1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
4.9
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
By Snow Monkey Resorts
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About
This action-packed Nagano adventure has it all—a historic temple, a sake tasting, and snow monkeys. Avoid the hassle of figuring out local public transport schedules, and opt for a much more relaxed form of sightseeing—an organized tour with transfers between sights and entry tickets included. Visit the beautiful Zenko-ji temple, have a guided sake tasting, and go to the Snow Monkey Park to see monkeys bathing in hot springs.
Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Reserve now & pay later • Secure your spot while staying flexible.
Lowest price guarantee • Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!
Ages 0-90, max of 46 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Avoid long ticket lines—entry to the Snow Monkey Park is included
- Visit a Buddhist sight the dates back to the 7th century—Zenko-ji temple
- Travel with ease between dispersed sites—transfers are included
- No need to bring food with you—a delicious lunch is provided
- Transportation to and between all activities/attractions
- Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available, please try to let us know in advance)
- Sake tasting
- English-speaking guide
- Snow Monkey Park entry fee
- Hakuba shuttle service (winter only)
- Entry/Admission - Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
What's not included- Shinkansen/bullet train tickets
- Entry to paid attractions at Zenko-ji
- Additional food, snacks and drinks
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, JapanYour guide will be waiting in front of the Information Board, across from the Bullet Train ticket gates at 09:35. Your guide will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag. NOTE: If you have booked the 09:00 pick up option, your guide will be waiting for you at the above mentioned location from 09:00
- Option 2Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, 4688 Hokujō, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan(WINTER ONLY) Your guide will meet you at the hotel entrance at 07:40 and will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. This is group tour, not a private tour and your guide will not have time to search for you / call your room. Please be at the entrance early so that the tour can depart on-time.
- Option 3Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal / Happo Information Center, Japan, 399-9301 Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Hakuba, Hokujō, 大字北城八方5734-1(WINTER ONLY) Your guide will meet you inside the terminal at 07:55 and will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Please note, other tour operators use the terminal so make sure you ask that the guide confirms your booking. Please be at the entrance early so that the tour can depart on-time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9582P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including to and from the monkey park along a 1.6km (1 mile), unsealed forest trail. Please sure your footwear is appropriate and you are dressed accordingly for the season. The trail includes 2 different staircases, and therefore is not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time. There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park.
- This tour uses different forms of transport. Tours can be conducted by microbus or a large bus depending on the season and size of the group.
- From mid-December until early-April the trail and park are likely to be affected by snow and ice. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable shoes/boots and warm clothing. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons (metal spikes that attach underneath your shoes/boots) can also be purchased. From mid-December until early-March please wear suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C).
- During the winter it is common to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring however from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath.
- There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park, arrive late or leave early. While this is unlikely, it is possible and is outside of our control.
- *Winter only* Guests in Hakuba can join this tour using our shuttle service from / to Hakuba Tokyu Hotel in Wadano and Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. This service is only available from mid December until end of March and may not be available every day between those dates. We apologize that bookings from / to Hakuba cannot be accepted outside of these dates. When using this shuttle service please note that your guide will join and depart the tour at Nagano Station.
- *Winter only* This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nagano Station by 17:30 (and by 18:45 for guests joining from Hakuba in winter). However, due to weather and road conditions in winter we cannot guarantee the end time. For guests booking shinkansen tickets to travel to Tokyo after the tour in winter, we ask that you do not book any service earlier than the 17:56 Kagayaki (reservation only) or our recommendation of the 18:23 Hakutaka. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations we also recommend doing so for times of 18:00 or later.
- This tour includes lunch at one of Nagano's outstanding restaurants. Please note that the restaurant may change their menu from time-to-time. Please let us know of any food allergies in advance so we can arrange accordingly.
- This tour includes ‘sake’ tasting. You must be a minimum of 20 years of age to consume alcohol in Japan.
- Infants (0-5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order will be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs.
