Snow Monkey, Shiga Kogen Roman Museum With Lunch Buffet

Nestled in the picturesque Shiga Kogen region, the Snow Monkey tour offers a captivating encounter with Japan’s iconic primate residents. Departing from Shinjuku, this day trip combines the enchanting hot spring-bathing experience with a visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, providing a unique blend of nature and culture. Complementing the adventure, a sumptuous buffet lunch featuring an impressive array of 130 dishes promises to delight the senses. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an enriching day out, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

Experience the iconic snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
Enjoy a buffet lunch with a wide variety of 130 different dishes.
Hassle-free transportation with coach service from Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Explore the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum during the tour.
Warm clothing and comfortable shoes recommended due to the snowy environment.

Overview of the Tour

The tour offers visitors the chance to experience the captivating sight of snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Departing from Shinjuku in Tokyo, the day trip includes coach transport and prebooked entry tickets, eliminating the hassle of complex public transportation.

Recommended by 100% of travelers with a 4.9 rating from 10 reviews, the tour provides a hassle-free way to witness this natural wonder.

The snow monkey experience is complemented by a buffet lunch featuring a variety of 130 dishes, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable excursion.

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Transportation and Meeting Details

When does the tour depart from Shinjuku? The tour departs from the Shinjuku Center Building at 7:15 AM.

This coach service eliminates the need for complex public transportation, providing a hassle-free commute. After the tour, you will return to the same meeting point.

The tour requires a minimum of 15 participants to confirm, with notification sent via email if it’s canceled.

The tour includes:

Departure from Shinjuku Center Building
Coach transportation to and from the tour
Return to the original meeting point

Tour Inclusions and Options

Along With the transportation arrangements, the tour includes a buffet lunch with a variety of 130 different food items. Guests can opt for a shabu-shabu lunch instead.

A tour escort or host is provided throughout the day to ensure a smooth experience. The air-conditioned vehicle offers comfort during the trip.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and vegetarian menu options can be accommodated upon request.

These inclusions aim to provide a well-rounded and catered experience for the snow monkey tour participants.

Important Information and Guidelines

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

To ensure a comfortable experience, visitors are advised to wear warm clothing, gloves, and comfortable shoes, as the 40-minute walk on a snowy road can be challenging.

Plus, guests are reminded not to feed the monkeys, as this is strictly prohibited.

Due to weather conditions, there’s a possibility that the monkeys may not be in the hot springs during the visit.

If traffic permits, a stop at the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum may be included, but this is subject to change.

Wear warm clothes, gloves, and comfortable shoes
40-minute walk on a snowy road
No feeding of monkeys
Monkeys may not be in hot springs due to weather
Visit to Shiga Kogen Roman Museum may be cut due to traffic

Customer Feedback and Experience

Positive reviews of the tour highlighted the enjoyable experience and the generous lunch buffet provided. Feedback lauded the tour guide’s professionalism and organization during delays.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Enjoyable experience	Long travel times
Generous lunch buffet	Desire for clearer scheduling information
Tour guide’s professionalism	–
Tour guide’s organization during delays	–

While some noted the long travel times and wished for clearer scheduling information, the overall experience was well-received by participants.

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Explore the Snow Monkey Park

What makes the Snow Monkey Park at Jigokudani such a unique and captivating destination? Nestled in the Japanese Alps, the park offers a rare opportunity to observe Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, as they bathe in the natural hot springs to escape the harsh winter.

Visitors can witness the monkeys’ social interactions, playful behaviors, and adaptations to the snowy environment. The park features:

Steaming natural hot springs where the monkeys congregate
Lush, forested landscapes blanketed in snow
Elevated viewing platforms for optimal observation
Guided tours to learn about the monkeys’ habitat and behaviors
Chance encounters with the curious and photogenic primates.

Visit the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum

Although the tour’s primary focus is on the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum during the day trip from Tokyo. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that provide insights into the region’s Roman-influenced history and culture. While the visit may be cut short due to traffic, guests can still appreciate the unique architectural design and learn about the area’s fascinating past. The museum visit complements the snow monkey experience, offering a well-rounded culture.

Feature	Details
Location	Shiga Kogen, Nagano Prefecture
Exhibits	Roman-influenced artifacts and cultural displays
Visit Duration	Potentially shortened due to traffic concerns

Indulge in the Lunch Buffet

After exploring the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, the tour participants can look forward to indulging in a generous lunch buffet.

The lunch includes a wide variety of 130 Japanese and Western dishes, catering to diverse palates. Highlights include:

Sushi and sashimi
Yakitori and tempura
Salads and vegetable dishes
Warm comfort foods like ramen and curry
An assortment of desserts

For those preferring a more interactive dining experience, the option for a Shabu-shabu lunch is available.

The tour’s all-inclusive nature ensures a satisfying midday meal, fueling participants for the remainder of the day’s activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own food on the tour. The tour package includes a buffet lunch with a variety of 130 foods, and an option for a Shabu-shabu lunch is also available.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps during the coach transport. It’s suitable for guests of all ages, though the 40-minute walk on snowy roads may be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snow Equipment?

No, guests don’t need to bring their own snow equipment. The tour provides warm clothing like gloves and requires comfortable shoes, but the 40-minute walk on the snowy road doesn’t require specialized gear.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Snow Monkey Park?

The tour does not allow for an extended stay at the Snow Monkey Park. Participants must return to the meeting point in Shinjuku after the scheduled activities. Any requests for additional time would need to be arranged separately from the guided tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Lunch Package?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the lunch package. Guests can choose a Shabu-shabu lunch instead of the standard buffet, for an additional cost. This provides more variety and a more premium dining experience.

The Sum Up

The Snow Monkey tour to Shiga Kogen Roman Museum offers a captivating experience. Travelers can explore the fascinating behavior of snow monkeys, visit the museum, and indulge in a delectable lunch buffet. With convenient transportation and expert guidance, this day trip is an enriching outing for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.