Tokyo to Nagano: Snow Monkey Day Trip with Local Guide

Summary

Meet wild snow monkeys in Nagano & explore Zenkoji Temple

You’ll leave Tokyo behind for a day trip to Nagano with a local guide who handles all the details — from hotel pickup to entry fees. Walk through snowy forests to see wild snow monkeys at Jigokudani Park, visit peaceful Zenkoji Temple, and soak up stories along the way. It’s a mix of laughter, quiet moments, and unexpected connections you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to watch a red-faced snow monkey soaking in hot springs while steam curls up into the cold Nagano air? I didn’t think much about it until we left Tokyo behind that morning — city noise fading as our guide Kye cracked a joke about his “half-Aussie” accent. The drive was longer than I expected (Nagano’s not exactly next door), but honestly, the WiFi on board made it easy to zone out or share photos with family back home. Somewhere past the highway tolls, the landscape changed — pines dusted with snow, little villages tucked in valleys. It felt like we’d landed in another country.

Kye handled everything — tickets, directions, even my failed attempt at ordering coffee at a rest stop (“You just said ‘hot water’ three times,” he laughed). When we finally reached Jigokudani Monkey Park, there was this sharp smell of sulfur in the air and a weird quiet except for our boots crunching on the forest path. The walk took maybe half an hour through trees that looked straight out of a Ghibli film. And then suddenly: monkeys everywhere. Some huddled together, others just staring back at us like we were the exhibit. They’re wild animals so you never know if they’ll show up — but that day they did, and one baby monkey scratched its ear and looked right at me. I still think about that moment.

We stopped by Zenkoji Temple after — fewer tourists than Tokyo’s shrines, more incense smoke hanging in the cold air. Kye explained how locals come here for spiritual reasons, not just sightseeing. There was this old woman bowing quietly near the entrance; her hands moved so slowly it made me pause too. We could’ve added more stops (red pandas? Soba-making?), but honestly I liked having time to just wander and listen to Kye’s stories about growing up between two cultures. The drive back felt quieter — maybe everyone was tired or just replaying those monkey faces in their heads.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snow Monkeys and Nagano Highlights

• Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park
• See red pandas in Nagano
• Explore Zenkoji Temple
• Walk traditional path to Zenkoji
• Drive to Hakuba ski area
• Visit Shiga Kogen ski resort
• Learn to make traditional Soba
• Experience Katana sword-making
• Sake brewery tasting
• Tour historic Japanese castle

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tokyo to see snow monkeys?

The tour is a full-day trip from Tokyo to Nagano with private transportation included.

Is hotel pickup included on this snow monkey tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your group when booking this private tour.

Are entry fees for Jigokudani Monkey Park covered?

Yes, entry fees for Jigokudani Monkey Park are included in your tour price.

Will we have an English-speaking guide on this trip?

Yes, your driver and guide speaks both English and Japanese fluently.

How far is Nagano from Tokyo by car?

The drive from Tokyo to Nagano takes several hours each way by private vehicle.

Is lunch included during the snow monkey day trip?

No lunch is included; however, there are opportunities to stop for food along the way.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during this tour.

Are there other attractions besides snow monkeys on this trip?

The main stops are Jigokudani Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple; other options can be discussed with your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with WiFi and air conditioning from Tokyo to Nagano, hotel pickup for your group, all fuel and highway tolls covered by your local English-speaking guide Kye (or one of his team), plus entry fees for seeing the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park before returning comfortably back to Tokyo.