Nagano Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine Snowshoe Tour

Summary

Snow Monkeys and Winter Forest Trails in Nagano

You’ll watch wild monkeys soak in hot springs at Snow Monkey Park and then snowshoe through Togakushi Shrine’s snowy forest with a licensed local guide. It’s a real taste of Nagano’s winter—close-up wildlife moments and peaceful trails you’d never find on your own.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park wasn’t the cold—it was the steam rising from the hot spring, with monkeys lounging like they owned the place. We got so close you could see their breath fog up in the morning air. Our guide, Mr. Sato, pointed out how each monkey has its own quirks—one kept splashing water at another, while a tiny one just stared back at us, totally unfazed by our cameras. The path can get a bit icy, so I was glad I wore boots with good grip. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch that faint scent of pine mixed with the sulfur from the onsen.

After warming up watching the monkeys, we hopped on a local bus to Togakushi. The whole area turns silent under thick snow—except for the crunch of our snowshoes and an occasional crow overhead. Our guide handed out snowshoes and poles (all included), then led us through beech woods that looked straight out of a storybook. There’s this old Shinto shrine hidden among towering cedars; honestly, it felt like stepping into another world. We stopped for coffee right on a table made from packed snow—my hands were freezing but it tasted better than any café brew. If you look down, you might spot fresh animal tracks weaving between the trees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snow Monkey Park and Togakushi Shrine

• Visit Snow Monkey Park
• Snowshoe hike in Togakushi Shrine forest
• Explore tree-lined trail to Togakushi Shrine

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The snowshoe hike is moderate—kids who are active should be fine, but it’s not great for anyone with back or heart issues.

Do I need to bring my own snowshoes?

Nope! Snowshoes and poles are provided as part of the tour.

How do we get between locations?

We use public transportation—buses run regularly between the park and Togakushi area.

Will we have time to take photos of the monkeys?

Definitely! There’s plenty of time to watch and photograph them up close.

What’s included

The tour covers your licensed guide fee, insurance, plus all snowshoeing gear (snowshoes and poles). We even stop for coffee outdoors—on a table made from snow!