Winter Deals in Nagano 2024/25
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent, tour and charter operator offering a full-suite of winter services including ski/snowboard packages, accommodation, lift passes, private charters and a range of tours including both group and private options. On this page you will find the following:
— Japan Ski Resorts: Plan Your Winter Getaway
— Ski Packages & Accommodation in Nagano
— Join a Winter Group Tour in Nagano
— Winter Charters & Private Tours in Nagano
— Green Season Deals in Nagano 2024
We’re here all year round meaning that you can start planning and book at anytime. If you have a question about booking your winter getaway to Nagano, contact using the Inquiry button below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
JAPAN SKI RESORTS: PLAN YOUR WINTER GETAWAY
Whether you’re headed to Japan for the first time this winter or a seasoned veteran heading back for yet another winter getaway, there’s no end of great resorts to choose from. Boasting over five hundred ski resorts and blessed with an abundance of powder, Japan is Asia’s premier ski and snowboard destination. Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page is the ideal place to start when planning your trip including the latest news, offers and deals for the coming season.
Looking for recommendations of which resort to head to? Our ’35 Best Ski Resorts in Japan’ page has our suggestions the best resorts in Nagano, Niigata, Tohoku and Hokkaido while our ‘Japan Ski/Snowboard FAQs’ page has lots of great tips of which resorts are best for you. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or advanced, looking for the resorts with the best nightlife, backcountry, kids facilities and everything in-between, it’s a great place to get start and choose the resort (or resorts!) best-suited to you.
SKI PACKAGES & ACCOMMODATION IN NAGANO
As a registered travel agent, tour and charter operator, we can package your winter getaway including accommodation, transport, ticketing, rental, lessons and more! Head to our ‘Ski Packages in Nagano’ page or all of our deals and offers for the 2024/25 season or jump straight to our ski package pages for the following ski areas:
SHIGA KOGEN ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
As Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, Shiga Kogen is blessed with Nagano’s longest season and most reliable snow. Accommodation is dotted across the resort’s expansive 600ha of terrain with the nearby hot spring villages of Kanbayashi Onsen, Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen offering a great alternative for visitors wanting to enjoy Japan’s legendary ‘onsen’ culture – PLAN & BOOK IN SHIGA NOW!
HAKUBA ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
The multiple resorts of Hakuba Valley are among Nagano’s most popular, offering a plenty of terrain and the region’s best backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Hakuba boasts the most services for English-speaking visitors and huge range of accommodation including plenty of mid to high-end options, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Always popular, it pays to book early – PLAN & BOOK IN HAKUBA NOW!
NOZAWA ONSEN ACCOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
Nozawa offers skiers and snowboarders around 300 hectares of terrain accessible via 36 trails and courses. By Japanese standards this makes Nozawa Onsen a medium-sized resort, ideally-suited to snowboarders and skiers who love its powder and lively village which offers plenty of dining and fun at night. Accommodation ranges from high-end to mid-range ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses), Western-style hotels, budget ski lodges and an increasing number of luxury options including self-contained chalets – PLAN & BOOK IN NOZAWA NOW!
KARUIZAWA ACOMMODATION & SKI PACKAGES
Although most famous for its shopping, Karuizawa is also a good destination for skiing. Located just under 1.5 hours from Tokyo Station via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, The Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort – also referred to as the ‘Karuizawa Ski Resort’ – is perhaps the easiest to access and to enjoy ski resort directly from Tokyo. The Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort is a small all-rounder resort catering to all levels with around 30ha of mixed terrain across 16 trails, with a breakdown of 50% beginner runs with 25% of intermediate and advanced runs respectively, making it the perfect place to teach newcomers, while still allowing for some harder runs for those that are experienced skier and boarders. The peak of the resort lies at 1,155 meters with the base lifts at 940 meters, making for a maximum descent of 215 meters with excellent views of Mt. Asama along the way. PLAN & BOOK IN KARUIZAWA NOW!
JOIN A WINTER GROUP TOUR IN NAGANO
Each winter we offer a range of engaging group tours including pickup points in Hakuba and Nagano City, starting with our longest running and most popular tour:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan – followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. It’s then time to head to the Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys! All led by a locally-based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun In Shiga Kogen | |
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| Period | December to March |
| Time | 08:45 – 17:30/18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Snow Monkey Park Area |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,300 |
This exciting one-day tour combines a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani with a morning of fun in the deep powder snow of Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort! Including lunch and led by a locally-based, English-speaking guide, this tour follows a simple equation: snow monkeys + lots more snow = big fun in Shiga Kogen.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:15 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Step back in time as you explore the majestic Matsumoto Castle, a rare gem among Japan’s original castles, adorned with captivating legends and secrets. Wander through Nawate-dori, affectionately dubbed “Frog Street,” where whimsical shops offer an array of frog-themed treasures, adding a playful touch to your adventure. Then, venture into the storied streets of Narai-juku, a timeless post town steeped in history, where each wooden building whispers tales of bygone eras. Led by an engaging guide, this immersive tour promises to unveil the soul of Old Japan at two remarkable destinations.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station | |
| Period | December, January, February, March |
| Time | 07:40 ~ 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥40,000 / 32,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥28,000 / 22,000 |
Make the most of a winter day in Nagano with this ski package! Including transport to the slopes, rental gear, lift passes, and even optional lessons, you will be sliding down Nagano’s mountainsides with ease in no time at all. Perfect for those taking a day trip from Tokyo, or who are visiting early or late in the season and don’t want to commit to staying several days. You can even choose the resort area you want to visit, and with so many in Nagano you can keep coming back again and again.
