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

Discover the winter wonderland of Shiga Kogen on this exhilarating one-day tour. Enjoy thrilling snow activities at Japan’s largest ski resort before trekking to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park. There, witness the iconic snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs – a truly unique experience. With round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with both snow fun and natural wonders. What else can this tour offer to make your winter getaway truly remarkable?

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

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Key Points

This 9-hour tour combines snow activities at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort with a visit to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe snow monkeys.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, snow activity fees, monkey park entry, lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
Participants can enjoy a variety of snow-based fun, such as playing in the snow, building snowmen, and other winter activities.
The tour involves a 1.6 km trek through the picturesque winter landscape to reach the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Warm, waterproof clothing is recommended, as the tour involves substantial walking and no skiing or snowboarding is allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is a one-day excursion called "Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen" that lasts for 9 hours.

It costs €164.05 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour’s availability is limited, so travelers must check for starting times.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, snow activities, entry to the Snow Monkey Park, lunch, and an English-speaking guide.

Travelers should bring warm, waterproof clothing and expect cold temperatures. Substantial walking is required, and the tour doesn’t include skiing or snowboarding.

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Itinerary & Activities

This tour begins with approximately 1.5 hours of snow activities at the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the largest and highest ski resort in Japan.

Guests will enjoy playing in the snow, building snowmen, and other winter fun.

Afterward, they’ll have lunch at a local restaurant on the ski resort premises.

The tour then visits the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the iconic snow monkeys.

Guests will trek 1.6 km to reach the park and observe the monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation and an English-speaking guide.

Locations

As the tour visits two main locations, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and Jigokudani Monkey Park, guests will have the opportunity to experience both winter activities and wildlife viewing.

Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, offering a variety of snow-based fun.

The tour also takes visitors to the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its famous snow monkeys that bathe in the natural hot springs.

A 1.6 km walk is required to reach the park, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque winter landscape.

Schedule

The tour begins with 1.5 hours of snow activities in Shiga Kogen. Guests can enjoy playing in the snow, building snowmen, and more at Japan’s largest and highest ski resort. After the morning snow fun, the group will have lunch at a local restaurant on the mountain.

Time	Activity	Location
Morning	Snow activities	Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Lunch	Local restaurant	Ski resort
Afternoon	Visit Snow Monkey Park	Jigokudani Monkey Park

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, home of the snow monkeys. The 1.6 km walk to the park allows guests to take in the scenic mountain views before observing the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

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Transport

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from multiple pickup points, including Nagano Station, Yudanaka Station, and Shibu Onsen Visitor Center.

Travelers are picked up by bus or coach and taken to the Shiga Kogen ski resort for the snow activities.

After lunch, the bus then transports guests to the Jigokudani Monkey Park for the visit to see the snow monkeys.

The return journey takes guests back to the original pickup locations.

The transportation is included in the tour price, providing a convenient and efficient way to explore the snowy landscapes and wildlife of the region.

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Inclusions

The tour includes a range of inclusions that provide excellent value for money. The key inclusions are:

Inclusion	Details
Roundtrip Transport	From Nagano Station
Snow Activity Fees	In Shiga Kogen
Snow Monkey Park Entry	Including 1.6 km walk
Lunch at Ski Resort	Local restaurant
English-Speaking Guide	Knowledgeable and helpful
Optional Rental Clothing	Jackets, pants, boots (¥500 each)

These inclusions cover the major expenses, making this tour a hassle-free and cost-effective way to explore the snow wonderland of Shiga Kogen and the famous snow monkeys.

Recommendations & Important Information

Warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and rain gear are recommended for this tour, as the cold temperatures (minus 5 – 10 degrees) in Shiga Kogen call for appropriate attire.

Substantial walking is involved, including a 1.6 km trek to and from the Snow Monkey Park.

While infants can join for free, they won’t receive a meal.

Skiing and snowboarding aren’t included, as there’s no time allocated for personal snow activities.

Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the 1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen has received an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 32 reviews. Travelers have highlighted the tour’s guides, transportation, and overall value for money as key highlights.

Traveler	Nationality	Rating	Feedback
Julia	Australia	10/10	"Absolutely amazing! Worth the money."
Alexa	United States	–	"Beautiful way to explore the mountains and see the snow monkeys."
Malinda	Australia	–	"The snow play was the best!"

The positive customer feedback suggests this tour offers an exceptional winter experience in Japan’s scenic Shiga Kogen region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Snow Monkeys Protected in the Park?

The snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park are protected as a natural treasure. They’re free-roaming and visitors must follow park rules to observe them safely without disturbing their natural behavior.

How Often Do the Monkeys Visit the Hot Springs?

The snow monkeys visit the natural hot springs in Jigokudani Monkey Park multiple times a day to keep warm during the cold winter months. They are a popular attraction, drawing visitors to observe their unique bathing behavior.

Can I Take Food to Feed the Snow Monkeys?

It’s not recommended to feed the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. The park’s rules prohibit visitors from approaching or feeding the monkeys, as this can disturb them and disrupt their natural behaviors.

Is Photography Allowed Within the Monkey Park?

Yes, photography is allowed within the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Visitors are encouraged to take photos of the snow monkeys, but they should avoid disturbing the animals and follow the park’s guidelines to ensure the monkeys’ well-being.

How Far Is the Walk From the Bus Drop-Off to the Monkey Park?

The walk from the bus drop-off to the Snow Monkey Park is approximately 1.6 km. Visitors should be prepared for a substantial walk and dress appropriately for the cold weather conditions.

The Sum Up

This exhilarating one-day tour offers a delightful blend of snow activities and an up-close encounter with the iconic snow monkeys. With roundtrip transportation, an expert guide, and a hearty lunch, it’s an ideal way to experience the winter wonders of Shiga Kogen and Jigokudani Monkey Park. Whether you’re seeking snow fun or wildlife observation, this tour delivers an unforgettable day in the heart of Japan’s snowy countryside.