Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Day Trip

Summary

Snow monkeys soaking steam zenko-ji temple bells sake warmth forest walk nagano

You’ll step inside ancient Zenko-ji Temple with a local guide, taste sake poured by friendly brewers, share laughter over lunch, then walk through snowy forest trails to watch wild snow monkeys soaking in hot springs right beside you. It’s one of those Nagano days that sticks with you long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the incense curled up into the morning light at Zenko-ji Temple. Our guide, Yuki, paused to let us listen — not just to the chanting monks but to the shuffle of slippers on old wood. She pointed out a carving I’d have missed, and told us how people come from all over Japan to touch a hidden key for luck. I tried to do it quietly but probably made more noise than anyone else there. The air smelled like cedar and something sweet I couldn’t place.

After that we ducked into a tiny brewery nearby for sake tasting. I’m not much of a drinker, but the owner poured with both hands and explained (with Yuki translating) how each bottle was different. My favorite was the cloudy one — it tasted almost like rice pudding if you squint your brain a bit. Lunch came next; simple but filling, with miso soup that actually warmed my toes. Someone at our table tried to order in Japanese and got a big laugh from the staff — in a good way.

The walk up to Jigokudani Monkey Park was longer than I expected (about 25 minutes through snowy woods), but honestly it felt good after all that food. You can hear water running under the ice if you stop for a second — kind of peaceful, even with everyone’s boots crunching around you. Then suddenly there they were: snow monkeys lounging in steaming pools like they owned the place. One baby monkey stared right back at me while picking something out of its mom’s fur. There aren’t any fences, so you’re just standing there together, sharing the cold air and steam clouds.

I still think about those monkeys sometimes — their hands looked almost human, you know? The whole day felt like slipping behind some curtain into another rhythm for a while. We got back to Nagano Station tired and happy, shoes muddy but hearts weirdly light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit temple, sake tasting, and snow monkeys

• Tour Zenko-ji Temple
• Enjoy sake tasting
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Walk to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Observe hot spring-bathing monkeys
• Return from monkey park

Top questions

How long does it take to walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park?

The walk is about 1.6 km each way (around 25 minutes each direction in summer; slightly longer in winter due to snow or ice).

Is lunch included on this Nagano day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included (vegetarian and vegan options available if requested in advance).

Can I join this tour from Hakuba?

Yes, during winter only (mid-December to end of March), guests can use the Hakuba shuttle service from select locations.

Are there barriers between visitors and the snow monkeys?

No barriers separate visitors from the monkeys; guests must keep 1–2 meters distance as instructed by guides.

Is sake tasting included on this tour?

Yes, sake tasting is part of the itinerary for guests aged 20 or older.

What should I wear for the monkey park trail?

Wear sturdy footwear suitable for unsealed forest trails; in winter, boots and warm clothing are recommended due to snow/ice.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour includes moderate walking (about 3 km total) including stairs; it’s not wheelchair accessible but suitable for most fitness levels.

Will I definitely see monkeys bathing in hot springs?

The monkeys are wild animals; while commonly seen bathing in winter, sightings aren’t guaranteed year-round or every day.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation between all activities from Nagano Station (or Hakuba pickup in winter), guided entry into Zenko-ji Temple, sake tasting at a local brewery, lunch at one of Nagano’s restaurants (with dietary options), entrance fees for Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, plus an English-speaking local guide who keeps things running smoothly all along the way.