Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen Tour: Nagano Soba Lunch

Six to seven hours watching monkeys, eating soba, and soaking in hot springs

A six to seven hour tour of Nagano starting at Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs set in mountain forest. After a walk and café stop, you move to the historic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen for lunch of freshly made soba noodles and regional dishes, then unwind in one of the town's public baths. Optional free pickup is available. The onsen stamp towel (a local tradition of collecting stamps from different springs) can be added at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snow Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen visit

• Visit Snow Monkey Park
• Stop at Enza Cafe for snack
• Lunch at Shibu Onsen restaurant
• Relax in Shibu Onsen public bath

The experience

The tour opens at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano's mountains, where you watch wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs. The monkeys gather year-round, though September through November sees fewer visitors to the park. On rare occasions when monkey sightings are very low, the guide takes you to a nearby waterfall instead. A short walk from the park brings you to Enza Cafe, where you can grab a snack. The apple pie is a local recommendation.

From there, it's a short journey to Shibu Onsen, a historic hot spring town where lunch happens at a local restaurant. You get freshly made soba noodles and other regional specialties. After eating, you have time to soak in one of Shibu Onsen's public baths. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties. If you've added the onsen stamp towel option, you can collect stamps from different springs around town: a playful local tradition that turns the bath time into a small quest.

The tour runs six to seven hours total and suits all fitness levels. A live guide speaks English, Japanese, or Turkish depending on your option. Optional free pickup is included as part of the tour when you request it before booking. Public transportation options are also nearby if you prefer to meet the group at the park.

What’s included

• Admission to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• entry to one of Shibu Onsen's public baths.
• lunch featuring freshly made soba noodles and regional specialties.
• optional free pickup service (request before booking).
• live guide in English, Japanese, or Turkish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shibu Onsen and Soba Lunch at Snow Monkey ParkGuide in English, Japanese or Turkish · 10:00Includes pickup

Tour plus an Onsen Stamp TowelGuide in English, Japanese or Turkish · 10:00The Onsen Stamp Towel is provided to guests who visit onsens in Japan, letting them gather a stamp or seal from each onsen. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Japanese and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Yadoroku., co.ltd

Is this one for you?The fixed six to seven hour schedule fits the whole experience (monkeys, soba lunch, and a soak) into a single afternoon or morning, so you don't need to piece together separate bookings. If you want the onsen stamp towel tradition, add it at checkout to turn the bath time into a local ritual.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Japanese and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are the snow monkeys doing when I arrive at Jigokudani Monkey Park?

The wild Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Monkey Park soak in natural hot springs set in the mountains. They gather year-round, though from September through November the park sees fewer monkeys than other seasons. If monkey sightings are very low on your day, the guide will take you to a nearby waterfall as an alternative.

What's included in the lunch at Shibu Onsen?

Lunch at a local restaurant in Shibu Onsen features freshly made soba noodles and other regional specialties of the area.

Can I actually bathe in the hot springs myself, or just watch?

You have time after lunch to unwind in one of Shibu Onsen's public baths yourself. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and offer a way to relax after the morning's walk and sightseeing.

What's the onsen stamp towel option about?

The onsen stamp towel is a local tradition you can add at checkout. It lets you collect stamps from different hot springs around Shibu Onsen during your bath time, adding a playful element to your visit.

Is pickup from my hotel included, or do I need to arrange my own transport?

Optional free pickup is available as part of the tour when you request it before making your reservation. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to meet the group at the park instead.