1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 101 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour worth booking?
1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour is a 9-hour experience in Nagano, Japan, from $171 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 101 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (101)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $171 per person
This adventurous one-day tour combines a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani with morning of fun in the deep powder snow of Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort! Including lunch and led by a locally-
What you get
About this experience
This adventurous one-day tour combines a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani with morning of fun in the deep powder snow of Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort! Including lunch and led by a locally-based, English-speaking guide, this tour follows a simple equation: snow monkeys + lots more snow = big fun in Shiga Kogen!
What's included
Included
- Snow activity fees in Shiga Kogen
- Lunch
- English-speaking guide
- Entry fee to the Snow Monkey Park
- Transportation from your desired meetup point to all tour destinations and back.
Not included
- Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets to / from Nagano
- Rental clothing including snow jackets, pants, and boots
- Additional snacks, food & drinks
- Accommodation
- Skiing or snowboarding at Shiga Kogen
What you'll see and do
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
You will be transported to the central area of Shiga Kogen for a morning of snow fun, with an activity area sectioned-off for you to enjoy using snowscoots, snowdrives, and good old-fashioned sleds and tubes. While at the resort you will also have time for lunch a restaurant next to the ski fields - included in the price of the tour.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Meet these truly curious creatures and have time to enjoy the unique experience of observing them in close proximity. Your guide will introduce you to everything that makes them so unique and famous while giving you plenty of time to explore for yourself. Please note that 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 endeavor to give our guests 1 hour in the park to observe the monkeys.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Nagano
For guests joining from Yudanaka Station: your guide will meet you at Yudanaka Station at 09:50. Your guide will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and guide ID. The tour will need to depart immediately so please ensure you are at the meeting point in advance of the meeting time.
Meeting point
Nagano
The meetup point is at the entrance of Hotel Kokusai 21 at 08:20. Please note that this is a group tour and not a private tour. Your guide will not have time to wait or call up to your room so please ensure you are at the hotel entrance in advance of the meetup time so that the tour is not delayed.
Meeting point
Nagano
In front of the Information Board at 08:45 Nagano Station across the Shinkansen ticket gates. Your guide will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and guide ID. The tour will need to depart by 08:40 so please ensure you are at the meeting point in advance of the meeting time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
For guests joining from Yudanaka Station: your guide will meet you at Yudanaka Station at 09:50. Your guide will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and guide ID. The tour will need to depart immediately so please ensure you are at the meeting point in advance of the meeting time.
Ends at
The meetup point is at the entrance of Hotel Kokusai 21 at 08:20. Please note that this is a group tour and not a private tour. Your guide will not have time to wait or call up to your room so please ensure you are at the hotel entrance in advance of the meetup time so that the tour is not delayed.
Ends at
In front of the Information Board at 08:45 Nagano Station across the Shinkansen ticket gates. Your guide will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and guide ID. The tour will need to depart by 08:40 so please ensure you are at the meeting point in advance of the meeting time.
Options you can book
Start from Yudanaka Station
Meeting Point: Yudanaka Stn: Please wait on or near the stairs of Yudanaka Station on the side with ticket gates and office at 9:50 Starting point: Yudanaka Station, Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Start from Nagano Station
Meeting Point Nagano Station: In front of the Information Board at 08:45 Nagano Station across the Shinkansen ticket gates. Starting point: Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests are required to walk in and out of the monkey park along a 1.6km / 1 mile trail. In winter, the trail and park will be affected by snow and ice. This walk should not be attempted by anyone who is mobility impaired, in a wheelchair or cannot confidently walk an extended distance over snow and ice. If you have concerns about you or a member of your group's ability to handle the conditions, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
- This tour does not include skiing or snowboarding, nor is there the time to arrange your own skiing and snowboarding while at the resort.
- There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park or that the monkeys leave the park early. While this is unlikely to happen, it is possible and is outside of our control.
- While unlikely, should weather or road conditions make it impossible to access Shiga Kogen, we would switch the activity to a visit to Zenko-ji Temple. As we cannot confirm weather conditions until the day of the tour, we would not be able to notify guests of the change in advance.
- Infants (0-5) are free of charge. (No tour meal is included. Please order foods directly from the restaurant.)
- This tour is insured however as the guest, you are required to have your own travel insurance which covers snow activities including riding chairlifts and using snowdrives, snowscoots, sleds, and tubes. Please confirm that your insurance policy covers this activity prior to the tour.
