Explore Nagano’s historic Zenko-ji Temple, savor sake, and witness snow monkeys in their natural habitat on this guided full-day tour.
Explore Nagano’s historic Zenko-ji Temple, savor sake, and witness snow monkeys in their natural habitat on this guided full-day tour.
- Zenko-ji Temple - As one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most significant Buddhist temples, Zenko-ji serves as the spiritual center of Nagano. With a history spanning nearly 1400 years, the temple is steeped in legend and myth, which your guide will help unravel as they lead you through the temple grounds, followed by some free time (if time…
- Zenko-ji Temple - As one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most significant Buddhist temples, Zenko-ji serves as the spiritual center of Nagano. With a history spanning nearly 1400 years, the temple is steeped in legend and myth, which your guide will help unravel as they lead you through the temple grounds, followed by some free time (if time allows).
- Nishimon Yoshinoya - Known for its numerous breweries, Nagano is synonymous with sake, and no visit to the area is complete without exploring Japan’s most renowned beverage. Your guide will offer a sake tasting experience and introduce you to the intriguing world of this traditional Japanese drink.
- Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park - Established in 1964, Nagano’s renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the only group of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. With no barriers between you and the monkeys (rest assured, they are very gentle), this is a rare chance to observe these fascinating creatures up close as they wander around, play, groom each other, and of course, relax in their favorite hot spring! Your guide will explain what makes them so unique and famous while allowing ample time for you to explore independently.
Please note that the estimated time at the monkey park includes walking in and out along the forest trail - 1.6km each way / 25 minutes each way in summer, slightly longer in winter. We strive to provide our guests with 1 hour in the park to observe the monkeys.
- Obuse Onsen Kannon-no-yu - Obuse (小布施) is a charming town in northern Nagano Prefecture with an attractive town center. Hokusai, a celebrated Edo Period (1603-1867) woodblock artist, best known for his ukiyo-e woodblock print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, spent his later years in Obuse with his patron and student, Takai Kozan, a wealthy local merchant and art lover.
Several of the town’s attractions are related to the artist and his patron, including the Hokusai Museum, the Takai Kozan Museum, and the painted ceiling of a local temple. Obuse is also famous for its seasonal produce, particularly the locally grown chestnuts.
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Hokusai Museum
Hokusai (北斎, 1760-1849) is one of the most renowned Edo Period artists, best known for his ukiyo-e woodblock series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”, which depicts scenes of the famous mountain, including the iconic “Great Wave off Kanagawa”. -
Old Town
During the Edo Period (1603-1867), Obuse was a thriving town rich in art and culture.

- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Tolls & Taxes
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All Tolls & Taxes
- Lunch
- Entry tickets less than $10
- Enter/Admission - Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park less than $10
- Lunch
- Entry tickets less than $10
- Enter/Admission - Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park less than $10
Set off on a full-day private excursion from Tokyo to Nagano in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an English-speaking driver-chauffeur. Discover the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and the historic Zenko-ji Temple, with optional visits to Obuse, Shibu Onsen, or Nishimon Nagano. Benefit from door-to-door service, bottled water,…
Set off on a full-day private excursion from Tokyo to Nagano in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an English-speaking driver-chauffeur. Discover the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and the historic Zenko-ji Temple, with optional visits to Obuse, Shibu Onsen, or Nishimon Nagano. Benefit from door-to-door service, bottled water, tolls, and parking—all included. The itinerary is entirely customizable to suit your pace and preferences. Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to Reserve Now, Pay Later—ideal for a stress-free travel experience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.