• Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) - Upon reaching the entrance of Snow Monkey Park, enjoy a scenic 30 to 45-minute walk along the 1.6 km forest trail, guided by your leader. Once inside, delight in observing the macaques as they play, engage in friendly tussles, and soak in the hot springs.
• Togakushi Shrine Chusha - Visit the “Chusha,” the middle shrine of Togakushi, and explore the surroundings while your guide shares insights into the history of the five shrines and Japanese mythology.
• Togakushi Shrine Okusha - Arrive at the trailhead leading to the “Okusha,” the inner shrine of Togakushi. Stroll down the path to the red gate “Zuijinmon,” and admire the stunning rows of ancient cedar trees that line the trail.

• Guided tour to the Snow Monkey Park
• Guided tour of Togakushi Shrine grounds
• Japanese-style lunch
• Transportation from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park, Togakushi, and between activities
• Snow Monkey Park entry fee
• English-speaking guide

• Additional food, snacks & drinks
• Shinkansen / ‘Bullet Train’ tickets
• Accommodation

Discover two of Nagano’s most breathtaking attractions: the renowned Snow Monkey Park, home to delightful hot spring-bathing macaque monkeys, and Togakushi Shrine, also referred to as the “Five Shrines,” celebrated for its awe-inspiring forest path bordered by majestic ancient cedar trees.

Commencing at Nagano Station, this tour leads to Jigokudani Monkey Park, famously known as the Snow Monkey Park, where visitors can observe Nagano’s most famous inhabitants—the Japanese macaque monkeys enjoying their natural hot spring. Following a traditional Japanese lunch at a local eatery, the journey continues to the 1,000-year-old Togakushi Shrine complex. Here, guests can explore its rich spiritual heritage and stroll along the cedar-lined path to the “Okusha,” or inner shrine. Experience Nagano’s distinctive nature and wildlife while gaining insights into Japanese culture, Shinto practices, and religious history, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

• There will be a significant amount of walking required, 1.6km to and from the Snow Monkey Park, and 2 km each way to the Togakushi Okusha and back. Both of these are forest trails, which can be muddy, slippery, or icy, depending on the season and weather. Please wear appropriate shoes/boots, check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point, and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for mobility-impaired travelers. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
• This tour uses different forms of transport. Tours can be conducted by microbus, larger coach or train depending on the season and size of the group.
• From mid-December until early April, the trail to the Snow Monkey Park and Togakushi Okusha are likely to be affected by snow and ice. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons (metal spikes that attach underneath your shoes/boots) can also be purchased there. From mid-December until early-March please wear suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C).
• During the winter it is common to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring, and from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath.
• There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park.
• Please note that the path from the Zuijinmon (red gate) in Togakushi to the Okusha (inner shrine) is closed during the winter months, from around late November to mid-April. If you join the tour in the winter, you will still be able to see the Zuijinmon and the giant cedar trees, but not walk all the way to the end. The rest of the tour will operate as usual.
• Infants (0-5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order will be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs. We also cannot guarantee that a seat on the tour transport will be available for infants and they may be required to sit in the lap of an adult, especially during winter i.e. from December to March.
• Booking cut-off time is an hour before the pick up time on the day.
• Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.