(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.

Highlights

• Observe the fascinating snow monkeys of Jigokudani up close and learn about their unique behaviors.
• Savor a comforting lunch featuring the seasonal flavors of Nagano.
• Discover the rich heritage of Zenkoji Temple, home to Japan’s first known Buddhist statue.
• Conclude with a guided sake tasting session (non-alcoholic alternatives available).

Description

Starting with pickups from multiple locations, the tour begins at 08:15 from Lotte Arai, followed by stops at Akakura Hot Spring Sightseeing Information Center, Shin-Akakura bus stop, and Hotel Madarao. From there, travel towards the Snow Monkey Park. Upon arrival around 10:30, your guide will lead you along the scenic forest trail into Jigokudani—aptly named ‘Hell’s Valley’ due to its steamy volcanic activity.

The park offers a rare opportunity to see the wild snow monkeys up close as they warm themselves in the natural hot springs. With no barriers between visitors and the monkeys, you can witness their interactions in an extraordinary setting. Bring your camera for some unforgettable shots before heading back for a well-earned meal.

After exiting the park, enjoy a delicious winter hotpot lunch made from fresh, local ingredients; Expect a satisfying meal that showcases the flavors of Nagano. For those who wish to try local wines, sake, and beer, you can order and pay directly at the counter to enjoy the spirits of Nagano.

Well-fed, you’ll continue to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered religious sites, dating back to 642. Your guide will provide insights into the temple’s history and legends before allowing you some free time to explore the surrounding district, where you can browse quaint shops and sample local delicacies.

At approximately 16:45, rejoin your group and board the bus for the return trip to Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen, with drop-offs at the same locations in reverse order, arriving back by 19:05.

MEETUP POINTS

This tour includes multiple pickup points in Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen:

1  /  LOTTE ARAI RESORTS @ 08:15

Please wait outside the "Arai" exit of the Lotte Arai Resort Hotel. Please ensure you are at the hotel entrance prior to the meeting time and look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after 08:15.

2  /  AKAKURA ONSEN SIGHTSEEING INFORMATION CENTER @ 08:40

The meetup point is right outside of the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:40.

3  /  SHIN-AKAKURA BUS STOP @ 08:50

The next meet up point is the Shin-Akakura Bus Stop at 08:50. Many local buses operate from the bus stop, so be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're boarding the correct bus to join the tour. Please ensure you are at the bus stop before the meeting time. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart on-time.

4  /  HOTEL MADARAO KOGEN BUS STOP @ 09:30

Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time.

NOTES

Included:

• Round-trip transportation from Myoko Kogen & Madarao Kogen.
• Entry to the Snow Monkey Park.
• Lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available).
• Guided sake tasting.
• English-speaking guide.

Excluded:

• Additional food, snacks, and beverages.
• Optional entry to the inner sanctuary of Zenkoji Temple.
• Shinkansen / Bullet Train tickets.
• Accommodation.

Additional Information:

• Walking to and from the Snow Monkey Park covers approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) along an unpaved forest trail—proper footwear is required.
• Snow and ice are likely from mid-December to early April. Dress appropriately with warm clothing and proper footwear. Rental boots and crampons (shoe spikes) are available near the park.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for guests with mobility concerns. Please inquire before booking if needed.
• Park visitors must adhere to all rules: touching, feeding, or bathing with the monkeys is strictly prohibited.
• Monkeys roam freely, and there are no barriers—maintain a respectful distance of 1 to 2 meters.
• The monkeys are wild, so while they often bathe in winter, sightings in the water are not guaranteed.
• This tour includes lunch designed to highlight the best of Nagano. The restaurant location and menu are subject to differ based on the season. Please note that the lunch may be different than images shown on this page.
• This tour includes 'sake' tasting at Yoshinoya Sake Brewery (nearby the temple). You must be a minimum of 20 years of age to consume alcohol in Japan.
• Infants (0-5 years) may join free of charge but do not receive a lunch. Food for infants can be ordered directly at the restaurant.
• The booking deadline is one hour before the first pickup time.