2 Day Tour
| 2-Day Snow Monkeys & Nagano Cultural Tour inc. Luxury Villa Stay | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | (Day 1) 09:35 – 16:30 (Day 2) ~11:00 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥95,000 |
Combining our two most popular winter tours with one of Nagano’s best ‘onsen’ (hot spring) stays, this 2-day tour is all about getting the most out of your time in Nagano! Including visits to Zenko-ji Temple and the Jigokudani Monkey Park on Day 1, accommodation in a private villa including dinner and breakfast at Hotarutei, followed by a morning of snow fun activities in Shiga Kogen on Day 2, this tour truly shows-off the best of Nagano in winter.
2 Day Tour
| Zenkoji Experience Tour inc. Overnight ‘Shukubo’ (Temple Lodging) Stay | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 12:15-16:00 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥29,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,800 |
Shukubo, or pilgrims inns, are found at temples around Japan and serve the needs of those coming from far away to pray at the temple. However, you do not need to be a Buddhist to stay, and it can be a great way to learn more about Japanese culture regardless of your spiritual beliefs. On this tour, you will first have a guided tour around the grounds of the 1,500 year old Zenkoji Temple, before being escorted to the shukubo for check in. There your guide will say their goodbyes, and leave you to enjoy a traditional monk’s dinner before laying your head to rest in your traditional tatami room.
2 Day Tour
| 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | (Day1) 09:35 – 17:35 (Day2) 08:30 – 16:00 |
| Meeting Place | (Day 1) Nagano Station (Day 2) Hotel Kokusai |
| Adult Rate | ¥88,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥70,000 |
Connecting Takayama to Nagano, this tour is indispensable in making a plan to travel across the region. With a lack of trains cutting through the mountains, taking a motor vehicle is often the most direct route, and on this tour our tour vehicle will be at your service. Starting with a snow monkey visit in Nagano, and including a stay at Hotel Kokusai 21, you will be brought to Matsumoto City on your way to Takayama during the second day of the tour. Famous for its 500 year old castle, the lack of Shinkansen access means many visitors skip Matsumoto – but doing so would be a huge mistake, as it is in many ways the traditional and cultural heart of the whole region. After getting dropped off in Takayama at the end of the day, you will be free to explore Takayama and continue your journeys on your own; but if you would like, you can also take part in one of our Takayama tours the next day!
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival | |
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| Period | February |
| Time | 10:45/12:15 – 19:50/21:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hakuba Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,300 |
Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and evening exploration of the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival, this enjoyable 1-day tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart! Including an early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this tour brings warmth and light into the midst of winter in February 2024.
1 Day Tour
| (Special Event) Nagano’s Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour | |
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| Period | February |
| Time | 10:45/12:15 – 19:40/21:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hakuba Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,300 |
Also in February, we are happy to again provide the chance to enjoy the temple at night with an afternoon exploring Nagano’s hidden samurai town followed by sake tasting and dinner in Nagano City, with our Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour. Operating from both Hakuba and Nagano, this enjoyable one-day tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart.
WINTER CHARTERS & PRIVATE TOURS IN NAGANO
Locally-based and operating all year round, Snow Monkey Resorts is Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where and when to go, to help you discover and enjoy the region’s many ski resorts and other fantastic destinations and activities.
Private Tour
| [START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 to 17:15 ~ 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Any location in Nagano City |
| Price | ¥122,000 ~ / group |
Private Tour
| [START FROM HAKUBA] Private Snow Monkey Tour | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:30 to 17:15 ~ 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Any location in Hakuba |
| Price | ¥181,600 ~ / group |
Private Tour
| [START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 to 17:15 ~ 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Any location in Nozawa Onsen/Madarao Kogen |
| Price | ¥170,300 ~ / group |
Embark on a more personalized adventure with our Private Snow Monkey Tour, offering a tailored experience starting from various convenient locations including Nagano City, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Madarao Kogen, or Hakuba. We pick you up in our private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and convenient start to your day. Explore the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you’ll witness the monkeys and their hot spring. Afterward, savor a delicious Japanese bento lunch, showcasing the best of Nagano’s culinary delights. Wander through the historic streets of Obuse, known for its Edo-period buildings and local delicacies. Then, delve into the spiritual realm at Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temples. Conclude your tour with a sake tasting experience, immersing yourself in Nagano’s sake culture. With a private vehicle and English-speaking guide, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Nagano’s treasures.
For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customized to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination including from/to Nagano Station and any resort in the region. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule.
All vehicles are clean and well kept, perfect for making your trip the best it can be. With a variety of size options, we can cater to most any group, whether small or large, and will recommend the best variety of vehicle for you based on your group size and amount of luggage. Please click HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan this winter? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
GREEN SEASON DEALS IN NAGANO 2024
Based in Nagano and operating all-year-round, we offer just as many services in spring, summer and autumn! Our ‘Green Season Deals in Central Japan’ page includes our group and private tours running in the warmer months, charters, accommodation and more. No matter the time of year, we always have one eye on winter and here to help you plan and book your ideal escape to Nagano.
