Most famous for its 400-year old castle, Matsumoto is a small but lively city with a rich history and burgeoning arts and dining scene. Located in Nagano Prefecture, the city lies in a valley bel...
OPEN CATEGORY
-
4:32 PM
Visit Matsumoto: Everything You Need to Know
Most famous for its 400-year old castle, Matsumoto is a small but lively city with a rich history and burgeoning arts and dining scene. Located in Nagano Prefecture, the city lies in a valley bel... -
2:50 PM
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... -
4:49 PM
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... -
9:39 AM
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 ... -
3:28 PM
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... -
11:45 AM
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... -
3:46 PM
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 Niiga... -
4:11 PM
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 offe... -
11:42 AM
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 heav... -
2:10 PM
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. Compr... -
12:20 PM
Shiga Kogen: 15 Things To Do In Winter & Where To Stay
Boasting Japan's highest chairlifts at 2307 metres and over 600ha of terrain, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is the highest and largest resort in the country. Shiga's reliable snow fall and the powdery q... -
12:00 PM
15 Things to Do Around Yuzawa & Where To Stay
A convenient stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Niigata, Yuzawa is one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns and the heart of a region fondly referred to as ‘yukiguni’ or ... -
5:30 PM
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... -
11:38 AM
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... -
3:54 PM
Joshinetsu Kogen National Park
Stretching across Nagano, Niigata and Gunma, Joshinetsu Kogen National Park - 上信越高原国立公園 – is the fourth largest national park in Japan. Formed by intense volcanic activity and lava flows over mil... -
5:45 PM
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 res... -
1:05 PM
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 a li... -
11:00 AM
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’, spread-out over a wide region w... -
1:45 PM
How to Get to Yuzawa
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 access using the Joetsu Shinkansen running from To... -
2:16 PM
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... -
12:39 PM
30 Things To Do Around Mount Fuji & Where To Stay
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... -
11:41 AM
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 o... -
5:09 PM
10 Things To Do In Hakone & Where to Stay
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... -
3:44 PM
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... -
2:27 PM
25 Things To Do Around Karuizawa & Where To Stay
Only 70-minutes from Tokyo using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Karuizawa is one of Japan's oldest and most famous mountain resort towns. Sitting around 1000 metres above sea level, Karuizawa enjoys a ... -
4:37 PM
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... -
2:39 PM
Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park
Declared a national park in 2015, Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park – 妙高戸隠国立公園 – is a relatively compact region within easy reach of Nagano City. Although small, the park is densely-packed... -
1:54 PM
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... -
4:07 PM
25 Things To Do Around The Kiso Valley / Nakasendo & Where To Stay
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... -
2:00 PM
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... -
11:00 AM
25 Things To Do Around Kusatsu Onsen & Where To Stay
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... -
3:00 PM
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... -
4:15 PM
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 ... -
2:52 PM
Where To Stay Around Mount Fuji
One of the most popular destinations in the country, Mount Fuji attracts visitors from all over the world who come to climb the mountain or simply enjoy views of the great volcano from surroundin... -
2:34 PM
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... -
2:05 PM
25 Things To Do Around Kanazawa & Where To Stay
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... -
2:02 PM
25 Things To Do Around Myoko Kogen & Where To Stay
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 for po... -
4:36 PM
25 Things To Do Around Madarao & Where To Stay
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 bowls ... -
10:41 AM
10 Things To Do In Fukui & Where To Stay
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... -
3:04 PM
How To Get To Madarao – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Madarao lies to the northeast of Nagano City, approximately 40KM (1-hour drive) and within easy reach to the northwest of Tokyo, approximately 275KM (3.5-hour drive) or around 2 hou... -
7:30 AM
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 Yabuhar... -
11:26 AM
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.Wel... -
10:04 PM
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 PARK2. COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MONK... -
6:16 PM
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 ... -
4:37 PM
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... -
11:52 AM
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... -
11:42 AM
25 Things To Do Around Nozawa Onsen & Where To Stay
Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town that in recent years has established itself as one of Japan's most popular ski resorts. Operating from December into the April, Nozawa Onsen Snow Re... -
12:31 PM
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. Wit... -
11:01 AM
25 Things To Do Around Takayama & Where To Stay
Located deep within the mountains of Central Japan, Takayama is famous for the excellent preservation its Edo Period (1603-1868) historical center, known as the ‘Sannomachi’. Once under the direc... -
12:15 AM
Where To Stay In & Around 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... -
12:00 AM
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 ... -
3:01 PM
How To Get To Takayama
Boasting one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period (1603-1868) town centres, Takayama is now well-established as a favourite stop for international visitors. Located in Gifu Prefecture and in the ... -
12:39 PM
25 Things To Do Around Hakuba & Where To Stay
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 reso... -
9:28 AM
How to Get to Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen
Located with the wider region of Yamanouchi, the historic hot spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are convenient points from where to explore many nearby attractions, while also demandin... -
3:55 PM
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 rive... -
7:41 PM
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 res... -
9:19 AM
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 unde... -
9:46 AM
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... -
12:07 PM
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... -
12:04 PM
How to Get to Nozawa Onsen – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Nozawa Onsen is 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 Hokuri... -
11:55 AM
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... -
4:50 PM
Where To Stay In Nozawa Onsen
One of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, Nozawa Onsen boasts some excellent terrain, great snow conditions and lively action off the mountain. The resort is serviced by Nozawa Onsen village,... -
4:10 PM
Where To Stay In Hakuba
Host of multiple events during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Hakuba has a global reputation for big snow, great terrain and lots of fun off the slopes. Popular with both Japanese and interna... -
10:59 AM
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 ... -
11:39 AM
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 ... -
11:37 AM
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 i... -
10:43 AM
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 informati... -
11:19 PM
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 whi... -
8:15 PM
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. M... -
8:03 PM
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 ... -
7:52 PM
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 t... -
7:42 PM
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 t... -
3:20 PM
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 popu... -
6:13 PM
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 ...
