Duration10 to 11 hours including travel time, depending on the optional stops
Starting times06:00, 07:00
LanguagesEnglish
Starting fromUSD 525.0020% OFFUSD 420.00 per groupYou save USD 105.00
About this tour
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:
Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important historic temples
Shibu Onsen, a traditional hot-spring village with narrow lanes and old bathhouses
Obuse, known for its local sweets, art and Edo-period streets
Matsushiro Castle Ruins, the remains of a historic castle site in the Nagano area
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.
Understand the snow monkeys' behaviour through a lens of natural harmony
Experience Nagano's sacred temple
Enjoy the flexibility to pause for reflection
Enjoy a private and flexible itinerary
Detailed itinerary
Drive from Tokyo to Nagano3 hours 30 minutes
Private van from your pickup point in Tokyo to the Nagano region, with mountain views along the way.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park2 hours
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.
Zenko-ji Temple1 hour 30 minutes
Break time, shopping, sightseeing and a walk around Zenko-ji Temple.
Shibu Onsen1 hour 30 minutes
Photo stop, visit, free time and sightseeing in Shibu Onsen.
Obuse Optional1 hour
Optional, if time permits: break time, photo stop, visit, free time, shopping, sightseeing and a walk in Obuse.
Matsushiro Castle Ruins Optional1 hour
Optional, if time permits: break time, photo stop, visit, free time, shopping and sightseeing at Matsushiro Castle Ruins.
Return drive to Tokyo3 hours 30 minutes
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.
Pricing and booking options
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
A full day with your own private, English-speaking driver
Round-trip transportation from Tokyo to Nagano and back
Comfortable vehicle
Wi-Fi is provided on request
Bottled water
Not included
This is a day trip. Overnight stays in Tokyo or Nagano are not included
Lunch, meals, snacks and beverages, unless stated in the inclusions (for example dinner and alcoholic drinks)
Entry tickets and admission fees to all attractions, including Zenko-ji Temple, Shibu Onsen, Obuse and Matsushiro Castle Ruins
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park entrance fee (paid directly at the park)
Souvenirs, personal purchases and other incidental costs
Tips for your guide and driver (at your discretion, not required)
Meeting point and pickup
How you start
Pickup: Pickup at the point you request, at the start time
Please provide your hotel name when you book.
Please provide your hotel name, full address and a contact number with WhatsApp when making your booking. Kindly be ready at the hotel lobby or designated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Our team will contact you before the tour to confirm the pickup arrangements.
Pickup and meeting details for each option are shown in the booking form before you confirm.
Before you go
Accessibility
Please contact us before booking if you need accessibility support, so we can tell you what this tour can offer.
Weather
Weather in Nagano: winter is snowy and cold from December to February. Daytime temperatures are often around 0?C or below, and nights can fall to about -10?C to -15?C in January and February. Snow and ice are common on the forest trail to the park, so warm, waterproof, non-slip footwear is recommended. Snow can also affect road and traffic conditions, which your driver will take into account.
Important information
This is a private day trip from Tokyo to Nagano
Reaching the snow monkey park involves a walk of about 60 minutes along a forest trail
Optional stops depend on traffic and available time
Pets are not allowed
To arrange pickup and receive driver information, send a WhatsApp message to +81 70 9069 0576
Cancellation policy
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay with PayPal?
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.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup at the point you request, at the start time
Which languages are offered?
English.
How do I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
How long is the Snow Monkey Park day trip?
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.
Where do you pick me up?
Pickup is from your hotel in Tokyo. Please provide your hotel name when you book.
Is the park entrance fee included?
No. The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park entrance fee is paid directly at the park.
How long is the walk to the monkeys?
The walk along the forest trail to the park takes about 60 minutes.
Is it a day trip or an overnight tour?
It is a day trip. Overnight stays in Tokyo or Nagano are not included.
Can I add another stop?
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.
★★★★★Verified bookingAnna, United States · 15 Aug 2026
We really enjoyed our today's experience with the guide named Ali
We really enjoyed our today's experience with the guide named Ali. Very good driving skills, flexible with stops and the schedule, very polite, and knowledgeable with the area and it's history. The huge plus is the car, very clean spacious, and very comfortable. We are highly recommending this trip. we saw lots of monkeys in the park (mid Aug 2026 time), and the template is worth every penny to see.
★★★★★Verified bookingSusan, Ireland · 14 Jun 2026
The trip was fabulous
The trip was fabulous. Ali allowed us to totally dictate what we did and we loved the monkeys and the castle. Definitely recommend. A long day.
★★★★★Verified bookingWendy, Australia · 12 Jun 2026
Comfortable vehicle, friendly flexible driver took us on side trip to Candy…
Comfortable vehicle, friendly flexible driver took us on side trip to Candy Alley at our request.
★★★★★Verified bookingPaul, Japan · 13 May 2026
Overall we had such a wonderful time experiencing all the beautiful nature…
Overall we had such a wonderful time experiencing all the beautiful nature around Japan countryside and the spiritual temple. A special shout out to our driver Ali who went over and beyond for us. Thankyou so much for being so helpul and kind to us. Ali made our trip a very memorable one. Thanks heaps.
★★★★★Verified bookingWill, United Kingdom · 12 May 2026
The Monkey park was fantastic, and the trip to the temple was just as…
The Monkey park was fantastic, and the trip to the temple was just as interesting. Our tour guide, Ali, was very friendly and informative, would recommend!
★★★★★Verified bookingScott, Australia · 12 May 2026
Our guide Ali was very knowledgeable and courteous
Our guide Ali was very knowledgeable and courteous. We had a fabulous day and were lucky to see a huge number of very cute snow monkeys, which was the highlight of the tour. The visit to the beautiful temple was also amazing. Would highly recommend this tour.
★★★★★Verified bookingSusan, Canada · 30 Apr 2026
Loved our day with Ali
Loved our day with Ali. He was a super guide. Took us to see the snow monkeys and the Zenko-ji temple. He told us this was our day and he was able to accommodate for us. He even bought us some delicious samosas during a stop. Highly recommend him. Thanks Ali.
★★★★★Verified bookingEmily, Australia · 25 Apr 2026
We had a fantastic day
We had a fantastic day! Ali was very professional and friendly and provided great communication throughout the whole experience. Very flexible with our itinerary and gave us a bit more time at the end of the day. Non smoking vehicle would be preferred. But overall a great trip!
★★★★★Verified bookingJakub, Poland · 23 Apr 2026
Very pleasant trip Good and understanding driver
Very pleasant trip Good and understanding driver. Ali is real professional :)
★★★★★Verified bookingMelinda, Australia · 17 Apr 2026
We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend
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).
