[START FROM KARUIZAWA] Private Snow Monkey Tour

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 a popular getaway for Tokyoites and increasingly on the radar for international visitors who head to the mountains in summer to escape the heat and humidity of the coast, and the beautiful winter landscape and skiing offered in winter. No matter what time of year you’re headed to Karuizawa, we can arrange a fully customized tour starting there and ending at any destination of your choice.

As Nagano’s No1. tour and charter operator, Snow Monkey Resorts offers the convenience and flexibility of customized tours designed to suit your itinerary, needs and interests. Our vehicles and drivers are fully accredited and offer the best way to get the most out of your time in Nagano with both one-day or multiday tour itineraries available.

Starting from any location in Karuizawa, we will pick you up directly from your accommodation (or other chosen location) and drop you in your destination of choice including JR Nagano Station.

We’ll put together an itinerary which highlights the best of Nagano. Whether you just want to spend time with the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, explore Nagano’s ancient Zenko-ji Temple, soak in an ‘onsen’, indulge in the region’s renowned food culture, or snowmobiling in Shiga Kogen, we’ve got you covered and will help you get the most out of our time in Central Japan!

What’s typically included?

The itinerary and inclusions are customizable to match your needs. We can provide:

• A one-day tour starting from Karuizawa to any nearby destinations
• A multiday tour starting from Karuizawa to any regional destinations

As an example, a one-day tour (typically) includes:

• Private vehicle/driver for the day – up to 9 hours* and including luggage transport
• Private English-speaking guide for the day – up to 9 hours*
• Entrance to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park**
• Lunch 
• One additional activity of your choice (examples are included below)

The tour cost is calculated per person (aged of 6 years and over) with infants (under 6 years of age) included free of charge. Infants are included free of charge and therefore do not receive lunch (if required, please order directly to the restaurant according to your needs).

*Longer tours can be arranged at an additional charge.

**Your customized tour does not need to include a visit to the Snow Monkey Park if it is not of interest. We are happy to arrange an itinerary tailored entirely to your needs.

If you would like to start a tour from other locations please see the customized tour pages for: Nagano City, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, Myoko and Nozawa Onsen or Madarao. We are happy to arrange other/more distant drop-off points with pricing adjusted accordingly.

Examples of popular destinations/activities to include on your tour are:

Explore Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tasting (All Year Round) – Duration: 1.5 hours

One of the first Buddhist temples to be established in Japan, Zenko-ji is the spiritual and cultural heart of Nagano and as such, is rich in history and folk tales from its near-1400 year history. The main hall of the temple is the third largest wooden temple in Japan and a registered National Treasure.

Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s most open and welcoming temples, offering activities including ‘Zazen’ (seated) meditation, ‘Shakyo’ (brush) meditation, and ‘Goma’ (fire prayer) services’ available to international visitors.

Be guided through the precinct and learn of its unique history followed by ‘sake’ tasting. As Japan’s second largest producer of sake, no visit to Nagano is complete without diving into the warm and indulgent world of sake. Let your guide introduce you to the best that Nagano has to offer!

Explore historic Obuse town (All Year Round) – Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours

Explore the picturesque town of Obuse and its remaining Edo-style buildings. Known for its historic character, chestnut delicacies and sake breweries, Obuse is most famous as home to the Hokusai Museum, showcasing the life and work of the country’s most influential artist, Hokusai Katsushika.

The world-famous artist spent some of his final years in Obuse and painted his final masterpiece here. As one of the few (if perhaps only) Japanese artist to influence Western art movements, a visit to Obuse is your chance to view and discover the masterful work of a universally acclaimed artist.

Snow Fun in Japan’s largest ski resort – Shiga Kogen (December – March) – Duration: 2.5 hours

Let’s face it. Skiing and snowboarding usually requires a lot of practice and first-timers spend more time on their backsides than they do on their feet! Why put yourself through that when you can enjoy a morning or afternoon of snow fun using a range of snow-specific gear – including snow scoots, sit-down skiing, sleds and tubes! – at Japan and Asia’s largest ski resort – Shiga Kogen.

