Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Northern Alps, Nozawa Onsen is a picturesque village that offers a unique chance to witness the enchanting snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park. This captivating day trip combines the natural wonder of the monkeys’ hot spring bathing with a visit to the historic Zenko-ji Temple and a sake tasting experience, providing travelers with a well-rounded exploration of the region’s cultural and culinary delights. From the serene landscapes to the rich traditions, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that entices the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Key Points
- A day trip from Nozawa Onsen to Jigokudani Park and Zenko-ji Temple, including guided visits, local lunch, and sake tasting, priced from $138.16 per person.
- Highlights include observing hot spring-bathing snow monkeys, enjoying a warming local lunch with vegetarian options, and experiencing a traditional Japanese sake tasting.
- The tour requires significant walking, and rental boots and crampons are available for guests, with strict rules regarding maintaining a safe distance from the monkeys.
- The tour is rated 5/5 by past guests, offering an immersive cultural experience, and has limited availability with an advance booking recommendation.
- The tour includes a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve now, pay later option.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This day trip from Nozawa Onsen offers visitors the opportunity to explore two of Japan’s most iconic cultural attractions: the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Park and the historic Zenko-ji Temple.
Priced from $138.16 per person, the 10-hour tour includes guided visits, a local lunch, and a sake tasting.
Availability is limited, so travellers are advised to book in advance. The tour also offers a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the departure.
With a 5/5 rating from past guests, this tour promises an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Japan’s winter wonderland.
Itinerary and Activities
The day trip begins by departing from either the Chuo Terminal or the Nozawa Grand Hotel.
Travelers will visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour and observe the famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys.
After, they’ll savor a local lunch with vegetarian options.
Next, the group will explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, with a guided tour and free time.
The tour includes a secret food tasting stop before returning to the original drop-off locations.
The itinerary packs a wealth of cultural experiences into a single day.
Highlights and Experiences
Observing the iconic hot spring-bathing snow monkeys is the highlight of this tour. Visitors can witness the unique behavior of these Japanese macaques as they soak in the natural hot springs to stay warm during the winter.
Afterwards, guests enjoy a warming local lunch, which often includes vegetarian options. The tour also includes a special sake tasting experience, allowing travelers to sample traditional Japanese rice wine. While non-alcoholic alternatives are available, the sake tasting provides an authentic culture.
Lastly, the tour explores the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites.
Important Information and Requirements
Although significant walking is required during the tour, visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes or boots to navigate the potential snow and ice on the trails and in the park.
Rental boots and crampons are available for those who need them.
Guests must also follow the strict rules of the Snow Monkey Park, including:
- Maintaining a safe distance from the monkeys
- Refraining from touching or feeding the wild animals
- Understanding there’s no guarantee the monkeys will be in the hot springs during the visit
- Being aware of the slippery and hazardous conditions that may arise due to weather
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have offered overwhelmingly positive feedback on this day trip, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews. Guests praised the knowledgeable and pleasant tour guides, who enhanced the cultural experience. The highlight for many was the chance to observe the snow monkeys in their natural habitat. Visitors also enjoyed the warming winter lunch and the sake tasting experience.
| Feedback | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | 2 Star | 1 Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Snow Monkeys | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lunch | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Guides | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sake Tasting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Getting to Nozawa Onsen
Getting to Nozawa Onsen is relatively straightforward, as the town is easily accessible by public transportation.
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The closest major airport is Narita International Airport, located about 3.5 hours away by train and bus.
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Visitors can take the Nagano Shinkansen (bullet train) to Iiyama Station, then transfer to a local bus for the 30-minute ride to Nozawa Onsen.
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Alternatively, a private shuttle service can be arranged from Narita or other airports, providing a more direct and convenient transfer.
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Those already in the Nagano area can reach Nozawa Onsen via local bus or taxi from nearby towns and cities.
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The town’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot once you arrive.
Winter in Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, offering a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and culture. The landscape is blanketed in a pristine coat of snow, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Visitors can explore the charming streets, adorned with traditional Japanese architecture, and indulge in the town’s renowned hot springs.
The Snow Monkeys, a highlight of any winter visit, can be observed bathing in the steaming onsens, showcasing the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Nozawa Onsen’s winter enchantment provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
What to Expect on the Day Trip
The day trip to the Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji promises an immersive cultural experience that transports visitors beyond the enchanting winter landscapes of Nozawa Onsen.
Highlights include:
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Observing the famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys in their natural habitat, guided by knowledgeable tour staff.
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Enjoying a warming lunch at a local restaurant, with vegetarian options available.
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Exploring the grand Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist sites.
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Indulging in a sake tasting experience, with non-alcoholic options for those who prefer.
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Following park rules and safety precautions to ensure a responsible and respectful encounter with the wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a local restaurant lunch, and there’s a secret food tasting stop. Bringing your own items isn’t allowed, as the tour provides the dining experiences.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be the most suitable for young children, as there’s significant walking and the snow/ice conditions could be challenging. The park rules also require maintaining distance from the monkeys, which may be difficult for young kids to follow.
What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?
The tour guides speak both English and Japanese, allowing them to provide informative and engaging experiences for both English and Japanese-speaking guests throughout the day trip to the Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji Temple.
How Many People Are Typically in Each Tour Group?
The tour typically accommodates small group sizes, usually around 8-12 people. This allows for a more personalized experience with the guide and enables easier navigation through the snow monkey park and Zenko-ji temple.
Can I Extend My Stay in Nozawa Onsen After the Tour?
Yes, visitors can extend their stay in Nozawa Onsen after the tour. The tour operator doesn’t handle accommodations, so travelers can book additional nights on their own to further explore the area at their leisure.
The Sum Up
This captivating day trip from Nozawa Onsen offers a unique opportunity to learn about Japan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Experience the enchanting snow monkeys, savor local cuisine and sake, and explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple. With convenient transportation and an experienced guide, it’s the perfect way to discover the best of this enchanting region in a single day.
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