Nagano Private Two Day Tour

Exploring the stunning alpine region of Nagano on a private two-day tour sounds like an incredible opportunity. We’ll dive into the highlights, from encountering the famous snow monkeys to immersing ourselves in the historic Zenko-ji Temple. With a local guide, traditional Ryokan stay, and ample chances for independent discovery, this tour promises an immersive cultural experience. Let’s unpack the details and see if this is the perfect fit for your Japan getaway.

Key Points

• This private tour offers a two-day exploration of Nagano’s alpine region, including the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple.
• The tour includes a local guide on the first day, with independent exploration on the second day, and transportation, accommodations, meals, and entrance fees covered.
• Travelers can opt for a private onsen experience at the Ryokan or arrange custom tours to nearby areas like Matsumoto, Kamikochi, or Hakuba.
• The tour is wheelchair-accessible, though the Snow Monkey Park requires moderate walking, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Advance booking is advised, with a flexible cancellation policy and special arrangements available for children.

Tour Overview

This private two-day tour of Nagano offers an immersive experience in the heart of Japan’s alpine region.

With 28 reviews and a 96% traveler recommendation, the tour highlights the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and a traditional Ryokan stay with a private onsen experience.

On the first day, a local guide personalizes the journey, while the second day is free for independent exploration.

Priced from $501.79 per person, the tour includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and entrance fees.

Optional add-ons allow customization, such as a private onsen or day trips to nearby areas like Matsumoto and Kamikochi.

Inclusions

The Nagano Private Two Day Tour includes a range of essential services and experiences to ensure a seamless and immersive journey.

We provide a local tour guide on the first day to share their expertise and insights. Transportation within Nagano City is covered, whether by public transit or a chartered vehicle.

Accommodations at a 3-star Ryokan, with 4-5 star options available, offer a traditional Japanese lodging experience. Entrance fees to attractions, an onsen experience, and meals, snacks, and drinks are all included.

Guests can also opt for a private onsen or additional activities on the second day.

Optional Add-Ons

Although the Nagano Private Two Day Tour includes a comprehensive set of services, we also offer optional add-ons to further enhance your experience.

For an additional cost, you can enjoy a private onsen experience at your Ryokan, ranging from 1500 to 2500 JPY for 1 hour.

Plus, we can arrange for custom tours to nearby areas like Matsumoto, Kamikochi, or Hakuba, complete with a private guide and vehicle.

These customized tours aren’t included in the base price, but allow you to explore the region in depth according to your interests.

Meeting and Accessibility

Meeting at Nagano Station, the tour conveniently starts at 8:45 am. We welcome wheelchair users, though the Snow Monkey Park requires moderate walking. To make the most of your experience, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes.

Accessibility	Yes/No
Wheelchair	Yes
Snow Monkey Park	No
Moderate Walking	Yes
Comfortable Shoes	Yes

The meeting point is easily accessible, and our team is happy to assist you throughout the tour. Let us know if you have any special requirements, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

Policies and Recommendations

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we recommend booking your tour well in advance, especially for custom itineraries, which are ideally reserved 3 months prior.

Our cancellation policy is straightforward – you’ll receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 4 days before the tour, but no refund after that.

Participants must have a valid passport, and we’ll need your birth date at the time of booking.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by adults. We’ll make special arrangements for their meals and bedding.

Comfortable shoes are a must, as moderate walking is involved.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

We’ll see the famous hot spring-bathing Japanese macaques up close. The snow monkeys are a delight to observe as they relax and soak in the natural hot springs to escape the winter chill.

While the park can be crowded, it’s an unforgettable experience to witness these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

The walk to the park is moderate, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Don’t forget to bring your camera – you’ll want to capture this unique natural wonder.

Zenko-ji Temple

After enjoying the stunning sight of the snow monkeys, we head to the historic Zenko-ji Temple. This 7th-century Buddhist temple is one of the most important in Japan.

We wander its peaceful grounds, admiring the impressive architecture and learning about its rich history from our guide. The highlight is descending into the temple’s inner sanctuary, where we glimpse the popular "key to paradise" beneath the floorboards.

We then explore the charming streets surrounding the temple, filled with shops and restaurants, before returning to our ryokan for a relaxing evening.

Ryokan Stay and Onsen Experience

As the sun sets, we return to our traditional ryokan, eager to experience the serene Japanese hospitality.

Our accommodation offers a tranquil escape, with tatami-matted rooms and futon bedding. After a day of exploring, we indulge in a private onsen, a soothing hot spring bath. The gentle sound of flowing water and the crisp mountain air create a peaceful ambiance.

We savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner, showcasing the region’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Retiring to our room, we unwind, appreciating the authentic culture that the ryokan stay provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Pack for the Tour?

Let’s pack layers for the variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, toiletries, and any needed medications. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning snow monkeys and cultural sights. Stay hydrated and snack well to make the most of this exciting tour.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on this tour. We’ll work with the local guide to accommodate any dietary preferences or restrictions during the included meals and dining experiences.

Can I Book a Private Tour if I’m Traveling Solo?

We can certainly book a private tour if you’re traveling solo! The tour prices are per person, so you’ll just need to pay the full rate for yourself. Let us know if you have any other questions.

How Much Time Will We Spend at Each Attraction?

We’ll spend around 2-3 hours at each attraction, allowing us to explore at our own pace. The schedule is flexible, so we can adjust the time spent at each site based on our interests.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Ryokan Stay?

For the ryokan stay, we’ll want to pack casual, comfortable clothing. There’s no strict dress code, but most guests opt for traditional yukata robes provided by the inn during their stay. Just be prepared to relax and unwind in traditional Japanese fashion.

The Sum Up

The Nagano Private Two-Day Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. With a highly recommended rating, the tour provides a personalized itinerary, allowing for both guided exploration and independent adventures. Whether you’re seeking a snow monkey encounter or a traditional Ryokan stay, this tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable alpine experience.