Bordering Nagano Prefecture to the north, Niigata is home to around fifty ski resorts known for their deep powder. Located closer to the coast than the resorts of Nagano, Niigata typically re...
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April 8, 2021
Yuzawa & Niigata Ski Resorts
Bordering Nagano Prefecture to the north, Niigata is home to around fifty ski resorts known for their deep powder. Located closer to the coast than the resorts of Nagano, Niigata typically re... -
March 10, 2021
How to Get to Kyoto
One of Japan's most popular destinations, Kyoto is the most historic city in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year. A city of huge cultural importance, Kyoto boasts some of Japan... -
How to Get to Nara
Within easy reach of both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is a much smaller city but one with a very important history. As the imperial capital prior to Kyoto, Nara boasts many significant temples includin... -
March 9, 2021
40 Things to Do in Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
Marking the border of western and central Japan, the cities of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka are all firmly established as popular destinations for international visitors. The proximity of the three citi... -
How to Get to Osaka
As Japan’s third largest city, Osaka is a huge metropolis with a big reputation. A city of shopping, eating and nightlife, Osaka is a bit more brash than Tokyo and a lot less refined than Kyoto. ... -
March 2, 2021
Where to Stay in Kyoto & Nara?
Lying within close proximity of each other, Kyoto and Nara both served as the imperial seats of power for the majority of Japan's history. While the name and imagery of Kyoto will be immediately ... -
March 1, 2021
Where to Stay in Osaka & Kansai International Airport?
As Japan’s third largest city it’s something of an understatement to say that Osaka is big. Huge would be a better description – huge, exciting and confusing. Much like visiting Tokyo, getting th... -
November 4, 2020
Where to Stay in Tokyo?
To say that Tokyo is a big city is something of an understatement and does not do the huge and sprawling city justice. Tokyo is massive and for first-time visitors or even if you’ve been befo... -
November 1, 2020
How to Get to Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen
Most visitors traveling to Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen will do so via Nagano Station. As such, most of the directions provided below instruct how to get to Nagano and from there, follow the directio... -
October 21, 2020
Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts
Sitting at the southern end of Niigata Prefecture, Myoko Kogen is not actually within Nagano however given its closer proximity to many Nagano ski resorts – rather than the other resorts of N... -
October 20, 2020
Madarao Mountain Resort
Lying across the valley from the more famous Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, Madarao somewhat lies in the shadow of its better known and larger neighbour. But for those that make it there, Madarao ... -
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Located around 50km to the north-east of Nagano City, Nozawa Onsen is one of the most popular resorts in Central Japan. Boasting a long history as a hot spring town and place of healing, the ... -
October 18, 2020
How to Get to Tokyo
As Japan’s sprawling capital city Tokyo will feature on almost every itinerary for first-time visitors, and for many, it will be the point of arrival and/or departure to the country.
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October 16, 2020
Best Way to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo – Train, Bus or Private Transport?
Located around 70km to the east of central Tokyo, Narita Airport is one of two international airports – along with Haneda Airport – servicing Japan’s capital. For many international visitors,... -
October 14, 2020
Best Way to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo – Train, Bus or Private Transport?
Lying
around 18km directly south of central Tokyo, and within the limits of the city,
Haneda Airport is one of two international airports – along with Narita Airport
-servicing Japan’s capita... -
October 10, 2020
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Located around 45km from central Nagano City, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, boasting an unmatched expanse of interconnected terrain and Nagano’s longest ski season. C... -
October 6, 2020
Visit Nagano: Everything You Need To Know
Lying in the centre of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, Nagano is the country’s fourth largest prefecture. Completely landlocked, Nagano is known for its mountains, natural landscapes, liveability... -
30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways
As one of the world’s great and most influential cities, Tokyo offers visitors an endless choice of things to do – from the cultured and refined to the weird and obscure. Spoilt for choice, y... -
October 4, 2020
40 Things To Do In & Around Nagano
As the proud host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and home to the now world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano has a strong association with winter. It's for good reason! Home to around 80 ski... -
September 30, 2020
40 Best Museums & Galleries In & Around Tokyo
One of the world’s true great cities and a driving force in global culture, it is no surprise that Tokyo is home to some fantastic museums and galleries. Any attempt to list them, especially ... -
Hakuba Valley Ski Resorts
Hakuba Valley is one of Japan’s best-known and most popular winter destinations. Multiple resorts make-up the area collectively referred to as ‘Hakuba Valley’, a spread-out over a wide region... -
August 20, 2020
15 Things to Do in Yuzawa & Niigata
A convenient stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Niigata, Yuzawa is served by Echigo-Yuzawa Station making it an easy destination to reach from the capital.
