Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Ebisu-ko Fireworks in Nagano

See monkeys soak in hot springs, then watch 15,000 fireworks light the November sky

This 10-hour tour in Nagano combines a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park (home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs) with reserved seating at the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival, Japan's largest autumn fireworks display. The day includes an English-speaking guide, entry to the monkey park, late lunch at a historic restaurant, and transportation between all stops. Temperatures drop below freezing at night and the fireworks require extended sitting, so dress warmly. There is significant walking on paved and unpaved roads.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snow Monkeys, Lunch, and Fireworks Festival

• Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Enjoy late lunch at Hotaru-tei restaurant
• Attend Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival with reserved seating

The experience

Jigokudani Monkey Park sits at the heart of this tour. Established in 1964, it's the only place on earth where a wild monkey troop regularly soaks in hot springs. You walk through the park with no barriers between you and the monkeys. They stay calm and go about their day while you watch them wrestle, groom endlessly, and soak in their favorite pools. Your guide explains what makes them unique and gives you time to observe on your own. The monkeys follow their own schedule, so on rare days they may arrive late or skip the park entirely, but this is uncommon.

After the monkey park, you head to Hotaru-tei for late lunch. The restaurant occupies a 170-year-old historic mansion and serves the region's food with traditional aesthetics that deepen the sense of place. Your guide joins you and talks through the menu and local food culture. Vegetarian options are available if you request them beforehand.

The Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival closes the day. Held annually since 1899, it has grown into Japan's largest autumn display: more than 15,000 individual fireworks burst across the sky over two hours, drawing an estimated 430,000 spectators to Saigawa Kasenjiki Park in Nagano. Your booking includes a reserved "Ebisu Seat" with a clear view of the show. Your guide gets you settled and explains the layout before the display begins. Late November brings freezing temperatures and possible snowfall, so bring extra layers. You'll be sitting for the full two hours and the cold becomes noticeable. After the festival, trains to Tokyo and Kanazawa depart in the late evening. Booking your onward transport in advance is essential because crowds leaving Nagano are heavy.

What’s included

• Reserved seating at the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival.
• entry ticket to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• transportation from Nagano to the monkey park and between all activities.
• late lunch at Hotaru-tei with vegetarian options available.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Is this one for you?This tour runs on a fixed schedule timed to the annual Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival in late November, so book only if that specific date works for you. The 10-hour day combines close-range wildlife observation with a major cultural event, requiring moderate fitness for walking on paved and unpaved roads and tolerance for extended sitting in freezing temperatures during the fireworks display.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What are the Jigokudani monkeys actually doing when I visit the park?

The monkeys bathe in hot springs, wrestle with each other, groom endlessly, and move freely through the park. You watch them from close range with no barriers, and your guide explains their behavior and what makes them unique to this location.

How cold does it get during the fireworks, and what should I wear?

Late November in Nagano brings temperatures below freezing, especially at night, with possible snowfall. You'll sit for the full two-hour fireworks display, so the cold becomes very noticeable. Bring multiple warm layers, a heavy coat, and anything else you need to stay comfortable. You can leave extra items on the tour bus during the walking portions.

Is lunch included, and are there vegetarian options?

Late lunch at Hotaru-tei is included in the tour. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know your preference when you book.

Can I catch a train to Tokyo or Kanazawa after the fireworks end?

Yes, several Shinkansen trains depart Nagano in the late evening after the festival. The tour ends in time for trains leaving around 21:21 to 22:28, but book your reserved seat in advance because crowds leaving Nagano are very heavy that night.

What's included in the tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes reserved seating at the fireworks, entry to Jigokudani Monkey Park, lunch, transportation between all stops, and an English-speaking guide. Shinkansen tickets and dinner at the festival (where many food vendors operate) are optional and booked separately.