Witness wild macaques soaking in hot springs and explore Japan's oldest Buddhist statues in one unforgettable day
Disclaimer: This is not an official website. All content is for informational purposes only. We may earn commission from bookings.
Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Explore Nagano’s highlights with Zenko-ji Temple, sake tasting, and the famous Snow Monkey Park.
A comprehensive private tour of Nagano including Snow Monkeys, Obuse Town, and cultural landmarks.
A winter adventure from Nozawa Onsen featuring hot spring monkeys and Zenko-ji Temple history.
Enjoy a fully customizable private day trip featuring Nagano’s top locations and delicious food.
A magical winter tour combining the Snow Monkey Park with the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival.
An immersive day tour from Myoko and Madarao Kogen to see Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji.
Discover Obuse, Shibu Onsen, and Snow Monkeys on this diverse and customizable private tour.
A nature and history focused private tour of Nagano’s monkeys and 1,400-year-old temples.
A private day trip from Tokyo to Nagano's historic temples and wild snow monkeys.
Travel in luxury with a private driver, Wi-Fi, and a fully customizable Nagano itinerary.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Immerse yourself in the contrasting beauty of Nagano, where raw nature meets ancient spirituality. This essential day trip connects two of Japan's most iconic sights: the Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the world-famous hot-spring-bathing macaques, and Zenkoji Temple, a 7th-century spiritual center housing the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. Beyond the sights, you'll taste the region's renowned sake and savor local culinary specialties like Shinshu soba, making this a comprehensive introduction to the heart of the Japanese Alps.
We exclusively partner with verified operators like Viator, ensuring every experience meets the highest safety and quality standards
Browse thousands of authentic reviews from travelers who booked these exact routes through our partner platforms
We filter through hundreds of options to present only the highest-rated tours with English-speaking guides and reliable transport
Find the most competitive rates for Nagano day trips with no hidden booking fees
Reaching the Monkey Park requires a train, bus, and hike—our partnered tours handle all transport synchronization for you
Rest easy with round-the-clock customer support provided by our global booking partners
Winter (Dec-Mar) for snow scenes|Spring (Apr-May) for cherry blossoms|Autumn (Oct-Nov) for foliage
Waterproof hiking boots|Thermal layers|Gloves and hat in winter|Rain gear for summer
Zenkoji was founded in 642 AD, before Nagano city existed. The city was built around the temple.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Share your experience: #snowmonkeys #nagano #zenkoji #japantravel #visitjapan
6h
8h 15min
5h
4h
Real experiences from real travelers
Seeing the monkeys in the snow was a bucket list item for me and it didn't disappoint. The walk was icy but our guide helped us rent crampons which made it easy. Zenkoji temple was equally impressive—the underground tunnel is a must-do!
The logistics of getting to the park on your own seemed like a nightmare, so this tour was perfect. The bus was comfortable and the lunch was delicious. Highly recommend the sake tasting!
Make sure you dress warmly! It is much colder in the mountains than in Tokyo. The monkeys were so cute and came right up to us. The temple history was fascinating.
Our guide Ken was fantastic, very knowledgeable about the history of the temple and the biology of the monkeys. The autumn colors were beautiful during the walk.
The contrast between the wild monkeys and the solemn temple was striking. The soba noodle lunch was authentic and tasty. A very well-organized tour.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Yes, the park is open 365 days a year, though the monkeys are most likely to be in the bath during the colder months (December-March).
No, it is strictly forbidden to touch, feed, or make eye contact with the monkeys as they are wild animals.
It is a 1.6km (1 mile) walk each way on a forest trail, taking about 25-40 minutes. The path is mostly flat but can be slippery.
Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and most importantly, sturdy waterproof boots with good grip. Crampons are recommended in winter.
Most full-day tours include a traditional Japanese lunch, often featuring local Shinshu soba noodles or seasonal dishes.
Yes, there are restrooms at the trailhead and near the park entrance, but none along the trail itself.
Nagano is about 90 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Most tours start from Nagano Station.
Yes, children enjoy the monkeys, but keep in mind the 1.6km walk can be tiring for toddlers. Strollers are difficult to use on the trail.
Photography is allowed on the temple grounds but is prohibited inside the inner sanctuary (Main Hall) of Zenkoji.
It is a pitch-dark underground passage below the main altar where visitors walk by touch to find the 'Key to Paradise'.
Yes, tours operate in all weather conditions unless the roads are officially closed for safety.
Yes, most tour operators can accommodate vegetarian or dietary requests if notified in advance.
Join thousands of happy travelers who have discovered this incredible experience
Book Your Experience Now