Yuzawa has... -
August 15, 2020
How to Get to Yuzawa
Yuzawa - sometimes referred to as 'Echigo-Yuzawa' - is a popular hot spring town located in Niigata. Best-known as a winter destination due to the surrounding ski resorts, Yuzawa is easy to acces... -
August 12, 2020
25 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms In & Around Tokyo
Known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese, cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japan and for many Japanese embody the fragile beauty of life itself. The enjoyment of the blossoms is enhanced by an unders... -
July 22, 2020
How to Get to Mount Fuji
Located around 2.5 hours to the west of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is approachable from many directions and using different methods of transport. The following page provides information to reaching the ar... -
July 21, 2020
30 Things To Do Around Mount Fuji & Central Japan
Standing 3776 metres in height, Fuji is Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain. Lying around 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, Fuji attracts countless visitors each year. Many come to be simply cat... -
July 20, 2020
How to Get to Hakone
Located nearby Mount Fuji, Hakone is a popular hot spring area offering visitors plenty of fantastic attractions and activities, not to mention great views of the mountain. Many visitors heading ... -
July 19, 2020
10 Things to Do in Hakone
Located
within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the area broadly referred to as
Hakone is known for its hot springs, traditional guesthouses, museums, autumn colours
and outstanding views of Mo... -
July 2, 2020
9 Things to do in Nagano this Winter
Most famous as a winter destination, Nagano has so much to offer during this season that many international visitors find themselves returning again and again and again. With that in mind, here our ... -
July 1, 2020
10 Things to Do in Nagano in Spring & Summer
As host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and home to around 80 ski resorts, Nagano is known as a winter destination. While the region certainly has a lot to offer during the colder months, there’s just as... -
25 Things To Do In & Around Karuizawa
Some people come to Nagano for the winter sports scene, other for the history, culture and nature. Then again, some just come to soak in the rich, nourishing waters of the hot springs or perhaps ... -
June 27, 2020
25 Things to Do in & Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
Open from mid-April until mid-November, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s most iconic destinations. Known as the ‘Roof of Japan’, the dramatic alpine landscape is inaccessible th... -
June 25, 2020
25 Things to Do in & Around Toyama
The port city of Toyama somewhat lives in the shadow of nearby Kanazawa and is often over-looked, used as a transit point enroute to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and other regional highlights... -
June 24, 2020
How to Get to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be accessed via Ogizawa Station on the Nagano-side of the mountain range or Tateyama Station, on the Toyama-side of the mounains. Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa ... -
June 23, 2020
How to Get to Kurobe Gorge
The Kurobe Gorge is accessed via the hot spring town of Unazuki Onsen. To reach Unazuki Onsen, most visitors will ride the Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line to the final stop, Unazuki Onsen Station.... -
June 22, 2020
How to Get to Toyama
As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Kanazwa, Toyama Station is a convenient point from where to explore Central Japan.
Located nearby the popular Tateyama-Kurobe Al... -
June 20, 2020
25 Things to Do Around the Kiso Valley & Nakasendo
Most famous for the historic Nakasendo and its beautifully preserved ‘shukubamachi’ towns, the Kiso Valley is blessed with some of Central Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes and cultural s... -
25 Things To Do In & Around Nagoya
Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises, one of the country’s financial and industrial hubs. A modern and youthful city, Nagoya also has a rich history and great food scene, making it an idea... -
June 15, 2020
How to Get to Matsumoto
As home to one of Japan’s last remaining original castles along with many other great attractions, Matsumoto is one of the most popular destinations in Central Japan. Easily accessible from major... -
June 12, 2020
How to Get to Nagano City
As the largest city in Nagano Prefecture and the broader region, Nagano City is your gateway to Central Japan. Easily accessible using the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line - which runs from Tokyo to Kana... -
How to Get to Obuse
Most visitors traveling to Obuse will do so via Nagano Station. As such, most of the directions provided below instruct how to get to Nagano and from there, follow the directions to Obuse include... -
25 Things To Do In & Around Kusatsu Onsen
One of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, Kusatsu Onsen sits high in the Joshintesu Kogen National Park. Located at an altitude of around 1200 metres, the town is fed a copious amount of volca... -
June 10, 2020
How to Get to Karuizawa
Located approximately 170km to the north-west of Tokyo, Karuizawa is a small mountain resort town popular with Tokyo-ites and international visitors alike.