- Train schedule from Tokyo station to Nagano station| Tokyo: 07:20 –> Nagano: 08:43 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Tokyo: 07:24 –> Nagano: 09:14 by Asama| Tokyo: 07:52 –> Nagano: 09:30 by Hakutaka
- Train schedule from Nagano station to Tokyo station| Nagano: 17:55 –> Tokyo: 19:20 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Nagano: 18:22 –> Tokyo: 20:00 by Hakutaka
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 46 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9582P2
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- L8848JVdebbieg0 contributionsWalking the Nakasendo trailThis was excellent. Our tour guide Kim, was knowledgeable and ...very fit! We walked 8 km through beautiful scenery and areas of cultural and historical interest. It was great to learn about the local history too. I thoroughly recommend this tour ...ask for Kim if you can!Written 27 March 2025
- Pioneer5926990 contributionsTiring but FunBeautiful scenic view. It was tiring but a fun hiking trip with my tour guide Kim. Hubby and I really enjoyed the whole hikingWritten 27 March 2025
- V1412LTchristopherg0 contributionsGreat Way to Spend a Day from NagoyaI booked this tour primarily to get to see Ise Jingu, and was pleasantly surprised by the rest. Aemir did an excellent job providing photo opportunities, food recommendations, and context for what we were looking at. Our driver was safe and friendly. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone staying in Nagoya and looking to visit two beautiful and important Shinto sites.Written 25 March 2025
- TomFromWorthington0 contributionsA great tour of some of the Western known places Nagoya. Those rocks; they were in love.6 of 5 Aemir it was a pleasure to tour with. He was careful, thoughtful, and easy to understand. He had a good understanding of the material he was showing, and the tour went excellent.Written 25 March 2025
- A4150MSjosephm0 contributionsGreat day skiingReally great day skiing, the process of pick up, equipment and drop off was super easy. Dai was an amazing guide giving me loads of info about Nagano, its surroundings and Japan in general to and from the slopes. Would definitely recommend!Written 24 March 2025
- J5813DGcourtneyg0 contributionsBest Tour with all the Best Things to do and see in Nagano!The absolute best tour have ever been on, was just incredible! Ryusei (Yama) our tour guide was 5 stars and so engaging, insightful and accommodating!!Written 24 March 2025
- Cruiser227997929930 contributionsCalming daysThe guides were fun to talk to and gave information not just about the places we visited but also other recommendations etc, which is very helpful. They didn't feel a lot like guides, but like any other person you can chat with. The places we visited were peaceful, scenic and enjoyable. Much was learnt from this tour. I really like the calming, friendly environment from this tour :)Written 24 March 2025
- pammyceevee0 contributions11 out of 10We had an excellent day walking the trail, a great mix of history, beautiful scenery, and a chance to see a different quieter side of Japan. It's a stunning place to visit. Kim explained everything well, couldn't have been better. It was so easy to be driven there and get info about places we went through. The perfect tour.Written 24 March 2025
- choifunc0 contributionsBest experience from Shinhotaka RopewayEnjoyed the tour with Himi and Yogi and both are very hospitable guides. Highly recommend for individuals or family. Great experience and funWritten 23 March 2025
- victorolal0 contributionsA very enjoyable day tripThis was an excellent tour. It does encompasses culture and nature, and the guide (Humi) is very knowledgeable and enjoyable to be with. Thoroughly recommend this.Written 23 March 2025
- 466daenac0 contributionsWe had an exeptional tour with Jens!We had a wonderful day with Jens and Umematsu. Both were professional and full of great information to share. In addition, they were extremely patient and flexible, and accommodated us in every way. Our time with them exceeded our expectations, and we could not have been happier with our tour. Thank you, Jens and Umematsu, and we hope to see you again on our next visit to Japan!Written 23 March 2025
- LisaTravels8080 contributionsEdo Period tour worth the splurgeWhat a lovely tour with Joyce, our knowledgeable and professional guide. We had our own private transportation to Matsumoto Castle, Frog Street and Narai-juku, a unique Edo Period village. Joyce narrated for us the whole time and recommended a delicious Okinawa restaurant and the best ice cream shop for dessert. We walked a ton and learned a lot. Narai-juku is a bit more off the beaten path, a period village set in the mountains. It was so magical!! After the tour, Joyce and our driver dropped off us at a train station closer to our next destination. They helped us buy tickets and set us off. Highly recommend touring with them!Written 23 March 2025
- Safari626756349030 contributionsNakasendo Trail (March 23, 2025)The plan to start at Tsumago and finish at Magome is a good plan! Kim talked about the history of the places. She has also made sure that everyone is okay throughout the trail. Iwasaki-san made the driving trip comfortable and safe. Arigatou gozaimasu. ~EuniceWritten 23 March 2025
- Gustavo G0 contributionsHighly recommendedThis was a fantastic day trip from Nagoya. It was a small group, everything ran on time, and our guide Kim was extremely nice and knowledgeable. Our driver, Iwasaki-san, was very kind. The trek is very manageable, the views are incredible, and closing at Magome was a perfect end to a great tour. Would strongly recommend.Written 22 March 2025
- Miller A0 contributionsPerfect day!The weather, scenery, towns, and people were wonderful! Our tour guide Kim was so nice and knowledgable. We loved this tour.Written 22 March 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.9
526 reviews
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479
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37
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6
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0
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4
Jen W
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
Picked up by a super friendly nice guy (sorry I forgot his name) in Hakuba. Although he didn't come with us to the tour, he hasn't been letting us know clearly what comes next (e.g. we will stop by very quick for snow chain setting, when will we arrive Nagano and we will meet the tour guide there, etc.)
Endo San has been great in leading the tour. We enjoy so much for the sake tasting and visit in Zenko-ji Temple. We have tried maybe around 8 alcohol and 3 non-alcohol sake. The sake tasting didn't include any pushy selling, it is comfortable either you purchase or not. Sake tasting staffs are also very polite. Zenko-ji Temple required another ticket (not included in the tour) for the inner sanctuary. It is 600 yen per person and I do recommend to get this ticket and walk through the Okaidan passage (the dark tunnel). It is symbolizing the cold and dark after death and you will need to find the key to paradise (you move forward in dark touching the side wall until you find the handle).
Lunch before the snow monkey visit including sushi lunchbox, miso soup, a few tempura and the 1-person size hot pot (can choose between 1. beef + vegetables, 2. seafood + vegetables, 3. only vegetables). The Snow Monkeys visit ended the day perfectly. Tour guide won't go with you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Needed ~ 30 - 40 mins hike to the entrance. Strongly recommended to have snow crampons!!! Very slippery on ice and we all don't want a slip or fall to ruin the experience. Since there is feeding time by staff in the park, pretty sure you can always see snow monkeys there. These monkeys will play around, enjoy onsen, enjoy eating, lice picking for their partner, etc. Visitors has been behaving well and following the park rules so every one is not feeding, interrupting or touching any monkeys. We have taken so many photos and videos. This experience worth for sure and we enjoyed through the entire journey.
It has been a little bit rush at sake tasting and Zenko-ji Temple, but still enough. We are all good with the time set for Jigokudani Monkey Park. However, some in the group has been late, so if you are less energetic or coming with kids / elderly, you may consider if the hiking is a bit tough for them. Again, snow crampons are strongly recommended, certainly make the hike easier.
Although some in the group has been late, we still manage to get back to Nagano Station on time. This is important as we will need to ride the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Appreciate a lot for the tour.
Endo San has been great in leading the tour. We enjoy so much for the sake tasting and visit in Zenko-ji Temple. We have tried maybe around 8 alcohol and 3 non-alcohol sake. The sake tasting didn't include any pushy selling, it is comfortable either you purchase or not. Sake tasting staffs are also very polite. Zenko-ji Temple required another ticket (not included in the tour) for the inner sanctuary. It is 600 yen per person and I do recommend to get this ticket and walk through the Okaidan passage (the dark tunnel). It is symbolizing the cold and dark after death and you will need to find the key to paradise (you move forward in dark touching the side wall until you find the handle).
Lunch before the snow monkey visit including sushi lunchbox, miso soup, a few tempura and the 1-person size hot pot (can choose between 1. beef + vegetables, 2. seafood + vegetables, 3. only vegetables). The Snow Monkeys visit ended the day perfectly. Tour guide won't go with you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Needed ~ 30 - 40 mins hike to the entrance. Strongly recommended to have snow crampons!!! Very slippery on ice and we all don't want a slip or fall to ruin the experience. Since there is feeding time by staff in the park, pretty sure you can always see snow monkeys there. These monkeys will play around, enjoy onsen, enjoy eating, lice picking for their partner, etc. Visitors has been behaving well and following the park rules so every one is not feeding, interrupting or touching any monkeys. We have taken so many photos and videos. This experience worth for sure and we enjoyed through the entire journey.
It has been a little bit rush at sake tasting and Zenko-ji Temple, but still enough. We are all good with the time set for Jigokudani Monkey Park. However, some in the group has been late, so if you are less energetic or coming with kids / elderly, you may consider if the hiking is a bit tough for them. Again, snow crampons are strongly recommended, certainly make the hike easier.
Although some in the group has been late, we still manage to get back to Nagano Station on time. This is important as we will need to ride the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Appreciate a lot for the tour.
Written 2 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberleee
Bangkok, Thailand28 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I was part of this Snow Monkey tour in March 2024, I specifically booked the tour when I knew it was going to snow. It paid off!!. This tour was well organized, Met at the Nagano Train station, lead by two tour guides, Kevin and Joyce, both fluent English speakers, Kevin is an American who has settled in Japan and Joyce is a dual Japanese/American. Due to the size of the group, we were evenly split for the Sake and Temple tours but then we all met up for lunch. Both guides were very clear and concise and knowledgeable of history on the Sake Tasting and Temple tour. The big surprise was the lunch, what a spread, it wasn’t the “sandwich and water” it was a well organized large lunch where the tables had seat assignments with name plates. Served, was Japanese Hot Pot (only served during winter), Tempura, vegetarian Sushi, Deserts and teas and coffee. A lot of food!. The highlight was, of course the Macaque Snow Monkeys. The walk/hike was not to strenuous a few stairs or steep incline walking. In winter it was slippery due to snow. If you wear crampons over shoes which, you can get at the store before climbing you will be safe. There were a lot of active monkeys in the snow and around the hot springs. Lots of babies. The price seems a lot for this tour but after taking it, I feel it was well worth it. You get a private bus with good scheduling and quality tour guides, a good lunch. The bus was on time. No complaints. I highly recommend this tour!!
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kimberly,
Wow! We are blown away by your review. Thank you again for joining the tour and leaving a detailed review, it was truly a joy to have you with us! I'm glad you were pleased with all aspects of the tour and tour guides. I agree with you, the lunch is delicious and beautifully prepared. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic experience.
Joyce
Written 5 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luda M
3 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We were surprised to find out that me and my brother were the only ones that had signed up for this tour on this particular day. As a result, it was an incredibly personal tour with just the three of us: Myself, my brother, and our amazing guide, Endo. I can't stress enough how much Endo contributed to making this a memorable and wonderful experience. His language skills were impeccable (both in English and in Spanish!) and he had a great sense of humor as well as strong knowledge base for the activities and locations we were set to visit.
On the tour we were lucky enough to catch the statue viewing at the Zenkoji Temple (an allegedly rather rare occurrence) and we got to try a local yet famous Melonpan treat. The sake-tasting was also very memorable with a large variety to try out and the option to buy a bottle of whatever we wanted as well, which in hindsight I wish we had done so since some of those bottles can't be obtained elsewhere. Endo and the vehicle driver escorted us to the mountain with the snow monkeys and treated us to a fancy lunch in a very atmospheric traditional restaurant setting. The meal provided was a great example of authentic and well-crafted Japanese cuisine.
After a short hike, we got up to the snow monkey area and were able to be immersed among the primates and watch them relax and enjoy themselves along the path and by the spring. It was surreal and serene at the same time.
I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to check out a part of Nagano that they might not otherwise get to see on their own and also for people who would like to have some very nice company with them as they explore. I can't thank Endo enough for the experience he gave us and I hope that others get to experience his hospitality as well.
On the tour we were lucky enough to catch the statue viewing at the Zenkoji Temple (an allegedly rather rare occurrence) and we got to try a local yet famous Melonpan treat. The sake-tasting was also very memorable with a large variety to try out and the option to buy a bottle of whatever we wanted as well, which in hindsight I wish we had done so since some of those bottles can't be obtained elsewhere. Endo and the vehicle driver escorted us to the mountain with the snow monkeys and treated us to a fancy lunch in a very atmospheric traditional restaurant setting. The meal provided was a great example of authentic and well-crafted Japanese cuisine.
After a short hike, we got up to the snow monkey area and were able to be immersed among the primates and watch them relax and enjoy themselves along the path and by the spring. It was surreal and serene at the same time.
I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to check out a part of Nagano that they might not otherwise get to see on their own and also for people who would like to have some very nice company with them as they explore. I can't thank Endo enough for the experience he gave us and I hope that others get to experience his hospitality as well.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Luda,
Wow! Thank you so much for your glowing review. We are thrilled to know you and your brother had an incredible tour! We are also grateful to have amazing tour guides like Endo on our team. I'm certain that your kind words will make his day. What a special experience that you were able to view the statue at Zenkoji Temple! I agree with you, watching the monkeys live their best life is a surreal and serene experience. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to provide another fabulous tour for you in the future!
Snow Monkey Resorts
Written 1 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg C
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Friends
The trip was a lot of fun. The sake tasting was fun and informative. Zenkouji was very impressive and had some wonderful food stalls around it. And to top it off, the monkeys are absolutely amazing in person. There were a ton of them running about while we were there, and you could near to them as long as you don't disturb them.
Best of all, our tour guide Kevin really went above and beyond with his ability to keep a group enthralled and entertained. Great time.
Best of all, our tour guide Kevin really went above and beyond with his ability to keep a group enthralled and entertained. Great time.
Written 16 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Couples
The snow monkeys tour was everything I could have expected from a tour with a name like that. There were definitely snow monkeys to be seen. But wait… there’s more.
Before you even get to the snow monkey park, you’re taken for a legit sake tasting and a tour of the main Buddhist temple in Nagano. Then, there’s lunch, which includes a hot pot meal with a side of sushi rolls and tempura. Beer is also on offer for a small added expense.
The tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and conscientious. Our bus driver also deserves props for navigating the snowy back roads and congested city streets with ease and competence. Overall a good value for the price. Highly recommend.
Before you even get to the snow monkey park, you’re taken for a legit sake tasting and a tour of the main Buddhist temple in Nagano. Then, there’s lunch, which includes a hot pot meal with a side of sushi rolls and tempura. Beer is also on offer for a small added expense.
The tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and conscientious. Our bus driver also deserves props for navigating the snowy back roads and congested city streets with ease and competence. Overall a good value for the price. Highly recommend.
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear David,
Thank you for your glowing review! We are ecstatic to hear that the tour was filled with fun, enriching experiences from start to finish. It's great to know that your tour guides/driver enhanced the experience with their knowledge and safe driving. We hope to see you again in the future!
Snow Monkey Resorts
Written 3 March 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grant W
Guangzhou, China2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Absolutely superb! The whole day was well organized, well guided (by Kay) and well worth it.
The temple visit and Sake tasting were fun and interesting.
The journey to the snow monkeys part was safe and comfortable. The lunch before the walk to the monkey park was exceptional! Quite a feast, and all very high quality. I'm a big eater and it was very satisfying.
The monkey park is an absolute gem! My wife and I felt it was a definite 'bucket list' item. You get plenty of time and the monkeys are so safe in their environment that they literally walk right past you. Beautiful to see and a big highlight for us.
The tour company are to be commended for a safe, smooth, value for money tour. The founder and operators of the park too are to be commended for keeping the habitat so accessible at a fair cost.
The temple visit and Sake tasting were fun and interesting.
The journey to the snow monkeys part was safe and comfortable. The lunch before the walk to the monkey park was exceptional! Quite a feast, and all very high quality. I'm a big eater and it was very satisfying.
The monkey park is an absolute gem! My wife and I felt it was a definite 'bucket list' item. You get plenty of time and the monkeys are so safe in their environment that they literally walk right past you. Beautiful to see and a big highlight for us.
The tour company are to be commended for a safe, smooth, value for money tour. The founder and operators of the park too are to be commended for keeping the habitat so accessible at a fair cost.
Written 19 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caity D
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
From NZ. The whole tour was fantastic! Our tour guide was amazing and so knowledgeable. We went to many different locations, but never felt rushed and were able to take many pictures. The price for the tour was great for what we experienced which included travel by private bus, Zeno-ji temple, Sake tasting & snow monkey visit. The lunch provided was とても美味しい Totemo oishī (so delicious!!) Would recommend to everyone who is able to manage walking uphill. May be boring for children at first, but very entertaining once you get to the snow monkeys.
Written 23 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manuel_De_Armas
Montevideo, Uruguay3 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
The whole tour was super fun! Our guide Endo san was super knowledgeable and attentive, the different stages were well thought out so that one activity nicely flowed into the next.
The Zenkōji temple in Nagano was impressive with a rich history, rituals and amaizing craftsmanship. As a person that has never tried sake before I was pleasantly surprised.
The quality of the meal at the restaurant was beyond what I expected, it truly seemed like michelin star restaurant.
Since we went during the warm season the group was not very big, I liked this because large groups of people can be intimidating or hard to coordinate.
At the snow monkeys spot we got to enjoy a long while of watching around 30 monkeys of all ages goof around and jump about and do all their monkey business as expected.
I would 100% recommend this tour and company since they provide an excellent service.
The Zenkōji temple in Nagano was impressive with a rich history, rituals and amaizing craftsmanship. As a person that has never tried sake before I was pleasantly surprised.
The quality of the meal at the restaurant was beyond what I expected, it truly seemed like michelin star restaurant.
Since we went during the warm season the group was not very big, I liked this because large groups of people can be intimidating or hard to coordinate.
At the snow monkeys spot we got to enjoy a long while of watching around 30 monkeys of all ages goof around and jump about and do all their monkey business as expected.
I would 100% recommend this tour and company since they provide an excellent service.
Written 5 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Manuel,
Thank you very much for your glowing review! We are thrilled to know your day was super fun with Endo as your guide! It's wonderful that you could enjoy the monkeys, temples, and more in a small group setting. Your kind words have been passed to Endo and our restaurant team. We hope to welcome you back!
Snow Monkey Resorts
Written 10 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne58
Austin, TX17 contributions
The guides were great/ friendly. The hike in was very treacherous on this day in early March due to recent snowfall. The guides recommended renting crampons for an additional 1000 yen, but we (very fit 67 year olds) were wearing trail running shoes so didn’t think we’d need them. Boy, were we wrong. The trail was so slippery with frozen snowpack that my wife had to get on her hands and knees at one point, and despite that we both fell, and witnessed multiple other people fall. Thankfully no serious injuries, but easily could have broken a wrist or hip, or suffered a head injury. The snow monkey park did absolutely nothing to make the trail safer (like clearing snow or applying sand). Would advise anyone over 60 against doing this after significant recent snow. If you do…enter at your own risk, and RENT THE CRAMPONS.
Written 9 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dac55
Gold Coast, Australia289 contributions
Feb 2023
This was a much looked forward to tour and didnt disappoint. We are independant travellers but decided to do this tour. Was well worth it with a pick up from Nagano Train station, a temple tour, sake tastings, a beautiful lunch at a nearby restaurant and a 1hr small bus trip to see the snow monkeys. Our guide, Hunara, was a friendly local with excellent English - glad I took her advice to wear crampons as it made the trip up through the snow so much easier. It was really good to have everything arranged for us for a change. Thoroughly recommend this tour for independant travellers.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Valued Guest,
Thank you for taking a chance and joining our group tour! We are glad you found the day to be hassle free, enjoyable, and satisfying. I completely agree with you, this tour is well suited for independent and group travelers alike. We really appreciate your feedback!
