Nagano Snow Monkey Park & Shiga Kogen Maruike Park Day Tour

Fun times in Nagano

It's time to relax and have fun in Nagano! Your adventure kicks off with convenient pickups from Hotel Kokusai 21, Nagano Station, Yudanaka Station, Shibu Onsen, or Kanbayashi Onsen. Your expert guide will accompany you throughout, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. Your first destination is Shiga Kogen Maruike, Japan's largest and highest ski resort. Dive into the snowy excitement with activities like snowscoots, snowdrives, and sleds, perfect for both kids and adults. Feel the rush as you race down the slopes or enjoy a scenic ride on the ski lift for panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. At lunchtime, savor a delicious spread including katsu curry, katsudon, hamburger steak, sansai soba, and a variety of udon dishes, all enjoyed with a view of the sparkling winter landscape.

The hot spring monkeys

Next, head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Trek along a picturesque forest trail lined with snow-covered trees, leading you to the park where the real fun begins. Witness the famous macaques soaking in the natural hot springs – their playful antics and relaxed poses make for a delightful and unique sight. Watch as these adorable monkeys groom each other and splash around in the warm water, and capture unforgettable photos of their frolics. As you head back to Nagano Station and pass the snow-covered landscape, you can reflect on the unforgettable memories and fun moments you had on this action-packed trip.

Itinerary

• 8:45 am: The tour begins at Nagano Station where your guide will be waiting for you in front of the Information Board, directly opposite the Shinkansen tickets gates. Please note, for guests staying at Hotel Kokusai 21, you can also be picked up there at 8:20 am. From Nagano, the tour heads toward Shiga Kogen with additional pickup possible at Yudanaka Station at 9:30 am, Shibu Onsen at 9:35 am, and Kanbayashi Onsen at 9:40 am

• 10:30 am: Arrive at Maruike Family Ski Park and begin snow fun activities. While at Maruike, you will also have time to enjoy lunch at its restaurant (included in the tour)

• 12:45 pm: Board the bus and depart Shiga Kogen for the monkey park

• 1:20 pm: Arrive at Kanbayashi Onsen, and walk up to the trail entrance and along the forest trail into the park (1.6km/1 mile in both directions)

• 2:10 pm: Arrive at the park (depending on your speed along the trail) and enjoy observing the monkeys in their winter habitat

• 3:10 pm: Your guide will lead the tour out of the park and back out along the trail

• 4:00 pm: Board the bus and begin the journey back to Nagano

• 5:30-6:00 pm*: The tour concludes at Nagano Station between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm with drop-offs in Kanbayashi, Shibu, Yudanaka and Kokusai along the way (if required)

• *Please note, due to weather and road conditions in winter, the exact end time isn't guaranteed. The tour should be back at Nagano Station by 6:00 pm latest.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Bring along your winter jacket, snow boots, and warm clothes for snow activities.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The tour itinerary can be reversed depending on weather and road conditions and other factors on the day.

• This tour does not include skiing or snowboarding as the tour operates on a strict schedule.

• While unlikely, there are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park or that the monkeys leave the park early.

• If the weather or road conditions make it impossible to access Shiga Kogen, the activity will be substituted with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple.

• The transport used for this tour depends on the size of the tour group. For smaller tour groups, an express train service from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station followed by a private vehicle to and from the ski resort will be used. For large groups, a small tour bus will be arranged, from/to Nagano Station and all listed destinations.