As a stop on the Hokuriku Shink... -
How to Get to Takayama
Nestled deep in Central Japan, Takayama takes a little time and planning to get to but in the end, it's relatively straight-forward. Takayama Station can be reached from the following:
... -
How to Get to Nagoya
Several major trains lines including the Tokaido Shinkansen run to and from Nagoya Station, making it an easy city to reach from the following locations:
From Chubu Centrair Internatio... -
June 9, 2020
How to Get to Kanazawa
As the northern terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo via Nagano, along with the Thunder service from Osaka and Tokyo, Kanazawa Station is a convenient transfer hub and gate... -
How to Get to the Kii Peninsula
The Kii Peninsula covers an expansive area between Nagoya in the east and Osaka in the west. Within that area, visitors will find three of Japan’s most important religious destinations including ... -
June 5, 2020
How to Get to Matsushiro
Located approximately 12km to the south of central Nagano, the small and unassuming destination of Matsushiro is well-known as one of Central Japan’s best-preserved samurai towns.
Once th... -
June 1, 2020
Where to Stay in the Kiso Valley & Nakasendo?
Most famous for the historic Nakasendo and its beautifully preserved ‘shukubamachi’ towns, the Kiso Valley is blessed with some of Central Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes and cultural s... -
25 Things To Do In & Around Kanazawa
As the terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line from Tokyo and Thunderbird rapid services from Osaka and Kyoto, Kanazawa is readily accessible from Japan’s major urban centres and as such, a popu... -
25 Things To Do In & Around Myoko Kogen
Sitting at the southern end of Niigata Prefecture, the area known as ‘Myoko Kogen’ experiences extremely heavy snowfall each winter, making it one of Japan’s best destinations when looking fo... -
How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen
As one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, visiting Kusatsu Onsen is well-worth the effort. Located high in the mountains of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Kusatsu sits among a dramatic and... -
May 22, 2020
25 Things To Do In & Around Madarao
Located one hour to the north of Nagano City, Madarao is a small resort but one with a big reputation. Boasting an average annual snowfall of 13 metres, Madarao is known for its big powder bo... -
May 20, 2020
How to Get to Fukui
Tucked-away in the northwest corner of Central Japan, Fukui remains a somewhat unknown destination for many international visitors.
Readily accessible using the Limited Express Thunderbir... -
10 Things to Do in Fukui
Fukui is one of those prefectures in the Japan which flies
under the radar for both Japanese and international travelers. Tucked away in
the north-west corner of Central Japan, Fukui is easy to m... -
May 9, 2020
How to Get to Madarao – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Madarao lies to the northeast of Nagano City, approximately 40KM (<50 mins) and within easy reach to the northwest of Tokyo, approximately 275KM (3.5 hour drive) or around 2 hour... -
May 4, 2020
How to Best Enjoy The Nakasendo Trail
In Kiso Valley, there are two sections of the Nakasendo Trail that offer rewarding hikes where you can explore the history, cultural, and nature of the area: the Magome—Tsumago Trail and the Yabuh... -
April 10, 2020
Snow Monkey Park Information
This page includes general information about the monkey park along with opening times, pricing, park rules and access, public transport options, and our guided tours.
