Tokyo is a good base for day trips. In a few hours by car you can reach Japan's most famous mountain, or the mountain villages of Nagano, where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs. This guide compares the two private day trips we offer from Tokyo, so you can pick the one that suits your trip.

Mount Fuji above the clouds on the left and snow monkeys in Nagano on the right: Japan 3-day private tour
Two snow monkeys on rocks in the snow at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

Two private day trips from Tokyo

Snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano
Snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano

Both tours are private. Only your group travels in the vehicle, and an English-speaking guide or driver looks after you for the day. Each tour takes up to 5 people.

Tokyo to Mount Fuji: a private Fuji Five Lakes day

  • Duration: up to 10 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • The route: about two hours by car through Yamanashi Prefecture, with mountain views on the way.
  • Stops include Lake Kawaguchi, Mount Fuji 5th Station, Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai, the village of eight spring ponds.
  • The order of stops can be changed to suit your interests and time. Access to 5th Station depends on road and weather conditions.

Tokyo or Nagano to Snow Monkey Park: a private day trip

  • Duration: up to 10 hours, including travel time. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, depending on traffic.
  • Pickup is from your hotel in Tokyo or Nagano.
  • At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park you walk a forest trail of about 60 minutes to see wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs. The park entrance fee is paid directly at the park.
  • The day includes Zenko-ji Temple and Shibu Onsen. Obuse and Matsushiro Castle Ruins are optional stops, added if time allows.

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose Mount Fuji if you want mountain scenery, lakes and a relaxed day with several short stops.
  • Choose Snow Monkey Park if you want a wildlife experience and do not mind a longer drive.
  • Both suit a first trip to Japan. Tell us your interests when you book, and your guide can help plan the day.

Mount Fuji tour details and booking: https://highskytraveltourism.online/tours/tokyo-mount-fuji-private-tour

Snow Monkey Park day trip details and booking: https://highskytraveltourism.online/tours/tokyo-snow-monkey-park-nagano-day-trip

What is not included

Meals, drinks and snacks are not included on either trip. Personal expenses, souvenirs, optional attraction tickets and tips are also not included.

Booking and payment

You can book online and pay cash on arrival. No card details are taken on this website. Please read the cancellation policy before you book.

Official sources

Book a tour

You can book these tours online and pay cash on arrival.

Book the Nagano Snow Monkey day trip

Nagano is one of the most rewarding day trips from Tokyo, especially in winter, when you can watch the snow monkeys at the park and then visit Zenko-ji Temple on the same outing. If you want a private way to see Nagano without a large group, the activity below is listed on GetYourGuide. Check the listing for the itinerary, starting time, what is included and the current price before you book, as conditions change by season.