Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park is home to a particularly curious troop of Japanese macaques who have achieved worldwide fame due to a unique, captivating behavior – they are the only troop of monkeys in the world known to enjoy bathing in natural hot springs!
Open every day of the year, the park was created as a conservation area in which a local troop of monkeys, at that time under threat from urban development, would be safe within what was already their natural territory, generations of monkeys have now been born and grown to maturity in close proximity to humans, making them very comfortable with our presence. There are no barriers keeping visitors and monkeys separated and due to the park’s long established policy forbidding guests to feed them, the monkeys are non-aggressive and go about their daily activities in a near-natural state. On this page you will find the following information:
Getting to the Snow Monkey Park with Snow Monkey Resorts
Located in the northern part of Nagano prefecture, the Snow Monkey Park is easy to reach by train from Tokyo and other major cities. From Nagano Station, the park is just a 50-minute bus ride or drive away. With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can make this trip into a whole day-tour experience, seeing much of what Nagano has to offer along the way, or it can just be one stop on a private bus tour or charter service.
If you're planning to travel from one of the many ski resorts Nagano has to offer, or just another popular location, we can cover that with our vehicles to help you travel in style, comfort, and convenience. This way you can start your travel with us in one city, visit the Snow Monkey Park and other locations, and end in a different final destination. This is why many people use our services to transfer to ski resorts from Nagano or vice versa while doing a guided bus tour to Snow Monkey Park and other locations, such as Zenkoji Temple.
From Nagano City
Starting from Nagano Station, our group tours, private tours and charter services provide convenient and varied ways to reach the Snow Monkey Park, in addition to other local attractions such as Zenkoji Temple, so you can enjoy the best of Nagano in a single day.
Group Tours
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Our most popular offering is our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Sake in Nagano". Guests on this delightful excursion will first be treated to a guided tour of the historic Zenkoji Temple and sake tasting in Nagano City, including lunch at a nearby restaurant.
With the first half of the tour complete, you will then depart for the Monkey Park on our private tour vehicle. Once you have arrived your guide will lead the way up to the place the Monkeys call home, before you once again board the bus and return to your starting destination.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21, Hakuba (multiple locations, winter only)
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
For those guests coming in the winter, we also offer the "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen", combining exciting snow activities such as sledding and riding snow scoots with a visit to the Monkey Park. Lunch is also included, making for the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience what winter in Nagano is all about!
Recommended
(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Another unforgettable tour is our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano". Including two of Japan's most amazing natural spectacles, the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms and the hot-spring loving monkeys of Jigokudani, this offering is the easiest way to enjoy a relaxed spring day in Nagano.
(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaKanazawaMatsumotoKamikochiShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the Snow Monkeys, our carefully crafted multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have even heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with sometimes confusing train and bus transfers.
Private Tour
For those who want a more customized experience, we also offer private tours of the Snow Monkey Park and nearby attractions such as Zenkoji Temple and Obuse. We offer multiple pickup/drop off options including Nagano City, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, and more. For all Private Tour options to the Snow Monkey Park, please see here.
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
Recommended
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Starting from Nagano Station or any Nagano City Hotel, we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off in the Nagano City area or any of Nagano's 5 Main Ski Resorts!
Special Event Tour
Recommended
[NOV 23 ONLY] 1-Day Tour: Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival & Snow Monkeys
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
As Japan’s largest and most beautiful autumn fireworks display, this tour includes reserved seating at the event with a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park – home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs – and late lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants. This once a year tour is one of our most popular and is sure to leave a lasting impression long after the fireworks fade away!
(Special Event) Nagano's Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
This engaging special event tour transports you to Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsuhiro for an afternoon of samurai experiences and discovery of the open secret beneath its feet before enjoying an early dinner and guided evening tour of the city’s near-1400 year old Zenkoji Temple during it’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park and evening exploration of the Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival, this enjoyable tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart! Including an early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this tour brings warmth and light into the midst of winter.
