Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour With Beef Sukiyaki Lunch From Tokyo

In the heart of Nagano, we have a chance to witness the remarkable Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, as they soak in natural hot springs. This one-day tour from Tokyo offers an immersive experience, complete with a traditional beef sukiyaki lunch and a visit to the enchanting Kamakura no Sato. With an English-speaking guide and a small group, we’ll be able to fully appreciate the winter wonderland and the unique wildlife encounter. Let’s dive in and explore the wonders of this captivating region.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Tokyo to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture to observe Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs.
• Includes a traditional Japanese lunch featuring beef sukiyaki, with vegetarian options available.
• Led by an English-speaking guide with a maximum of 40 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Involves a 4-hour bus journey and a 30-minute walk from the parking area to the park entrance.
• Not suitable for those with mobility issues, pregnant travelers, or those with back problems due to the physical demands.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Tokyo to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture allows us to observe the fascinating Japanese macaques as they bathe in the natural hot springs at an elevation of 2,789 feet (850 meters) above sea level.

We’ll also visit Kamakura no Sato to see snow huts lit up, available January 20th through February 26th.

The tour includes a traditional Japanese lunch featuring beef sukiyaki, with vegetarian options available.

Led by an English-speaking guide, this small-group tour has a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Itinerary and Logistics

We’ll depart from Shinjuku LOVE Object at 7:45 AM and make the 4-hour bus journey to Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Once there, we’ll have a 30-minute walk from the parking area to the park entrance. Depending on the season, the final leg of our journey may involve a bus or a walk.

In total, our day will last around 12 hours, with 2 hours spent at the monkey park.

The itinerary includes:

1. 4-hour bus ride to the park
2. 30-minute walk from parking to park entrance
3. 2 hours observing the monkeys at the park

Accessibility and Considerations

Although the Nagano Snow Monkey Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to sit on laps during the journey.

Pregnant travelers and those with back problems should avoid this tour due to the physical demands.

We recommend wearing non-slip shoes and dressing warmly in winter gear, as the paths may be snowy and icy.

Remember, the monkeys are wild animals, so don’t engage or stare directly at them.

Following these considerations will help ensure a comfortable and safe experience as you witness the stunning sight of Japanese macaques bathing in the natural hot springs.

Highlights of the Experience

Embarking on the Nagano Snow Monkey Tour offers a truly unique and breathtaking experience.

We’ll observe Japanese macaques relaxing in the natural hot springs 2,789 feet above sea level.

The highlights include:

1. Watching the snow monkeys bathe and play in the steaming waters, a mesmerizing sight that exemplifies the harmony between nature and wildlife.

2. Visiting Kamakura no Sato to see the snow huts lit up, a magical display that evokes the tranquility of the winter landscape (available January 20th – February 26th).

3. Indulging in a traditional Japanese lunch featuring the delectable beef sukiyaki, complemented by vegetarian options.

Culinary Experience

Diving into the culinary experience, the traditional Japanese lunch promises to delight our taste buds.

We’ll savor the mouthwatering beef sukiyaki, a classic hot pot dish. The thinly sliced beef simmers in a flavorful broth, accompanied by an array of fresh vegetables.

Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal. The authentic Japanese flavors transport us to the heart of the country’s cuisine.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the regional culinary traditions.

A truly memorable and satisfying dining experience complements our day exploring the enchanting Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

We’ve reviewed 64 guest reviews for this Nagano Snow Monkey Tour, which reveal a strong 91% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Most guests praise the tour’s organization, knowledgeable guides, and delicious lunch. However, some note the long travel time and physical demands of the hike.

To improve, they suggest:

1. Clearer pre-trip communication about logistics and appropriate footwear.
2. More flexibility for those with mobility challenges.
3. Shorter travel time, if possible, to maximize time at the monkey park.

Tour Inclusions and Requirements

The Nagano Snow Monkey Tour includes a full-day excursion from Tokyo to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, situated at an elevation of 2,789 feet (850 meters) above sea level. We’ll observe the famous Japanese macaques bathing in the park’s natural hot springs. Along the way, we’ll stop at Kamakura no Sato to see the snow huts lit up, available from January 20th to February 26th. Our traditional Japanese lunch will feature beef sukiyaki, with vegetarian options available. To ensure your comfort, we recommend wearing non-slip shoes and winter gear due to the snow and ice.

Tour Highlights	Tour Details
Observe monkeys in hot springs	4-hour bus ride from Tokyo
Visit snow huts at Kamakura no Sato	30-minute walk to park entrance
Enjoy beef sukiyaki lunch	Tour duration around 12 hours

Additional Details

Although the tour itinerary is subject to change based on road conditions, you can expect to receive your confirmation details upon booking.

We’ll do our best to provide you with an exceptional experience.

Here are 3 additional details about the tour:

1. The lunch menu may vary based on available provisions, but you can look forward to savoring authentic Japanese cuisine like beef sukiyaki.

2. During the tour, you’ll have opportunities to use the restroom and purchase snacks to fuel your adventure.

3. Feel free to capture memorable moments with your camera, but please be mindful of the monkeys’ space and avoid direct interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour With a Group?

Yes, we can book the tour as a group. The tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, so you can reserve spots for your whole group to enjoy this unique wildlife experience together.

Does the Tour Include Any Free Time for Exploration?

We get around 2 hours at the Jigokudani Monkey Park, which gives us ample time to observe the famous snow monkeys and explore the area. The tour doesn’t include additional free time for independent exploration during the day.

Are the Hot Springs Open for Swimming?

Unfortunately, the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park are not open for swimming. The monkeys use the natural hot springs to keep warm, but visitors are not allowed to enter the pools. We’ll have to observe the monkeys from the viewing platforms during our visit.

Can I Bring My Own Food to the Tour?

We do not recommend bringing your own food on this tour. The tour includes a traditional Japanese lunch, and the facilities at the monkey park do not allow for outside food and drinks. Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions we can accommodate.

Is There an Option to Extend My Stay in Nagano?

Unfortunately, this tour does not offer an option to extend your stay in Nagano. The tour is a full-day experience with a set itinerary and return time to Tokyo. If you’d like to explore Nagano further, you’ll need to plan a separate trip or extend your travels independently.

The Sum Up

This Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the captivating sight of Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs against a stunning winter backdrop. With a convenient departure from Tokyo, a delectable beef sukiyaki lunch, and an experienced English-speaking guide, it’s an enriching experience that lets us immerse ourselves in the beauty of Nagano’s natural wonders. If you’re seeking a memorable wildlife encounter, this tour is well worth considering.