Welcome to... -
April 8, 2020
The Snow Monkeys FAQ
The following page answers common questions about the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It is divided into two sections:
1. COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING THE PARK
2. COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MONKEYS
We... -
April 5, 2020
Snow Monkeys in the Hot Spring
The monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park are famous for one big reason - they are the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. Why they do this is interesting and worth und... -
February 20, 2020
15 Things To Do In & Around Togakushi
Nestled in the mountains to the north-west of Nagano City, Togakushi is famous for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. It is a place of dramatic seasonal change experiencing heavy snow... -
February 18, 2020
15 Things to Do in Matsushiro
Located 12km to the south of central Nagano City, Matsushiro is a small town known for its samurai heritage and former stronghold of the Sanada clan. Originally from Ueda, the Sanada clan relocat... -
February 13, 2020
25 Things To Do In & Around Nozawa Onsen
Nagano has no shortage of beauty spots. Whether it's luxurious onsen, humble yet homely ryokan inns or some serious hiking, the prefecture has something for everyone. However, Nozawa Onsen an... -
January 21, 2020
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort Central Area
Comprising approximately 35 ski runs serviced by 30 chairlifts and 2 gondolas, Shiga Kogen’s Central Area is by itself bigger than most Japanese resorts and your gateway to the entire resort.... -
Shiga Kogen – 15 Things To Do In Winter At Japan’s Largest Ski Resort
Known as the ski resort with the highest altitude in Japan at 2307 meters, as well as the largest resort with over 600 hectares of terrain, Shiga Kogen is a winter sports mecca!
Mesm... -
25 Things To Do In & Around Takayama
The city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, also known as Hida-Takayama, is most famous for its major festivals, onsens, lacquerware, pottery, and carpentry, and its gorgeous mountainous landscape. ... -
Recommended Places to Stay in Shiga Kogen
As Japan's largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen is comprised of multiple ski areas with accommodation spread across a wide area. There are approximately 100 hotels or other accommodation options s... -
Kita-Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts
Located around an hour from Nagano Station, Kita-Shiga Kogen is one of the nearest and most accessible ski areas from Nagano City. Almost unknown to international visitors and most certainly ... -
January 8, 2020
25 Things To Do In & Around Hakuba
Around 1 hour from central Nagano City and approximately 280km to the northwest of Tokyo, Hakuba is one of Japan’s premier winter destinations. Collectively known as ‘Hakuba Valley’, ten ski ... -
December 26, 2019
How to Get to the Kiso Valley & Nakasendo
Kiso Valley is a relatively spread-out area along the Kiso River with its attractions sometimes quite far apart. For that reason, it is quite helpful to consider the region as the central Kiso Va... -
December 5, 2019
How to Get The Most out of The Nakasendo & Kiso Valley
Welcome to the Kiso Valley! If you are planning a visit here as part of your trip to Japan, what a trip you are in for! Did you ever wish you had a time machine? Wish no more! Just get on the train in... -
September 18, 2019
Obuse & Yamada Onsen – 15 Things To Do
Obuse and Yamada Onsen, located just 20 km south of the Snow Monkey Park area, offer their visitors a perfect picture of how Japanese people used to live in the past. Surrounded by mountains and river... -
September 17, 2019
How to Get to Snow Monkey Park from Yamada Onsen – The Best Kept Secret Onsen Village
If you are thinking of visiting the Snow Monkey Park this year, you might be wondering where to stay in Nagano. Nagano Prefecture is one of the largest prefectures in Japan and is stretched out over 2... -
July 10, 2019
25 Things To Do In & Around Matsumoto
Located in the shadow the North Japan Alps, Matsumoto is a small historic city best-known for its castle. As a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is without doubt the beacon that draw... -
July 1, 2019
How to Get to Azumino from The Snow Monkey Park
There is more than one way to get to the Azumino area from the Snow Monkey Park using public transportation. Keep reading to the different options and decide what best fits your schedule.
... -
June 30, 2019
Getting Around Azumino – Rental Bicycle, Bus & Taxi
So, you’ve made it to Azumino, the gateway to the Japan Alps and home of Daio Wasabi Farm. If you have some time to spare, there is plenty to see in the city including many art museums, hot sprin... -
March 18, 2019
Dinner at Japanese Dining GOEN with Free shuttle service from Shiga Kogen & Kanbayashi Onsen
*Please note - we are sorry to inform that Japanese Dining GOEN will not be operating their shuttle service in winter 2020/21. We hope that it will again be available in winter 2021/22*.