- The temperature in the Shiga Highlands in the winter is cold and can be minus 5 – 10 degrees. Dress in warm, waterproof clothing and boots for snow activities. Snow outfits (snow jackets, pants, gloves, snow boots) are available to rent for ¥500 each. Crampons may be purchased at Snow Monkey Park, if needed.
- Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 101 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
101 verified traveler reviews for 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Super duper fun, great company and service!
The tour guide, Mr. Dillon was really fun, engaging, friendly, and helpful! Same goes for our tour driver, (Unfortunately we forgot his name but he’s been over to Bali, Indonesia 6 times) he was so polite, kind, and ready to help us.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for such a "super duper" review! We are smiling from ear to ear reading about your time in Shiga Kogen. Dillon was absolutely thrilled to hear your feedback. It’s connections like these that make our tours special, and we’re so glad you felt well-taken care of by both of them. We hope you have a wonderful time on your next adventure in Japan or the wider world. Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour
Excellent trip! Would definitely recommend. Our guide Hiroshi was very friendly and knowledgeable. The snow fun was great on slopes that were very quiet with lots of sledge options to choose from. The lunch was very tasty and relaxed and then to the snow monkeys where we had plenty of time to walk around and take pictures before stopping at the cafe for a snow monkey latte!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for the recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that you had such an excellent day exploring Shiga Kogen and visiting the monkeys. Hiroshi was delighted by your kind words. We’re also so glad you saved time for a Snow Monkey latte at the end; it’s the absolute best way to warm up after a walk through the park. It sounds like you had a perfectly balanced day of adventure and relaxation, and we couldn’t be happier for you! We hope to welcome you back in Nagano or the greater Japan area sometime soon! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
Awesome Tour!
Can’t recommend this tour enough. Jake was awesome! He was super friendly and managed to answer all 5000 of my partners questions. Lunch was fantastic and the park was beautiful. Definitely worth getting some shoe spikes if you go in winter (you can buy them before you go in for 1300 yen). Also worth getting some apple pie!
Response from the operator: Dear Elliot, Thank you so much for the awesome review! We had a good laugh about your partner’s 5,000 questions—don't worry, Jake actually loves the curiosity! He was delighted to hear your feedback and is glad he could help make the day so informative. You are absolutely right about the shoe spikes! Even as the winter season wraps up, we would love to welcome you back to Nagano or show you more of Japan through our other experiences from now on. Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
Great day trip
So worth the time to go see the snow monkeys, magic! Kei was a wonderful tour guide with lots of great recommendations as well for a fun trip!
Response from the operator: Dear Sarah, Thank you so much for the review! We are thrilled that you found the snow monkeys as magical as we do. Kei was so happy to hear your kind words, so we’re glad those tips helped make your trip even more fun. It sounds like you had a wonderful day exploring Shiga Kogen and the monkey park with her. Now that you’ve experienced the magic of our winter season, we would love to welcome you back to see the mountains in their summer green, or explore another part of Japan with us through our various experiences in Japan from now on! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
60 and first time playing in the snow!
We had the best day ever!!! For my 60th birthday I wanted to see and play in the snow, as living in the tropics it was something I'd always longed to do. Dillon was so much fun. He made us feel young again with his enthusiasm. We played like kids in the snow. Lunch was delicious, (I couldn't eat it all) Then it was up to see the snow monkeys, they are so healthy, as they are let roam free. It snowed most of the day. My husband and I were so impressed at how well Dillon spoke Japanese. Thanks again Dillon, we will not forget this magical day. :)
Response from the operator: Dear Tracey, We are so incredibly honored that you chose to spend such a special milestone with us. There is nothing quite like seeing snow for the first time, and hearing that you and your husband "played like kids" is the best birthday gift we could have asked for! Dillon had a blast with you both and was so impressed by your energy. We are so glad the monkeys were active and that you got to experience a true Nagano snowfall. We hope your 60th year is as magical as that snowy day in Shiga Kogen. Please come back and visit us again whenever you miss the cold, or wish to have more experiences throughout Japan! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $171 to $25800
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 35
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nagano.
How much does 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour cost?
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Prices start at $171 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Nagano usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Nagano is not rushed.
Is 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 101 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Nagano, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour?
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Around 35 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Nagano can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Nagano and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Nagano within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Nagano?
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On Outty we rank every Nagano experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle, 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano, Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Nagano?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Nagano?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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