Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo worth booking?
Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo is a 12.7-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥39,000 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (28)
- Duration
- 12.7 hours
- From
- ¥39,000 per person
Travel from Tokyo to Nagano with included round-trip Shinkansen tickets and explore the region’s highlights on a guided day tour. Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to see Japan’s wild snow monkeys up close, with seasonal scenery throughout the year. Discover the 1,400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, and explore Nakamise Shopping Street with a local expert. Learn about Nagano’s food culture through regional specialties such as oyaki, shichimi pepper, and miso while uncovering the stories behind historic shops and local traditions. This tour combines nature, history, and local flavors for an unforgettable day trip from Tokyo.
What you get
About this experience
Travel from Tokyo to Nagano with included round-trip Shinkansen tickets and explore the region’s highlights on a guided day tour. Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to see Japan’s wild snow monkeys up close, with seasonal scenery throughout the year. Discover the 1,400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, and explore Nakamise Shopping Street with a local expert. Learn about Nagano’s food culture through regional specialties such as oyaki, shichimi pepper, and miso while uncovering the stories behind historic shops and local traditions. This tour combines nature, history, and local flavors for an unforgettable day trip from Tokyo.
What's included
Included
- Local expert guide for the Nakamise Foodie Tour and Zenko-ji Temple visit
- Transportation via public transportation and/or chartered vehicle
- National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
- Round-trip Shinkansen tickets between Tokyo and Nagano (ordinary car reserved seating)
- Monkey park admission fee
Not included
- Guide (during train ride between Tokyo and Nagano)
- Lunch
- Fees other than those listed in Includes
What you'll see and do
Please make your own way to Tokyo Station. Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen (ordinary car reserved seating) and head to Nagano. There is no accompanying National Government Licensed Guide while on board the Shinkansen.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Please meet the guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign at Nagano Station Concourse (2nd floor) in front of the Nagano City Tourist Information Center by 9:50 AM. The tour will depart at 10:00 AM towards the first destination.
Pass by without stopping
Zenko-ji Temple
Zenko-ji is one of Japan's renowned ancient temples with a history of about 1,400 years. Its magnificent architectural beauty and deep faith, including the Main Hall designated as a National Treasure, captivate visitors. A guide from the Bonsho-no-Kai authorized guide group will be in charge of guidance in the Zenko-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street area. There will be an accompanying English-speaking guide in Zenko-ji Temple as well.
60 minutes here
Zenko-ji Temple Nakamisedori
The accompanying Zenko-ji Temple Local Expert will introduce the profound charm of the temple and Nakamise Shopping Street in its entirety. This is a special opportunity for foodies to gain a deeper understanding of historical shops and hidden gems that would be overlooked without commentary from the local Expert, and to get in touch with the essence of Nagano Prefecture’s food culture.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Zenko-ji Temple Nakamisedori
Free Time for Sightseeing and Lunch on your own. Take advantage of the knowledge gained from the commentary by Zenko-ji Temple Local Expert, and revisit some restaurants and foodie spots that caught your eye. This is a great opportunity to deepen your own unique Nagano culinary experience by savoring various flavors at a famous oyaki shop recommended by the guide, discovering more at a long-established shichimi shop, and trying new miso sweets.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Visitors here can get to see wild Japanese macaques up close amidst scenery that changes with the season. Delight in the adorable sight of cute baby monkeys during their birth season in spring, young monkeys full of life playing in summer, or wild monkeys taking a comfortable soak in the hot springs in winter. As monkeys are wild animals, please be sure to follow the observation rules.
150 minutes here · Admission included
For the last leg of the tour, enjoy a drive-in with plenty of food souvenirs of Nagano Prefecture. Behold a wide variety of seasonal fruits! Feel free to try some, and buy your family and friends some souvenirs fit for foodies. Bringing certain fruits back into some countries is prohibited. Please be sure to check on your own.
15 minutes here
Depart from Nagano Station on the Shinkansen train (ordinary car, reserved seating) to Tokyo. There is no accompanying National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter while on board the Shinkansen.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
[Ticket Pickup] Please pick up your tickets at Tokyo City i at B1F KITTE JP Tower between 3 days before and THE DAY BEFORE your tour departure. [On the Day of the Tour] Board the designated Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and head to Nagano on your own. Check your voucher for more details!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour ends around 8:00 pm upon arrival at Tokyo Station.