The r... -
February 22, 2019
Introduction of Matsukawa Valley – Nagano’s Best Kept Secret
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... -
January 14, 2019
20 Things to Do In & Around Azumino
Located within three hours of Tokyo, Azumino offers visitors a chance to experience the tradition and remarkable beauty of rural Japan with numerous cultural highlights - both old and n... -
January 6, 2019
How to Get to Hakuba – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
Located approximately 40KM (<1 hour drive) to the west of Nagano City and 275KM (<4 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, the resorts of Hakuba Valley are some of the most popular in Naga... -
How to Get to Nozawa Onsen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Nozawa Onsen us approximately 50KM (<1 hour drive) to the northeast of Nagano City and within easy reach of Tokyo - 260KM (<4 hours drive) – or around 2 hours using the Ho... -
How to Get to Myoko Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
Located approximately 30KM (<1 hour drive) directly north of Nagano City and 285KM (3.5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, the resorts making-up Myoko Kogen are known for their deep p... -
How to Get to Shiga Kogen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
Located approximately 45KM (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City and 280KM (<5 hours drive) to the northwest of Tokyo, Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski resort, boasting over 600 hectares... -
April 30, 2017
History of the Jigokudani Monkey Park
First established in 1964, the Jigokudani Monkey Park and its famous residents have become globally famous and now attract visitors from all over the world. The troop of macaques that comes into the... -
April 22, 2017
Snow Monkey Hierarchy: the Top Monkeys
The famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are in fact Japanese macaques. This is a highly intelligent species of monkey which lives in large troops of over 100 individuals and is what are considered to ... -
May 5, 2016
When Does it Start to Snow in the Jigokudani Monkey Park?
The monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park are here all throughout the year however given that they are most commonly referred to as 'snow monkeys', many visitors understandably want to see them in t... -
April 11, 2016
Information About the Walk to the Snow Monkey Park
Planning a trip to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Visiting Nagano's famous monkeys is a unique and unforgettable experience. To ensure that your trip goes smoothly, this page provides information ... -
April 7, 2016
Snow Monkeys: Monkey Love, Babies & Childcare
Affectionately known as 'snow monkeys', Nagano's most famous furry residents are in fact Japanese macaques. Called 'nihonzaru' in Japanese, macaques are highly intelligent and social primates which ... -
Snow Monkeys: Favourite Food & Daily Diet
Japanese macaques are great foragers for food. Highly territorial, monkey troops typically roam within a radius of several kilometres, moving each day to find new food and a new place to sleep. Much... -
Snow Monkeys: Behaviours to Observe
The monkeys of Jigokudani are most famous for their unique behaviour of soaking in hot springs. But it is just one of several interesting behaviours to observe while in the park:
Soaking in hot spr... -
Snow Monkeys: Physical Characteristics
With an estimated 150 to 160 monkeys in the troop, there is a dominant alpha at the top and descending hierarchy monkeys below him. Younger monkeys inherent the status of their parents and from the ... -
Snow Monkeys: Social Life & Status
Japanese macaques live in a hierarchic troop in which they inherit their status from their parents at time of birth, and from that time, will spend their lives asserting themselves in an effort to r... -
March 23, 2016
Snow Monkey Park Throughout the Year
Most famous for their love of hot springs and antics in winter, the monkeys do in fact come to the park all year round! Each season offers its own reasons to visit. Winter is by far the most popular... -
December 6, 2015
Some Advice for Going to the Jigokudani Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Monkey Park is an all year round destination and one of Nagano's most popular attractions. At it's busiest in winter, conditions are likely be cold with snow and ice affecting the tra... -
November 25, 2015
Spring (Apr-May) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park
As the weather warm-up in April, and Nagano escapes its long, cold winter, spring offers lots of reasons to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It is a time of renewal and new beginnings. As the regio... -
Summer (Jun-Aug) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park
The summer months of June to August at first bring rain and then heat and humidity. Anyone who has visited Japan during summer knows that it can be grueling. The heat and humidity can be unrelenting... -
Autumn (Sep-Nov) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park
Autumn is a delightful time at the Jigokudani Monkey Park and throughout Nagano. Though the temperature is likely to remain high during September, the humidity of summer will be gone leaving us with... -
November 24, 2015
Winter (Dec-Mar) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park
Nagano's reputation is one of Japan's premier winter destinations is well-established. Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and home to around 80 ski resorts, winter sees an influx of visitors from arou...
