Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake worth booking?
Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake is a 8-hour experience in Nagano, Japan, from $142 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $142 per person
Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.
What's included
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Myoko Kogen & Madarao Kogen.
- English-speaking guide
- Guided sake tasting
- Lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
- Entry to the Snow Monkey Park
What you'll see and do
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Starting with pickups from multiple locations, the tour begins at 08:40 from the Akakura Hot Spring Sightseeing Information Center, followed by the Shin-Akakura bus stop, and Hotel Madarao. From there, travel towards the Snow Monkey Park. Upon arrival around 10:30, your guide will lead you along the scenic forest trail into Jigokudani—aptly named ‘Hell’s Valley’ due to its steamy volcanic activity.
240 minutes here · Admission included
After exiting the park, enjoy a delicious winter hotpot lunch made from fresh, local ingredients; Expect a satisfying meal that showcases the flavors of Nagano. For those who wish to try local wines, sake, and beer, you can order and pay directly at the counter to enjoy the spirits of Nagano.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Zenko-ji Temple
Well-fed, you’ll continue to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered religious sites, dating back to 642. Your guide will provide insights into the temple’s history and legends before allowing you some free time to explore the surrounding district, where you can browse quaint shops and sample local delicacies. At approximately 16:45, rejoin your group and board the bus for the return trip to Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen, with drop-offs at the same locations in reverse order, arriving back by 19:05.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Nagano
Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time.
Meeting point
Nagano
The next meet up point is the Akakura Kanko Resort Bus stop at 08:50. Many local buses operate from the bus stop, so be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're boarding the correct bus to join the tour.
Meeting point
Nagano
The meetup point is right outside of the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:40.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time.
Ends at
The next meet up point is the Akakura Kanko Resort Bus stop at 08:50. Many local buses operate from the bus stop, so be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're boarding the correct bus to join the tour.
Ends at
The meetup point is right outside of the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:40.
Options you can book
From Akakura Kanko Resort Bus
Meetup location: Meet up at Akakura Kanko Resort Bus Stop at 08:50. Make sure to look for a guide holding a Snow Monkey Resorts Sign Starting point: 216 Tagiri, Myoko, Niigata 949-2102, Japan
From Akakura Sightseeing Cntr
Meetup location: The meetup is at the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center at 08:40 Look for a guide holding a Snow Monkey Resort sign Starting point: Akakura Onsen, 585-1 Akakura, Myoko, Niigata 949-2111, Japan
From Hotel Madarao Kogen
Meetup location: Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. Starting point: Madarao Kogen Hotel, 11492-321 Iiyama, Nagano 389-2257, 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 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Snow monkey tour
What an awesome day with Ryusei. Really easy to get along with and great English skills and knowledge of all aspects of the trip. Flexible to change itinerary timings slightly to improve the experience. Everything was easy and the food was awesome I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would definitely recommend
Response from the operator: Dear Brent, Thank you so much for the review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an awesome day exploring with Ryusei. We do our best at being flexible and adjusting the timing to make sure our guests get the absolute best experience possible. We’re so glad the English communication, the food, and the logistics from Myoko/Madarao all felt easy and seamless for you. We hope to welcome you to one of our experiences again across Japan soon! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
A very enjoyable day tour
Our guide was very informative and helpful and the itinerary was also good . With the authentic lunch a pleasant bonus
Response from the operator: Dear John, Thank you so much for your kind review! We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable day with us. We often find that while the monkeys are the main draw, the lunch becomes a favorite memory for many of our guests, so we are thrilled it was a pleasant bonus for you! It was a pleasure hosting you from the Myoko/Madarao area, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to your guide. We hope to welcome you around the Nagano area or in greater Japan sometime soon! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
A blast
The tour exceeded our expectations. To my surprise, my husband and I were the only ones on the trip. So that was a great bonus. Yama was our guide and he was amazing. Knowledgeable, personable, fun, engaging, and just really got to know us as people. The tour itself was also just amazing. Such a well rounded tour with lots to do and see. Snow monkeys were so neat. Lunch was AMAZING. Zenkoji Temple and surrounding around was so cool. Lots to do. I would highly recommend this trip.
Response from the operator: Dear Rebekah, What a blast it was to read your review! We are so happy that the stars aligned and you ended up with a private experience, as it’s always a wonderful bonus when that happens, as it allows our guides to really connect with our guests. Yama was thrilled to hear your kind words. He truly enjoyed getting to know you both as people, rather than just as "tourists," and he’s so glad he could make the temple and the monkey park come alive for you. We are also delighted that the lunch hit the AMAZING mark! Although your winter getaway might be over, we would love to welcome you back to Nagano or introduce you to more of our experiences across Japan from now on! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Day in Nagano – Don’t miss this!
We had an incredible day with Dillon! We started at the Snow Monkeys and we arrived right as they were being fed. We saw so many of them and got some amazing photos! After an extremely delicious lunch, we visited Zenkoji Temple. Dillon was knowledgeable about the history and significance of the temple, which made the visit much more meaningful. We finished the day with a fantastic sake tasting. Throughout the entire trip, Dillon was extremely nice, patient, and informative. He really looked after us and made the whole experience seamless. We highly recommend booking with him!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, What a perfect day indeed! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are thrilled you arrived at the park just in time for the feeding, as seeing that much activity is always a highlight and makes for some truly amazing photos! Dillon was absolutely delighted to hear your feedback. He believes that the history of Zenkoji is what makes the temple come alive, so he’s very happy he could make that visit more meaningful for you. It’s also great to hear that the lunch and sake tasting hit the mark! Even though the winter snow has melted, Nagano is beautiful in every season. We would love to welcome you back or show you around other parts of Japan through our various experiences from now on! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Day in Nagano – Don’t miss this!
We had an incredible day with Dillon! We started at the Snow Monkeys and we arrived right as they were being fed. We saw so many of them and got some amazing photos! After an extremely delicious lunch, we visited Zenkoji Temple. Dillon was knowledgeable about the history and significance of the temple, which made the visit much more meaningful. We finished the day with a fantastic sake tasting. Throughout the entire trip, Dillon was extremely nice, patient, and informative. He really looked after us and made the whole experience seamless. We highly recommend booking with him!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $142 to $21,800
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.), who run 124 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.) runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nagano.
How much does Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake cost?
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Prices start at $142 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 Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Nagano, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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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 Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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Around 3 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake 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 Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano, 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle, 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour. 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.
What is included in Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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Included: Round-trip transportation from Myoko Kogen & Madarao Kogen; English-speaking guide; Guided sake tasting; Lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available); and Entry to the Snow Monkey Park. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Nagano. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including From Akakura Kanko Resort Bus, From Akakura Sightseeing Cntr, From Hotel Madarao Kogen. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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