Snow Monkeys & Sake in Nagano: Small-Group Day Tour

See wild macaques soak in natural hot springs, taste sake at a working brewery, and wander an artist's town at your own pace.

A small-group tour from Nagano Station combining Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a sake tasting and lunch in Obuse, and optional free time at Zenkoji Temple (8:45 AM departures only). Groups stay under eight guests with an English-speaking local guide. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and includes park entry, a choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian meal, and transportation between stops. On the 8:45 AM departure, you can choose to end at Nagano Station or spend free time at Zenkoji Temple before returning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Jigokudani Monkey Park1h · entry included
2. Zenkoji Templepassing by

Explore Nagano's nature and culture

• Meet at Nagano Station at 8:45 AM
• Walk forest trail to see snow monkeys
• Enjoy lunch in Obuse town
• Sample premium sake at local brewery
• Free time to explore Obuse streets and shops
• Optional visit to Zenkoji Temple (8:45 AM departures)
• Tour ends with return to Nagano Station

The experience

You meet at Nagano Station at 8:45 AM or 9:35 AM and head straight to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. A quiet forest trail, 1.6 kilometers through the woods, leads to the park where wild Japanese macaques soak in natural hot springs year-round. The monkeys are wild animals, so sightings depend on weather and food availability, but the walk itself passes through beautiful forest scenery regardless of what you encounter.

After the park, the tour moves to Obuse, a town long tied to the artist Hokusai, who spent his later years there. You'll have lunch featuring fresh, seasonal local ingredients (choose between Nagano chicken, tender pork, or vegetarian grated yam) followed by a sake tasting at a local brewery where you sample two types of premium sake. The rest of the afternoon is yours: stroll the scenic streets, browse shops, or visit the Hokusai Museum on your own (admission separate). On 8:45 AM departures, you can also choose to be dropped at Zenkoji Temple, one of Nagano's most important historic landmarks, for free time before the guide picks you up and returns you to the station. The 9:35 AM departure ends at Nagano Station without the temple option.

The group stays small, typically 6 to 8 people, with a guide who knows the region and speaks English. You'll need moderate fitness for the forest walk and should wear non-slip footwear or bring cleats in winter when the trail is icy. Tours depart on time. Arrivals more than 10 minutes late are treated as no-shows. If you're coming from Tokyo, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to make the 8:45 AM meeting time.

What’s included

• Entry to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
• transportation between Nagano Station, the park, Obuse, and back to the station.
• a choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian lunch made with fresh local ingredients.
• two types of premium sake at a local brewery.
• an English-speaking local guide.
• for 8:45 AM departures only, optional drop-off at Zenkoji Temple with return pickup to Nagano Station.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:45, 09:35 and 09:45

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 12

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by o8Experience

Is this one for you?The 1.6-kilometer forest walk and early 8:45 AM start mean you need moderate fitness and an early alarm, but that timing is what fits the monkey park, brewery tasting, and free time in Obuse all inside one day without rushing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I see the snow monkeys if I book this tour?

Wild macaques soak in the hot springs year-round, but sightings depend on weather, food availability, and season. Sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, though some seasons see fewer visits. The forest walk to the park is scenic regardless, and the tour includes the full itinerary and guide even if monkeys don't appear that day.

What's included in the lunch and sake tasting?

Lunch features fresh, seasonal local ingredients with your choice of Nagano chicken, tender pork, or vegetarian grated yam. The sake tasting at a local brewery includes two types of premium sake, 30ml each. If you prefer not to taste sake, you can explore Obuse's streets during that time instead.

Can I visit Zenkoji Temple on both departure times?

Zenkoji Temple with free time and return pickup is available only on the 8:45 AM departure. On that departure, you choose after Obuse whether to return directly to Nagano Station or be dropped at the temple first. The 9:35 AM departure does not include this option.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The main walk is a 1.6-kilometer forest trail to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. You'll also stroll through Obuse during free time. The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness. In winter, the trail can be icy and slippery, so non-slip footwear or cleats are essential.

What time does the tour end?

The tour typically ends between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, depending on the group's pace and choices. On 8:45 AM departures, if you choose to visit Zenkoji Temple, the guide will pick you up there and return you to Nagano Station. Allow extra time if you're catching a train afterward, as traffic may cause slight delays.

Is the Hokusai Museum included?

The Hokusai Museum is in Obuse during your free time, but entrance is not included. You can visit independently if you choose, or spend the time browsing shops and sampling local treats at your own pace.