1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour

Exploring the snow-capped landscapes of Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen, can be an unforgettable winter adventure. On this full-day tour, we’ll immerse ourselves in thrilling snow activities like sledding and snow biking, all while having the rare chance to witness the captivating sight of Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs. With convenient transportation and a delicious lunch included, this tour offers an exceptional experience – one that’s highly recommended by previous travelers. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details.

This experience made our article of Best Tours in Nagano: Our 20 Top Picks.

Key Points

• Explore Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, Shiga Kogen, with a variety of snow-based activities like sledding, snow biking, and scooters.
• Observe the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in the natural hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• Enjoy a delicious local lunch as part of the tour package.
• Convenient transportation options, including Shinkansen/Bullet Train, from multiple meeting points in Tokyo and Nagano.
• Rental gear available for those without winter attire, enhancing the overall winter experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Shiga Kogen Snow Monkeys Tour offers a full-day adventure into Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, where we can enjoy a variety of snow-based activities alongside the opportunity to observe the famous wild macaques bathing in the natural hot springs of the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

We’ll explore the area by sledding, riding snow bikes and scooters, and taking in the stunning alpine scenery. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, and we’ll travel to and from the destinations via the iconic Shinkansen bullet train.

With a 97% traveler recommendation, this tour promises an unforgettable snow-filled experience.

Included Activities and Experiences

On this Shiga Kogen Snow Monkeys Tour, we’ll enjoy a variety of thrilling snow-based activities.

We’ll try our hand at sledding, zooming down slopes on snow bikes, and riding around on fun snow scooters.

The highlight, though, will be our visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where we’ll observe the famous Japanese macaques soaking in the hot springs.

After working up an appetite, we’ll refuel with a delicious included lunch at a local restaurant.

With all these exciting winter experiences, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day in the snowy wonderland of Shiga Kogen.

Transportation and Meeting Information

Multiple meeting points are available for your convenience on this Shiga Kogen Snow Monkeys Tour. We’ll pick you up from your selected location and transport you to the tour destinations and back at the end of the day. The tour includes Shinkansen/Bullet Train tickets to and from Nagano, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Meeting Point	Address	Departure Time
Tokyo Station	1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005	7:00 AM
Shinjuku Station	160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2-chome−1−1	7:30 AM
Nagano Station	1400 Minamichō, Nagano-shi, Nagano-ken 380-0823	9:00 AM

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, and the trip is not wheelchair accessible. However, infant seats are available, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required for the 1.6km trail to the Monkey Park.

Clothing Rental and Additional Costs

Should you need any rental gear for the day, we offer snow jackets, pants, and boots for just ¥500 each. This provides a convenient option if you didn’t bring your own winter attire.

Keep in mind any additional snacks, food, or drinks you may want throughout the tour aren’t included in the package price. While a delicious lunch is provided, you may wish to pack some extra sustenance.

Monkey Park Visit and Conditions

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where we can observe the famous snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.

While the monkeys are generally present, their movements are unpredictable, so we may not always be able to see them.

The trail to the monkey park is approximately 1.6km and can be moderate in difficulty, especially if there’s snow and ice on the ground.

We’ll want to dress warmly, as temperatures can drop to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius.

Weather Considerations and Alternatives

Because weather and road conditions can be unpredictable in the mountainous Shiga Kogen region, the tour operator may need to adjust the itinerary.

If heavy snowfall or icy roads make the trails to the Jigokudani Monkey Park impassable, the tour may instead visit the historic Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano. This 7th century Buddhist temple is a scenic alternative with impressive architecture and cultural significance.

Though observing the snow monkeys is a highlight, we understand Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Rest assured the tour provider will do their best to offer an engaging experience, even if modifications are necessary.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

How have travelers who’ve taken this Shiga Kogen snow monkeys tour rated their experiences?

According to reviews, the overall experience received high praise, with 97% of travelers recommending the tour. Visitors highlighted the fun activities, good organization, and enjoyable monkey park visit.

However, some provided negative feedback focused on the tour guide’s behavior, time management, and occasional itinerary issues. Recommendations for improvement include clear communication about itinerary changes and better guide training on guest interaction.

Despite these criticisms, the snow monkey park experience itself seems to have received widespread acclaim from those who’ve taken this day tour.

What to Expect on the Tour

Although the Shiga Kogen Snow Monkeys Tour offers a full-day adventure, we’ll make the most of our time by engaging in a variety of exciting snow activities.

We’ll start with sledding, snow bikes, and snow scooters, giving us a chance to play and explore the winter wonderland.

Then, we’ll visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe the wild macaques relaxing in the hot springs.

Lunch at a local restaurant will refuel us before we head back, with the option to rent snow gear if needed.

Throughout the day, our knowledgeable guide will ensure we make the most of this unique experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

We recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks for the tour, as the inclusions only cover the main meals. However, you can purchase additional items during the day as needed.

Is There a Place to Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not provide any storage for your luggage. We recommend you bring only essential items and wear your winter gear to the tour. The tour focuses on the snow activities, so having minimal baggage is best.

Can I Adjust the Itinerary to Spend More Time at Certain Activities?

We understand the desire to customize the tour to your preferences. While the itinerary is set, we’d be happy to work with you to optimize your time at the various activities within the overall schedule. Just let us know your specific interests.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Snow Activities?

For the snow activities, you don’t need to bring any special equipment. The tour provides rental gear like snow jackets, pants, and boots for a small fee. Just dress warmly and you’ll be all set to enjoy the fun in the snow!

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have an age limit, but infants need car seats. While no minimum age is specified, the 1.6km trail to the monkey park requires moderate physical fitness, so it may not be suitable for very young children.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an unbeatable winter experience, combining thrilling snow activities with the unique opportunity to see wild snow monkeys. With convenient transportation, a delicious lunch, and a near-perfect traveler recommendation rate, it’s the perfect way to make the most of a day in Japan’s premier ski resort. Whether you’re a snow enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour is sure to exceed your expectations.