Suitable for both children and adults alike, this activity is designed for everyone, whether it’s your first time in snow or you’re a seasoned veteran of the slopes*.

*This activity includes a surcharge which will be included in your quote.

Snowmobiling in Japan’s largest ski resort – Shiga Kogen (December – March) – Duration: 2.5 hours

Want to pick-up the pace and go a bit faster? Snowmobiling in Shiga Kogen is an exhilarating way to experience Japan’s largest ski resort. Led by a qualified instructor, you will first be taught how to use the equipment in a safe manner before you are lead around a circuit to enjoy the thrill of controlling your own snowmobile.

With the option of either single or tandem, this activity is a popular and fun inclusion in your winter adventure!

*This activity includes a surcharge which will be included in your quote and is subject to availability. Single ride is restricted to participants aged 13 years and above while tandem ride is appropriate for participants aged 6 years and above. Infants – below 6 years of age – are not permitted to participate in snowmobiling.

‘Onsen'(Natural Hot Spring) Experience (All Year Round) – Duration: 1 hour

Nagano is blessed with numerous ‘onsen’ (natural hot springs) and the odd onsen-bathing monkey. But if you’re a human and would also like to experience this most Japanese of custom, we are happy to arrange a visit to a local hot spring to soak and unwind in the warm thermal waters of this ancient island country.

The private onsen is gender-mixed and has an outdoor bath including rental towels. Please note that due to the size of the hot spring bath, this activity is for a group for up to 8 people and is available for 50 minutes per a group.

Enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms of Nagano (Spring Only) – Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours

Springtime in Japan is synonymous with ‘hanami’ (flower viewing) and no flower captures the Japanese spirit and essence more than the fabled cherry bloom. Known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese the stunning blossoms come into bloom each spring offering visitors one of the most spectacular experiences in Japan.

We choose different viewing sites based on where the blossoms are at their best on the day of your tour with venues ranging from the famous to local including Zenko-ji Temple, Suzaka Garyu Park, Kokugon-ji Temple and many others!

*The dates of bloom vary between seasons however is typically at its best in Nagano from the first to third weeks of April. If you would like to include this option in your tour, please let us know and we can discuss your options.

Experience the beautiful autumn leaves of Nagano (Autumn Only) – Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours

Located in the beautiful Matsukawa Valley, Fujiiso is nearby some of Nagnao (and Japan’s!) best venues for viewing the colored leaves of autumn. Known as ‘koyo’ in Japanese, the leaves are typically in their best through October, washing the landscape in a stunning mosaic of red, gold, amber, and yellow.

We choose different viewing sites based on where the leaves are at their best on the day of your tour with venues ranging from the famous to local including mountain trails in the Matsukawa Valley, Shiga Kogen and Togakushi.

*The dates of the leaves vary between seasons however is typically at its best in Nagano from early to late October. If you would like to include this option in your tour, please let us know and we can discuss your options.

Looking for another destination or activity?

Not a problem. Just get in touch by following the instructions below.

How do I book a customized tour?

Simply press the ‘REQUEST A QUOTE’ button and complete the Tour Inquiry Form with you preferred travel date, contact name and details, number of guests and details of what you would like to include in your tour.

Need some suggestions? No problem at all! We’re happy to provide some suggestions to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano. Just let us know what you’re interested in seeing or doing, and we’ll get back to you via email within 48 hours.

Why choose us?

Awarded a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – Snow Monkey Resorts is Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Locally-based and operating all year round, we offer the local knowledge, support, and service that you need to get the most out of your winter adventure in Japan.

We want all of our guests have the best possible time in Nagano, so good, that we hope you’ll come back again! We love our home region and want you to love it to… we’d love to see you here in Nagano!