Private Charters
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
If you just wish to explore on your own from Nagano to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Hakuba
Set deep in the Northern Alps, Hakuba is one of Japan’s most famous ski destinations, known for its towering peaks, deep powder, and lively international atmosphere. While the village is celebrated for world-class winter sports, it also makes the perfect base for discovery. Just over 90 minutes from the park, a day trip from Hakuba to the Snow Monkey Park takes you from high alpine scenery to one of Nagano's must-see destinations. Linking the excitement of the slopes with a daytrip to the monkeys, it’s an ideal way to experience both sides of Nagano in a single day.
Group Tour
We offer a group tour that visits the Snow Monkey Park as part of the itinerary from Hakuba in winter only, so please see the following option below if you are staying in Hakuba during the winter!
Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Tour / all year round
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Including what is perhaps Nagano's biggest international attraction, the snow loving primates of Jigokudani, this tour ranks amongst our most popular for good reason. Starting with a morning visit to the Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples not only in Nagano but in all of Japan, you will be treated to lovely architecture and informative talks about the history of Japanese Buddhism. After the temple trip, your guide will lead to you a well-respected Sake brewery just outside of the temple grounds, with numerous types of sake to try as well as non alcoholic drinks and even miso soup on the menu. With a taste of the finer side of life still on your tongue, the next stop will be lunch, where tour guests will be treated to fine Japanese cuisine utilizing local ingredients. And last but certainly not least, you will be taken to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! With ample time in the park to watch these silly creatures bathe, play, eat and engage in their daily antics, there is little more you could ask for in a single day.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21, Hakuba (multiple locations, winter only)
Private Tour
If you wish to travel with just your own group with a full day tour that includes the Snow Monkey Park with the option to directly transfer to a different ski resort in Nagano, or to Nagano Station directly afterward, we offer this private tour starting from any area in Hakuba!
Special Event Tour
(Special Event) Nagano's Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
This engaging special event tour transports you to Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsuhiro for an afternoon of samurai experiences and discovery of the open secret beneath its feet before enjoying an early dinner and guided evening tour of the city’s near-1400 year old Zenkoji Temple during it’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park and evening exploration of the Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival, this enjoyable tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart! Including an early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this tour brings warmth and light into the midst of winter.
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Hakuba / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM HAKUBA] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Hakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's top ski resorts, Hakuba. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch a train to your next destination. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
HAKUBA → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ HAKUBA
- Duration:
- 7-8 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Hakuba
If you just wish to explore on your own from Hakuba to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Shiga Kogen
High in the mountains of Joshinetsu National Park, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest ski resort, famous for its expansive terrain, reliable snow, and stunning highland scenery. It is only about 30 minutes away from the Snow Monkey Park, making it easy to visit this area during your rest day from the lifts.
Private Tour
While we have no group tours that go to the Snow Monkey Park from this area, we can still entertain your party staying in Shiga Kogen with the following private tour:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Shiga Kogen / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM SHIGA KOGEN] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Shiga Kogen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's top ski resorts, Shiga Kogen. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch a train to your next destination. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
OKUSHIGA → SNOW MONKEY PARK → OKUSHIGA (SHIGA KOGEN)
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Shiga Kogen
If you just wish to explore on your own from Shiga Kogen to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Nozawa Onsen
Nestled in the mountains of northern Nagano, Nozawa Onsen is known for its hot spring culture and vibrant ski slopes. Located about 45 minutes away from the monkeys, a daytrip to the Snow Monkey Park is a perfect getaway on your rest day from the slopes!
Group Tour
We do have a winter only group tour that includes the Snow Monkey Park, that also allows for direct drop-off at Nagano Station once the tour concludes, which makes it perfect for your day of departure from Nozawa Onsen!
1-Day Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake / December to March
Recommended
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyNozawa Onsen
- Pick-up:
- Nozawa Onsen
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityNozawa Onsen
Starting right from Nozawa Onsen, this tour takes you to some of Nagano’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a locally guided day trip. The morning begins with a scenic ride to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk the forest trail into the valley and see the world-famous monkeys soaking in their hot spring. With no barriers separating you from them, it’s one of Japan’s most unique wildlife experiences.
Afterwards, warm up with a hearty winter lunch highlighting Nagano’s seasonal ingredients before heading into Nagano City. There you’ll explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, with your guide explaining its deep history, legends, and cultural importance. The day concludes with a guided sake tasting experience where you can sample Nagano’s celebrated varieties (with non-alcoholic options available).
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped back at Nozawa Onsen, with the option of disembarking at Nagano Station if continuing onward for travel. This makes it an ideal tour to join on the day of your departure from Nozawa, seamlessly combining sightseeing with convenient onward access. Available from December through March, this seasonal tour is the perfect way to enjoy the best of Nagano in winter.
Private Tour
If you wish to travel with just your own group with a full day tour that includes the monkey park with the option to directly transfer to a different ski resort in Nagano, or to Nagano Station directly afterward, we offer this private tour starting from Nozawa Onsen (please note that depending on your hotel, we may not be able to provide direct hotel pick up due to the narrow roads in Nozawa Onsen, so if that is the case we will contact your party and recommend a central area nearby for pickup).
[START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour / all year round
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining private tour of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the Historic Zenko-ji Temple, and the charming town of Obuse so that you can experience the best of what Nagano has to offer in the company of your friends and family. All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Nagano City from the mischievous monkeys to grandiose temples. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
Recommended
[START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nozawa OnsenMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadarao
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, and this private tour allows you to be picked up anywhere in Nozawa Onsen or Madarao, and be dropped off at any location in Nagano City, as well as any of the 5 major ski resorts of Shiga Kogen, Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Madarao, and Nozawa Onsen! All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
Got a question about visiting the different areas of Nagano City? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
Private Charters
NOZAWA ONSEN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NOZAWA ONSEN
- Duration:
- 5-6 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Nozawa Onsen
If you just wish to explore on your own from Nozawa Onsen to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a picturesque mountain town as popular in summer as it is in winter. Easily accessible from Tokyo using the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) service, Karuizawa is the usual getaway for Tokyoites and increasingly on the radar for international visitors who wish to head to the mountains in summer to escape the heat, or for the beautiful winter landscape and skiing offered in winter. No matter what time of year you're headed to Karuizawa, we can provide a fully private tour of the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park combined with lunch and a visit to Nagano City's historic Zenkoji Temple - all from your preffered pickup location in Karuizawa!
Private Tour
While we have no group tours that go to the Snow Monkey Park from Karuizawa, we can still entertain your party staying in this area with the following private tour:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Karuizawa / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM KARUIZAWA] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyKaruizawa
- Pick-up:
- Karuizawa
- Drop-off:
- Karuizawa
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's most popular resort areas, Karuizawa. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, or another location of your choice (after all, it's your private tour!). Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo or other destinations. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
KARUIZAWA → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3H)→ KARUIZAWA
- Duration:
- 5-6 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Karuizawa
If you just wish to explore on your own from Karuizawa to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Myoko
The area of Myoko Kogen is located approximately 50 minutes from the Snow Monkey Park. No matter what time of year you're headed to Myoko, we can provide a fully private tour of the world-famous Snow Monkey Park combined with lunch and a visit to Nagano City's historic Zenkoji Temple - all from your preferred pickup location in Myoko!
Group Tour
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyokoMadarao
- Pick-up:
- MyokoMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMadaraoMyoko
Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.
