Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 57 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee worth booking?
Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee is a 8-hour experience in Nagano, Japan, from $421 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 57 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (57)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $421 per person
Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City. On this tour, you will visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture. Guests will also have a chance to stroll the charming streets of the historic town of Obuse, and enjoy viewing its remaining Edo period buildings, as well as explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan. A Sake tasting experience with detailed explanations from your guide is also included(non-alcoholic options available).
What you get
About this experience
Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City. On this tour, you will visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture. Guests will also have a chance to stroll the charming streets of the historic town of Obuse, and enjoy viewing its remaining Edo period buildings, as well as explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan. A Sake tasting experience with detailed explanations from your guide is also included(non-alcoholic options available).
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- Guided tour at Zenko-ji Temple & Obuse Town
- Private Tour guide
- Sake Tasting
- Snow Monkey Park entry tickets
What you'll see and do
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Once your tour begins, you will board our private tour vehicle and leave the city behind as you are transported to the Snow Monkey Park, located in the onsen town Yudanaka at the foot of the mountains. Your guide will take you along the forest trail which leads to the park and into Jigokudani - rather dramatically translating to 'Hell's Valley'. Home to the only troop of monkeys in the entire world known to bathe in hot springs, there are no barriers separating you from the wild monkeys, making this a unique and memorable experience. Your guide will introduce these truly curious creatures and provide you time to enjoy the unique experience of observing them in close proximity. Make sure to bring your camera as you`re going to need it!
180 minutes here · Admission included
Your guide will then accompany you back along the trail to nearby Hotarutei for a well-deserved lunch and you will enjoy "nabe," meaning "hot pot" in Japanese. Nabe is a classic winter food in Japan and a perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day. To suit individual preferences, you may choose between beef, seafood, or vegetarian nabe. In addition, your meal will include assorted tempura, miso soup, sushi, and tea/coffee. This beautifully prepared, filling lunch is designed to match the season and highlight the best of Nagano's renowned food culture.
60 minutes here
Obuse-machi
Well-fed and content, it's time to head-out of Yudanaka to explore the picturesque town of Obuse, and its remaining Edo-style buildings. Known for its historic character, chestnut delicacies and sake breweries, walking the streets of Obuse provides an incredible opportunity to sample some local specialties and appreciate the local culture of Nagano and Japan as a whole in this stroll through time. After spending some time in Obuse, you will once more board the private vehicle bound for Nagano City
60 minutes here
Zenko-ji Temple
Zenko-ji Temple, as a registered National Treasure, the temple is the most important cultural site in Nagano and one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the entire country! A place of true historic importance, full of legends and myths, you will be guided around the temple before your guide will give you the opportunity to explore the surrounding precinct of smaller temples, shops, and food by yourself. As Japan’s second largest producer of sake, Nagano is synonymous with sake and no visit to the region is complete without delving into Japan’s most famous beverage. Your guide with lead your party to a local producer of sake, and introduce how to differentiate one brew from another as you taste a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The information provided by your guide will allow you to continue to enjoy sake in a meaningful way even after the tour concludes.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Start from Nozawa Onsen
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation Pickup included
Start from Shiga Kogen
Meetup point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation Pickup included
Start from Myoko Kogen
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation Pickup included
Start from Hakuba Ski Resorts
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation Pickup included
Start from Madarao Kogen
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation Pickup included
Start from Nagano City
Meetup Point: Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your accommodation Pickup included
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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 57 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
57 verified traveler reviews for Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Snow Monkeys tour
The Snow Monkey tour was a fantastic experience! Our tour guide Luka was friendly and knowledgeable on the tour. First stop was the beautiful temple in Nagano which was a unique experience. Followed by Sake tasting and lunch, which was also lovely. The Snow Monkeys was a wonderful experience walking through the forest and seeing many Snow Monkeys up close. Overall we would recommend this tour as it was an amazing experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the fantastic review, Teresa! We are thrilled to hear that your private Snow Monkey tour was such a wonderful experience for your group. Luka will be delighted to know that her friendly and knowledgeable guidance made your visits to Zenkoji Temple, the sake tasting, lunch, and the walk through the forest to see the monkeys so special. Thank you for your high recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Nagano for another tour in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect tour to enjoy Nagano
Fantastic! We saw the monkeys coming in from the mountain. The guide was very good and flexible. We changed plans to see the Olympic museum which was no problem. The story of the temple was explained very well.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful private tour exploring Nagano with us. Spotting the snow monkeys as they make their way down from the mountains is always a special moment! We are also glad our guide’s flexibility made it easy to customize the day with a visit to the Olympic Museum, while bringing the rich history of Zenkoji Temple to life for you. Providing a tailored, stress-free experience is what our private tours are all about! Thank you again for choosing Snow Monkey Resorts. It was a absolute pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to welcoming you back on another one of our tours in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Great day with the Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji
Dillon was an awesome guide. We had a great day. Snow Monkeys were a blast and saw 100s of them. Lunch was amazing, and Zenko-ji Temple was super interesting and beautiful. Dillon was fun and informative and made this a great private family excursion
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that your excursion was such a success. Dillon is fantastic at tailoring the experience to each group, and he’ll be so happy to hear he helped make the day fun and informative for your whole family. Seeing hundreds of monkeys is quite the sight, as it sounds like you caught them on a very active day! We’re also glad you enjoyed the beauty of Zenkoji and that lunch was satisfactory. We hope these memories stay with your family for years to come! Best wishes, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
Our first time to Nagano....
Our first time to Nagano. It was a great trip with our guide Jake. We saw many snow monkeys along with many different sites. The hot pot lunch was great too. We would recommend people take this tour.
via Viator
Snow Monkey Tour Outing (plus fabulous lunch)
We were staying in Hakuba and wanted a day off skiing so booked the tour which was a great day out. Our guide Hana was super lovely and friendly. The monkeys were out in good numbers, the lunch superb and the temple great to see.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for the review! We love being the go-to choice for a day off the skis in Hakuba. It’s the perfect way to rest the legs while still seeing the best of Nagano! We’re thrilled the monkeys decided to show up in great numbers for you and that the lunch hit the spot. We hope that day of rest gave you all the energy you needed to get back on the powder! We hope to see you all again on your next trip to Japan! Warmly, The Snow Monkey Resorts Team
via Tripadvisor
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
- $421 to $181,600
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- 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 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nagano.
How much does Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee cost?
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Prices start at $421 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 57 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee?
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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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee?
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Around 20 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee?
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Included: Lunch; Private transportation; Guided tour at Zenko-ji Temple & Obuse Town; Private Tour guide; and Sake Tasting. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 119 listed pickup locations in and around Nagano. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee?
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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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee 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 Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee?
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Across 57 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Start from Nozawa Onsen, Start from Shiga Kogen, Start from Myoko Kogen, Start from Hakuba Ski Resorts. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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