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
- Tue, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at Tokyo City i in B1F KITTE JP Tower, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Pick-up is possible from 3 days before the tour departure date until the day prior to departure
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Located in the Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit, 1st basement floor of the KITTE building
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Open Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Pick-up is not available at Tokyo City i outside of open hours
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Closed Days: The last Sunday of June every year. Facility may be closed without notice due to sudden changes. For more details, please check the website
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] We will not be held responsible if the customer is late for the Shinkansen as a result of not being able to conduct pick-up during open hours
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Tickets cannot be issued or changed at Tokyo City i
- [Ticket redemption at Tokyo City i] Pick-up is not available on the day of booking and the day after booking (business days only)
- [Itinerary] The tour itinerary and inclusions have been revised for tours departing on or after December 1, 2026
- [Itinerary] The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destination
- [Itinerary] Depending on the number of participants, a route bus, sedan, or taxi van may be used instead. Seats on the bus may not be designated
- [Itinerary] This is a hard walking tour covering about 50 minutes of walking each way between the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum and Jigokudani Monkey Park
- [Itinerary] Observe the Japanese macaques' way of life and behavior that vary by the season
- [Itinerary] The sight of Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs can be seen until around March. While it may also not be seen depending on the weather or time, etc., refunds will not be issued for this reason
- [Itinerary] As monkeys are wild animals, their behavior can be unpredictable, and they cannot be fed or touched. The park may be suddenly closed due to weather or seasonal conditions, Japanese macaques' behavior, or other reason. There may be a sudden tour cancellation in such cases. A full refund will be issued if the tour is canceled
- [Itinerary] Bringing certain fruits back into some countries is prohibited. Please be sure to check on your own
- [Itinerary] Please note that we are unable to provide special support for those with trouble walking, or small children
- [Itinerary] As Jigokudani Monkey Park is situated 850 meters above sea level, temperatures are cooler than on the plain, so please participate wearing warm clothing. Also, the walking path may be frozen and slippery if there is snow in winter. Please wear winter boots or other non-slip footwear. If it is determined by the accompanying guide that cold weather measures, etc. are insufficient, customers may be recommended to rent equipment from a rental shop near Jigokudani Monkey Park. In such cases, expenses must be shouldered by customers
- [Shinkansen] Please check the tickets and final itinerary for the train number and times. Changes may not be made to the scheduled Shinkansen
- [Shinkansen] The Shinkansen schedule may vary slightly due to unforeseen conditions
- [Shinkansen] No refunds will be issued even if the Shinkansen tickets are not used. In such cases, please use public transportation to the destination on your own
- [Shinkansen] If you must cancel your tour after receiving the Shinkansen tickets, please send the tickets back to the planning company
- [Shinkansen] Changes may not be made to the scheduled Shinkansen. Customers who miss the designated Shinkansen may board a later departing Shinkansen in the non-reserved car section only (same day only)
- [Shinkansen] Customers will carry their own baggage. Please check the following important notes. Please be aware that there is not much space on board the Shinkansen
- [Tour Guide] The tour is accompanied by a English-speaking guide from departure from Nagano Station until arrival
- [Tour Guide] A guide from the Bonsho-no-Kai authorized guide group will be in charge of guidance in the Zenko-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street area. There will be an accompanying English-speaking guide in Zenko-ji Temple as well
- [Tour Guide] Drivers do not work as guides
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
28 verified traveler reviews for Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A wonderful experience!
An activity that ticked off several boxes. Our first ride on the Bullet train, our first visit to a miso production facility and the crowning glory of this trip was the visit to the Snow Monkey Park. Seeing these adorable creatures frolicking with their babies in such a lovely setting was just magical!
via Viator
Snow Monkeys galore!
What a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were lucky to be the only people on the tour and thoroughly loved the entire experience. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and went out of her way to make sure we had a great time. The Miso factory and town tour were great, but the highlight of the tour was definitely the snow monkeys! We saw so many of them and had ample time for pictures. Thank you for a wonderful time.
via Viator
Average
Overall, Viator was excellent in their prompt responses via messaging. The tour company even sent the Shinkansen train tickets to our hotel before we arrived to our hotel just in case we had arrived late on a weekend. The miso and soy sauce segment of the tour was OK. It keeps the tradition alive. As per the Monkey Park aspect, I wish we had done it first and early, so that the monkeys may have been in the onsen, instead of around it. Our tour guide was accommodating and he was able to add one more excursion with a waiver, so that we were able to see/walk in Nagano City. This was very good.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your experience with us. We appreciate your insights regarding the miso and soy sauce segment, as well as your suggestion about the timing of the Monkey Park visit. