Japan » Nagano Prefecture » Nagano

Nagano: Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Togakushi Shrine Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.60 (15 reviews)

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/16

Duration8h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Hot Springs, Cedar Groves & Snow Monkeys in One Day

You visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for a 30-to-40-minute forest walk and close-up views of macaques soaking in hot springs, then drive to Togakushi Shrine to walk the ancient cedar path and explore three shrine areas at your own pace. A private English-speaking guide handles all logistics, park entry is included, and professional photos are delivered after the tour — no public transport, no fixed group timing, no arranging lunch separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Observe snow monkeys in hot springs
Walk cedar-lined path at Togakushi Shrine
Explore Upper Shrine area

The Experience

You wonder if you'll actually see the monkeys, or just crowds of tourists blocking the view. Then the forest opens up and there they are — real Japanese macaques soaking in steaming water while snow falls around them, completely unbothered by your presence. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park sits high in the Nagano mountains, and getting there on public transport means hours of transfers and guessing at schedules. With a private guide and car, you skip that entirely. The 30-to-40-minute walk through the forest to the viewing area happens at your own pace, and your guide points out details — the way the monkeys warm their faces, how they've learned to soak in winter but play in rivers come summer. It's the kind of observation that only lands when someone who knows the place is standing next to you.

After the monkeys, you drive to Togakushi Shrine, a spiritual site northwest of Nagano that feels like stepping into another century. The shrine sits at the end of a cedar-lined path — trees so old and tall they make the walk feel less like tourism and more like pilgrimage. There are three shrine areas spread across the grounds, and the Upper Shrine is where most people head, another 30-to-40-minute walk through the avenue. Your guide explains the mythology, the connection to ninja history, and why locals still come here. You're not rushing between stops or watching the clock; the day adapts to whether you want to linger on a trail or sit quietly for lunch.

The private car means no waiting for buses that may or may not show up, no figuring out which train goes where, and no eating whatever's available at a station. Your guide handles the route, the timing, and the small decisions that usually eat up half a day's energy. Park entry fees are included — 800 yen for adults, 400 for children under twelve — and the guide captures photos throughout so you're not always the one behind the camera. By evening, you have images to keep and a day that felt like it belonged to you, not to a schedule.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a private English-speaking guide, all parking fees and fuel surcharge, entry to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the forest walks at both the park and Togakushi Shrine, and professional photos captured throughout the day and delivered after the tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Omotenashi Travel Nagano

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see snow monkeys and a historic shrine without arranging transport, park tickets, or timing yourself — the private guide and car remove the logistics so you can focus on the experience.