Private Tokyo and Nagano, Japan
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park sits in the mountains of Nagano, and its wild Japanese macaques are one of the most unusual sights in Japan. They soak in natural hot springs while snow can fall around them. This private day trip from Tokyo lets you see them without changing trains or buses.
We collect you from your hotel or chosen spot in Tokyo at the agreed time. You travel in a private vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver, who handles directions and the practical side of the day.
The road to Nagano is long, roughly 3.5 hours each way, so the drive is part of the day itself. You will pass wide valleys, small villages and mountain scenery. If you are curious about the places you pass, your driver can tell you about them.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the highlight that is always included. The walk from the car park along a forest trail takes about 60 minutes, so wear shoes with good grip. At the park you can watch the macaques bathing, grooming and resting in the hot springs. The park entrance fee is not included and is paid directly at the park. Sightings and bathing depend on the animals and the weather, so they cannot be guaranteed.
If time, traffic and your pace allow, you can add one or more optional stops on the way:
These stops are optional and are not guaranteed. You cannot fit all of them into one day from Tokyo, so your driver will help you choose based on your interests and the time you have. Entry fees for optional stops are paid by the customer. Longer trips, such as to Matsumoto Castle, do not fit into this day.
The tour takes about 10 to 11 hours including travel, depending on which optional stops you choose.
Lunch is not included in the tour price. Your driver can suggest a local restaurant on request.
The return drive takes you back to your original pickup point or to another drop-off point agreed with us.
This day suits travellers who want a flexible private trip built around Snow Monkey Park, with room for one or more cultural stops if conditions allow.
The other private day trip we run from Tokyo is the Mount Fuji tour: https://highskytraveltourism.online/tours/tokyo-mount-fuji-private-tour
Our article comparing the two Japan day trips is here: https://highskytraveltourism.online/blog/japan-day-trips-from-tokyo-mount-fuji-nagano
Official information about Jigokudani Yaen-koen Wild Snow Monkey Park: https://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
Private van from your pickup point in Tokyo to the Nagano region, with mountain views along the way.
Photo stop, visit and guided tour of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, including the walk along the forest trail (about 60 minutes) to see wild Japanese macaques in their natural hot springs.
Break time, shopping, sightseeing and a walk around Zenko-ji Temple.
Photo stop, visit, free time and sightseeing in Shibu Onsen.
Optional, if time permits: break time, photo stop, visit, free time, shopping, sightseeing and a walk in Obuse.
Optional, if time permits: break time, photo stop, visit, free time, shopping and sightseeing at Matsushiro Castle Ruins.
Private van from Nagano back to your drop-off point in Tokyo.
Stop order and timing can change because of opening hours, prayer times and traffic. Your guide will tell you when it does.
| Option | Type | Price | Group size | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Vellfire (1-5 passengers) | Private | USD 525.00 per group (1 to 5 people)Likely to sell out | 1 to 5 people | Book this option |
| Toyota Crown (1-3 passengers) | Private | USD 550.00 per group (1 to 3 people)Likely to sell out | 1 to 3 people | Book this option |
Payment is cash on arrival.
Pickup: Pickup at the point you request, at the start time
Pickup and meeting details for each option are shown in the booking form before you confirm.
Please contact us before booking if you need accessibility support, so we can tell you what this tour can offer.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
You accept this policy before you confirm your booking.
Cash on arrival is the standard way to pay. PayPal is available on request: message us on WhatsApp or email and we will confirm whether a PayPal payment can be used for your booking. No card details are taken on this website.
Pickup at the point you request, at the start time
English.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
The tour lasts about 10 to 11 hours including travel time, depending on the optional stops you choose. The drive takes about 3.5 hours each way, depending on traffic.
Pickup is from your hotel in Tokyo. Please provide your hotel name when you book.
No. The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park entrance fee is paid directly at the park.
The walk along the forest trail to the park takes about 60 minutes.
It is a day trip. Overnight stays in Tokyo or Nagano are not included.
Yes. Obuse and Matsushiro Castle Ruins are optional stops, added if time permits. Any entry fee for an optional stop is paid by the customer.
We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend! It is a fairly long drive but the car was comfortable and very clean, and our driver Ali was excellent (very accomodating and professional).
Ali Hamsah was extremely helpful and treated us with the upmost respect like family! The snow monkeys were adorable to see and he took us all over cool sights in Japan. 10:10 recommend tour and to book with Ali!
We had a great time at Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple. The monkeys were playful and fun to watch and the temple was beautiful and had much more relaxed atmosphere than the ones we saw earlier in the week in Tokyo. Ali, our driver, was kind and courteous and helped make this a wonderful day.
Reviews are written by our guests. Our team checks each one before it appears.