03
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21 – SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FOR NAGANO STATION
Hotel Kokusai 21 is conveniently located for access to a number of attractions in central Nagano City, including Zenko-ji temple, the Gondo district, and Uruoikan (the city center’s only hot sprin... -
2018.12.11
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS INFO & GIFT SHOP: OPEN EVERYDAY THROUGH WINTER!
Visiting the famous Snow Monkey Park is one the highlights of any visit to Nagano and an experience perhaps best enjoyed in winter. After all, 'snow monkeys' don't really live-up to the name without a... -
2018.12.07
HOTARU-TEI: JAPANESE DINING & LUNCH IN A 160-YEAR-OLD MANSION
Newly opened Japanese restaurant Hotaru-tei in the Kanbayashi Onsen area is the place to go if you're looking for a local food experience in a traditional setting. The restaurant, located only 10 minu... -
2018.11.06
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... -
2018.10.19
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... -
2018.08.20
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,... -
2018.06.26
SNOW MONKEY AREA FAVORITES: HOTEL SENJUKAKU
One of the most famous attractions is Nagano Prefecture is the Snow Monkey Park. If you are coming to see the snow monkeys in their own habitat and want to get a place to stay overnight, we have a rec... -
2018.06.11
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING RULES IN SHIGA KOGEN
Backcountry skiing is one of the great attractions at any resort for advanced skiers. Bursting through pristine snow and the beauty of the forest is an adrenaline rush that gets you hooked. However, b... -
2018.06.09
ACTIVATING A JR PASS & TRAVELING TO NAGANO FROM TOKYO STATION
No visit to Japan would be complete without riding the famous 'shinkansen' (bullet train) network at least once, and for many visitors, it is their primary means of transport while here.
As... -
2018.05.09
GETTING TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK BY BUS: REVISED TIMETABLES FOR APRIL TO NOVEMBER Getting to the Snow Monkey Park by Bus: Revised Timetables for April to November
A visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Nagano's most enjoyable experiences. For most people, the journey will begin at Nagano Station from where they have the option of heading to the park ... -
2018.05.03
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... -
2018.04.29
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... -
2018.04.26
Bus or Train? How to Get to the Snow Monkey Park from JR Nagano Station
A visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Nagano's most enjoyable experiences. For most people, the journey will begin at Nagano Station from where they have the option of heading to the park ... -
2018.03.24
GETTING TO HOTEL SENJUKAKU FROM TOKYO, KANAZAWA, AND NAGOYA
One of the best ryokans (traditional Japanese inn) in the Snow Monkey area is Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku, the ryokan closest to the Snow Monkey Park. From the ryokan, it is only a 30 minute walk t... -
2018.03.11
Recommended Nagano Ski Resorts
Last Updated: October 26, 2020
Nagano Prefecture is home to the majority of Japan’s highest mountain peaks and an abundance of snow. Just ask the locals, they’ll tell you the snow here is ... -
2018.02.26
NAGANO CITY HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
There is plenty to discover in and around Nagano City. There's the Zenko-ji temple complex, Matsushiro, Togakushi, Obuse, and the Snow Monkey Park. It is difficult to fit all the sights to see into 1 ... -
2018.02.01
INTRODUCING SHIGA KOGEN’S ICHINOSE VILLAGE
If you're thinking of heading to Shiga Kogen for your ski/snowboard trip you have multiple accommodation areas to choose from. As Japan's largest resort, Shiga is expansive therefore it's important to... -
2018.01.21
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 ... -
2018.01.19
LIMITED PLAN: SNOW MONKEY TRANSPORTATION PASS & ACCOMMODATION
Senjukaku is celebrating their 90th year and has decided to provide an extra service to those coming to stay at the ryokan. In order to get to Senjukaku, you'll have to travel from JR Nagano Station t... -
2017.12.14
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... -
2017.12.04
CAUTION: THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN VISITING THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
The Snow Monkey Park is absolutely a must-visit when you’re in Japan. The monkeys are incredibly cute and cuddly. They are still wild monkeys though, so some caution is advised. We will explain all th... -
2017.11.19
11/19 FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON IN JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
It has snowed in the Snow Monkey area!
Winter has finally begun with the first snowfall of the 2017/2018 season. The people living in this area woke up in a wintry world, with more snow than pe... -
2017.11.04
JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK UPDATE: WINTER OPENING TIMES
The rangers of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park have changed the Park opening times from 8:30 to 17:00 to 9:00 to 16:00. This because of the shorter days.