Private Tour
While we have no group tours that go to the Snow Monkey Park from Myoko, we can still entertain your party staying in this area with the following private tour:
[MYOKO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
Recommended
[START FROM MYOKO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyoko
- Pick-up:
- Myoko
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's most popular resort areas, Myoko Kogen. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City, or another location of your choice (after all, it's your private tour!). Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo or other destinations. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
LOTTE ARAI(MYOKO) → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ LOTTE ARAI(MYOKO)
- Duration:
- 5-6 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Myoko
If you just wish to explore on your own from Myoko to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, and Madarao Kogen
Group Tour
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyokoMadarao
- Pick-up:
- MyokoMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMadaraoMyoko
Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.
Private Charters
MADARAO → SNOW MONKEY PARK → MADARAO
- Duration:
- 5-6 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Madarao
If you just wish to explore on your own from Madarao to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
From Matsumoto
Home to one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, Matsumoto blends samurai history, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to the Northern Alps. Just over 90 minutes from the Snow Monkey Park, let us take you on a day-trip to the monkeys!
Private Tour
While we have no group tours that go to Snow Monkey Park from Matsumoto, we can still entertain your party staying in this area with the following private tour:
Private Snow Monkey Tour from Matsumoto or Azumino / all year round
Recommended
[START FROM MATSUMOTO/AZUMINO] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMatsumoto
- Pick-up:
- Matsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Matsumoto
Want to enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel, while appreciating the Snow Monkeys and some of Nagano's other top attractions with the full attention of your guide? Look no further than our private tour with pickup from one of Nagano's most visited regions, the Matsumoto/Azumino area. Once you have informed us of your hotel, our guide will be there at the arranged time on the day to escort you first to the Monkey Park, and afterwards to the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Even more, you will be treated to a great Japanese style lunch that may end up being one of your favorite meals of your trip. Our private tour vehicle will be with you all day, giving you a place to store luggage as necessary while you are enjoying the sights, and also offering you the option to end the tour at Nagano Station if you have already checked out of your hotel and are looking to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo or other destinations. This is your best way to enjoy the Snow Monkeys and much more at your own pace.
Private Charters
MATSUMOTO → SNOW MONKEY PARK → MATSUMOTO
- Duration:
- 6-7 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Matsumoto
If you just wish to explore on your own from Matsumoto to the snow monkeys, we offer round-trip or one-way charter services that allow you to explore the park (tickets included) with our private vehicles and drivers. If you would like to add on other destinations like the Zenkoji Temple, or have direct drop off at Nagano, you can click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and we can make a quotation for your custom request right away!
Why Choose Snow Monkey Resorts for Snow Monkey Park
The Snow Monkey Park is a must-see in Nagano, and with Snow Monkey Resorts you’ll experience it in a way few visitors ever do. Based right in Nagano City, we were originally founded on tours to the park and have expanded to other areas of Central Japan since then.
- Multiple starting points, including Nagano, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, Myoko, Karuizawa, and Matsumoto, with the option to end your trip at Nagano Station or another convenient location.
- Day Tours led by local, English-speaking guides, designed to have fun while exploring a one-of-a-kind destination.
- Immersive multi-day tours, some of which include local accommodation and tours of other exciting cities like Matsumoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama.
- Flexible private tours and charters, with options to combine Snow Monkey Park with other destinations such as Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Togakushi Shrines, or Matsumoto Castle.
- Safe, comfortable transport by private vehicle, allowing you to focus on the experience while we take care of the details.
Whether you join us for a day tour, charter, or a multi-day journey through Nagano, Snow Monkey Resorts offers the insight and expertise that only a true local specialist can provide.
The Best Time to Visit the Snow Monkey Park
The Snow Monkey Park is open every day of the year. Although most visitors choose to visit in winter, it is important to note that each season offers its own charm:
- Spring (March–May): Spring offers two special reasons to visit – cherry blossoms and baby monkeys! Around 30 baby monkeys within the troop are born every year. Pregnant through winter, expectant mothers will retreat into the mountains to give birth before bringing their newborn to the park, often the same day.
