Discover Nagano: Zenko-ji, Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park Guided Tour, Tokyo
Discover Nagano: Zenko-ji, Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park Guided Tour, Tokyo
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
8 hours (approx.)
Free cancellation up to 23 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 23 hours before the start of your experience
Expert local tour guide
Expert local tour guide
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Explore Nagano's long history and natural beauty on this guided tour starting in Tokyo, Japan. Your expert English-speaking guide will lead you through Zenko-ji Temple, a sacred site dating back to the 7th century, where its serene gardens and intricate architecture offer a glimpse into Nagano’s past as a temple town known for stunning mountains. The journey includes visiting Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park in addition to this historical gem.
Explore Nagano's long history and natural beauty on this guided tour starting in Tokyo, Japan. Your expert English-speaking guide will lead you through Zenko-ji Temple, a sacred site dating back to the 7th century, where its serene gardens and intricate architecture offer a glimpse into Nagano’s past as a temple town known for stunning mountains. The journey includes visiting Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park in addition to this historical gem.
Join an expert-led tour to discover Nagano’s cultural and natural attractions including the historic Zenko-ji Temple, Yoshinoya Brewery, and Snow Monkey Park.
The ancient architecture of Zenko-ji Temple in Japan houses revered images of Amida Buddha, marking it as a significant spiritual site.
At Yoshinoya Sake Brewery, experience traditional brewing methods while enjoying lunch with seasonal specialties from Nagano’s local cuisine.
Stroll through the picturesque trails at Snow Monkey Park to witness macaques basking in natural hot springs amidst stunning mountainous scenery.
Zenko-ji Temple holds a unique tradition where an Amida Buddha statue is revealed only once every six years, making it Japan's hidden gem.
Entry to Zenko-ji Temple
Access to Yoshinoya Brewery for sake tasting of Junmai Daiginjo, Japan Originally and Junmai Ginjo varieties
Tour at Snow Monkey Park with Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai attractions
Use of Expert English-speaking guide during Discover Nagano: Zenko-ji, Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park Guided Tour from Tokyo to Hakuba via Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal and Hakuba Tokyu Hotel
Ticket covers Transportation to and between all attractions in Japan including Sanmon Gate at Temple and Yoshinoya Sake Brewery
One-day access to Hakuba shuttle service (winter only)
Covers Lunch
Access to the Inner Sanctuary at Zenko-Ji Temple
Shinkansen Passes
Extra Meals and Beverages
Lodging
Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano covered in snow with visitors exploring the grounds.
A Journey Through Time and Tradition in Japan's Roof Town
In this engaging day tour of Nagano, originally established as a temple town in the 7th century, you'll explore its long history surrounded by stunning mountains. Your adventure begins at Nagano Station where your expert English-speaking guide will meet you to explore Zenko-ji Temple, an ancient sacred site dating back to 642 AD. As you pass through the imposing Sanmon Gate, discover serene temple gardens and intricate architecture that have endured over centuries.
Don't miss a chance to touch the Nade-botoke statue for blessings or uncover secrets about Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, an enigmatic figure representing spiritual enlightenment. After awakening your spirit at Zenko-ji Temple, head over to Yoshinoya Sake Brewery where you'll enjoy a delightful sake tasting session. Discover this unique beverage and sample sakes ranging from the delicate Junmai Daiginjo to the more robust Junmai Ginjo.
Exploring Hot Springs with Playful Macaques
Your journey continues after lunch, featuring Nagano specialties like oyaki dumplings and fresh soba noodles. Your guide will lead you through picturesque forest trails to Snow Monkey Park. Witness playful macaques enjoying their natural hot springs bath—a sight that fills visitors with warmth and satisfaction.
Itinerary
In winter, the Hakuba shuttle departs from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel at 7:40am followed by a second pickup at Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal at 07:55am. The bus then heads toward Nagano City.
At 9:35am, meet your guide at Nagano Station to start the tour towards Zenko-ji Temple (additional pick-up available at Patio Daimon in Nagano City at 09:55am).
By 10:00am, you'll arrive at Zenko-ji for a guided exploration of its precincts with optional free time afterward.
At 11:30am, sample various sakes at Yoshinoya Sake Brewery near the temple and learn about Japan’s iconic beverage.
Savor a delicious lunch highlighting Nagano's best flavors at 12:00pm.
Depart Nagano for Snow Monkey Park at 1:00pm, arriving in the vicinity by 2:00pm. Prepare to walk along forest trails (25-30 minutes) into the park.
You'll reach the park by 2:40pm and enjoy watching macaques bathe in their natural onsen environment.
At 3:40pm, leave the park retracing your steps along the forest trail.
By 4:20pm, depart from Snow Monkey Park area and begin returning to Nagano.
The tour concludes at 5:35pm back at Nagano Station where you'll bid farewell to your guide.
Sake cup with rice grains and stalks, Nagano sake brewery tour.
Sushi and traditional Japanese meal with drinks on a table, part of Nagano tour experience.
Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano covered in snow with visitors exploring the grounds.
Sake cup with rice grains and stalks, Nagano sake brewery tour.
Sushi and traditional Japanese meal with drinks on a table, part of Nagano tour experience.
Snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano.
- Come prepared by wearing your winter jacket.
Prohibited Items and Actions
- Tripods are not permitted for this tour, so plan accordingly.
- Note that flash photography is prohibited within the venue.
Accessibility Details
- This experience does not accommodate wheelchair access.
Additional Insights
- You have vegetarian meal options to choose from during your tour.
- Please be aware that tours are typically on schedule, but winter weather and road conditions can cause delays.
- The restaurant locations might change depending on the season.
- For guests returning to Hakuba in winter, a shuttle service is available with an estimated arrival time between 6:30-6:45 pm.
Visitors observing snow monkeys in hot springs, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano, Japan.
Visitors entering Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan.
Snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano.
Visitors observing snow monkeys in hot springs, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano, Japan.
Visitors entering Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan.
Bring along a winter jacket to keep warm during your visit.
Pack wisely as tripods and flash photography are not permitted on this tour.
Note that vegetarian meal options are available if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.
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