Snow Monkey Resorts
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, what is the vegan option for this month? Is it just vegetables? Thank you.
Written 17 February 2025
Hello, has anyone joined this tour from Lotte Arai Resort, Myoko? Just wondering how difficult it it is to get to one of the meeting points from there. Many thanks :)
Written 3 January 2025
Hi, we plan to join the "1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano" tour on 20 November 2024. Do we need to bring our thick winter jackets or wear hiking boots? Or just thermal inner + t-shirt + jacket and normal sneakers will do?
Written 20 March 2024
I believe there will be snow by November. We went in July so I can't tell you exactly how the weather will be. In any case, it is good to go prepared as the trail up to the Snow Monkeys is not paved and hiking boots would definitely be a plus!! Layering in your clothing is also a good idea. We did that in July as it was overcast and rainy the day before so we were unsure how warm the next day would be. The more prepared you are, the better!! Enjoy!!
Written 18 February 2025
Hi, I have some tattoos on my body, is their any policy on tattoos?
Thanks
Written 11 February 2023
Hi there, I have booked a tour for 16th Feb.
It is (winter) in japan atm, is the meet up time still 9:35???
Thank you
Written 10 February 2023
I would like to book the Jan. tour.
Could the bus pick me up from Hakuba Base Camp and drop me at Nagano station? Because I need to go to Tokyo on the same day.
Thank you !!
Written 21 December 2022
Hi ... I will be booking this for 26th January. Is it from Nagano rail station? What are the pick up and drop off times?
Written 8 January 2020
Hi, I booked directly from their website. It has a detailed itinerary.
snowmonkeyresorts
The site gives the exact time and location for pick up and drop off.
Copying from their website:
FAQ
Which train service should I use to arrive in Nagano on time for the tour? What time does the bullet train depart back to Tokyo after the tour?
The start and end of the tour are arranged according to the bullet train (called Hokuriku Shinkansen) timetable. See below for specific timetables on the bullet train departure and arrival times to/from Nagano Station.
Departing Tokyo Station – Arriving Nagano Station:
Tokyo: 09:32 – Nagano: 11:05 – Hakutaka
Tokyo: 09:44 – Nagano: 11:33 – Asama
Tokyo: 10:24 – Nagano: 11:44 – Kagayaki (reservation only)
Departing Nagano Station – Arriving Tokyo Station:
Nagano: 20:20 – Tokyo: 21:56 – Kagayaki (reservation only)
Nagano: 20:34 – Tokyo: 22:12- Hakutaka
Nagano: 21:15 – Tokyo 23:00 – Asama
Hope this is helpful.
Written 8 January 2020
Hi, we will be staying in Hakuba in January. Would it be possible to book a tour to see the snow monkeys starting in Hakuba and then being dropped off in Nagano that evening before traveling onwards to Tokyo the next day? Would this work with luggage - just suitcases, no ski gear?
Written 20 October 2019
Hi,
Yes.From Dec.18th 2019 until Mar.31 2020 guests based in Hakuba have the option of joining this tour by using our morning shuttle service from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. Departing at 08:20.
At the end of the tour 17:00 ~ 17:30 the bus will first stop at Nagano station for guests staying in Nagano before heading toward the final stop Hakuba.
Tour is going to be operated in big travel buses where you luggages can be stored while you are enjoying the tour.
Kind regards,
Snow Monkey Resorts
Written 21 October 2019
Hi we are staying in Hakuba for only 1 night then travelling to Kanazawa. I am worried about an 8 hour tour not giving us enough tine to get the train from Nagano to Kanazawa. Do you offer a shorter day tour to the monkeys? Happy to go private. Thanks
Written 25 September 2019
I’m not sure if they offer a short day trip but you could ask them as they seem very easy going and as we were the only 2 on the tour I’m sure they might accommodate you. If you are travelling on the bullet trains you might be ok with time.
Written 26 September 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.