For a complete list of spring tours, itineraries, and activities you can enjoy at or near the monkey park, please see a complete list here: Snow Monkey Tours and Itineraries in Spring. - Summer (June–August): There is no escaping the fact that Japanese summers are uncomfortably hot - for that reason, it's a great time to escape the cities and head to the park, where it will be notably cooler. This is the quietest time of year at the park for visitors, allowing you plenty of space and time to enjoy the monkeys and get some terrific photographs.
For a complete list of summer tours, itineraries, and activities you can enjoy at or near the monkey park, please see a complete list here: Snow Monkey Tours and Itineraries in Summer. - Autumn (September–November): The stunning autumn foliage makes October and November a great time to visit the park. Due to autumn being monkey mating season and the forest full of wild fruit and nuts, there are some days the monkeys are too preoccupied and might not come to the park. It’s a good idea to aim for the middle of the day – from 11AM to 3PM – just in case the monkeys feel like coming later and planning to spend a little longer there to accommodate their monkey schedule.
For a complete list of autumn tours, itineraries, and activities you can enjoy at or near the monkey park, please see a complete list here: Snow Monkey Tours and Itineraries in Autumn. - Winter (December–February): Winter is peak season, and visitors can expect to share the park with many others. With the snow piling-up, this is the most likely time to capture that iconic shot of many monkeys sitting in the hot spring.
For a complete list of winter tours, itineraries, and activities you can enjoy at or near the monkey park, please see a complete list here: Snow Monkey Tours and Itineraries in Winter.
Practical tip: Visiting the park involves walking 1.6km each way on a trail, so comfortable footwear is important year-round. During winter the trail and park are likely to be affected by snow and ice, so proper footwear and warm clothing is essential. It is always worth be prepared for the walk to the park in winter with crampons (purchase), boots (rental), and winter clothing (rental) that are available at the Snow Monkey Resorts Gift & Info Shop. In addition, an umbrella or raincoat is useful in summer when sudden showers are common.
Whether you seek the excitement of monkeys in a winter wonderland or newborns taking their first steps in the spring, there is no bad time to visit the monkeys — each season brings its own unique experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Snow Monkey Park famous for?
The park is home to a curious troop of monkeys most famous for their hot spring-loving antics of winter while spring, summer and autumn all offer their own reasons to visit. Visitors can be in very close proximity of these beautiful creatures while they go about their day, completely unphased by the presence of humans.
How do I get to Snow Monkey Park?
If you're headed to the monkey park using public transport, you are almost certain to do so via Nagano Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Nagano Station is the nearest major station to the park. From Nagano Station, visitors have the choice of using a direct express bus directly to the park or alternatively, a train to Yudanaka Station followed by short local bus ride to the park. For full details of how to get there from Nagano, please see: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park. Of course, our tours and charters make it easy to include the park in your itinerary.
What are the best souvenirs to buy at the Snow Monkey Park?
Located next to the trail entrance, be sure to stop by the Snow Monkeys Resorts Info & Gift Shop for excellent souvenirs. Some popular souvenirs are monkey chopsticks, monkey-shaped marshmallows, and even monkey underwear!
Can I bathe with the monkeys?
No. The hot spring in the park is only for the monkeys. If you want to try and take a bath with the monkeys, you might try your luck at the nearby Korakukan - the guesthouse where the monkeys first observed and copied the behavior of soaking in the hot spring. There is a possibility the monkeys will join you while you bathe in the open-air bath at the guesthouse (however we cannot guarantee how hygienic this is).
Can I visit the Snow Monkey Park as a day trip from ski resorts?
Absolutely. Many visitors use a rest day from skiing to explore the monkey park. It is accessible from resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, Madarao Kogen, and Karuizawa. Private tours and charters make it convenient to combine skiing with a daytrip to the monkeys.
Can I combine the Snow Monkey Park with other destinations?
Yes. Private tours and charters can easily combine the park with nearby highlights such as Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Matsumoto Castle, Togakushi Shrines, or ski resorts. This flexibility allows you to create a customized itinerary that balances culture, history, and adventure.