The monkeys have a habit of coming down... -
2017.10.31
SHIGA KOGEN: INFO ABOUT SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
As the largest ski resort in Japan, Shiga Kogen lies in the north of Nagano, a region known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Comprised of 18 ski areas, the resort has varying terrain and slopes... -
2017.10.26
SHIGA KOGEN: SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTAL
If you didn't bring any snow gear with you to Japan, no worries! Like most of the ski resorts in the world, Shiga Kogen also has a plenty of items to rent/sell for visitors. But the question would b... -
2017.10.10
SHIGA KOGEN: FIRST SNOW FESTIVAL
When the first snow starts falling from the sky in November, the ski slopes of Shiga Kogen start their preparations for the winter season. Skiing in the largest ski resorts of Japan is possible very e... -
2017.10.03
VISITING THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN AUTUMN
Autumn is a wonderful season to visit the snow monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park. The leaves of the trees in and around the park start turning red, orange, and yellow, and the monkeys inch clo... -
2017.09.25
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... -
2017.09.23
SHIGA KOGEN: START & END OF SKI/SNOWBOARD SEASON
The temperature is quickly dropping day by day here in Yamanouchi and we already start feeling an approach of winter! Many of you might be planning to visit Japan for winter sports, so this blog is to... -
2017.09.16
How To: Getting to Shiga Kogen Using Public Transport
Approximately 45km to the east of Nagano City, Shiga Kogen can be readily accessed using public transport. Most people will start their journey from Nagano Station or from the nearby monkey park ... -
2017.09.15
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 ... -
2017.09.15
NAGANO CITY: RESTAURANTS IN GONDO AREA
One of the most dynamic areas in Nagano City is the entertainment district of Gondo. Most people visiting Nagano City often don't venture any further than the station area, but that's a shame. Gondo h... -
2017.09.12
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... -
2017.09.05
Uruoikan: the Only Natural Onsen in Nagano City
Uruoikan is a hot spring facility in Nagano City. Located within walking distance of Nagano Station and positioned next to the Susobana River, Uruoikan is the only 100% natural onsen in the city off... -
2017.08.29
1998 Nagano Olympics Pt.1: Facilities in Nagano City
As may if not most visitors heading to the region know, Nagano was the host venue of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. With its tall mountains, long snow season, and proximity to Tokyo, Nagano was thou... -
2017.05.28
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS INFO & GIFT SHOP: WINTER SERVICES
The Snow Monkey Resorts Info and Gift Shop is the shop that is found right in front of the trail entrance to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It is the last stop before you begin your 30-minute long journe... -
2017.05.12
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... -
2017.05.10
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... -
2017.05.07
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 ... -
2017.04.08
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... -
2017.03.25
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... -
2017.03.16
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... -
2017.01.14
COMPARING SKI RESORTS IN JAPAN
Skiing or snowboarding in Japan is a lot of fun. One reason is the great quality of snow, another is the incredibly high level of service, and last but not least is that a one-day ski pass in most are... -
2017.01.14
WHAT TO DO WHEN TAKING A BREAK FROM SKIING/SNOW BOARDING
... -
2016.12.17
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... -
2016.09.22
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 ... -
2016.08.31
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... -
2016.07.16
ENTERTAINMENT IN NAGANO CITY
Tired of walking and sightseeing? Want to blow off some steam? Here are some spots within Nagano city where you can have fun! Seeing as this topic is quite different from the usual touristic sightseei... -
2016.05.26
SOBA NOODLE – NAGANO’S SIGNATURE FOOD
A trip to Nagano could never be complete without trying some of the local specialities. In Nagano, “soba noodles” is the most popular signature dish. Most Japanese tourists have it on top of their “Wh... -
2016.05.10
How To: Bathe at an ‘Onsen’
Love taking baths? Then the Japanese 'onsen', or hot spring bath in English, is perfect for you. An onsen is not just for washing but also for relaxing your muscles. It is also quite good for your h... -
2016.04.13
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... -
2015.12.07
SERVICES FOR WINTER WEAR
Since it is getting colder every day, SNOW MONKEY RESORTS INFO & GIFT SHOP located next to the entrance of Snow Monkey Park is providing rental service for winter wear. To be able to...
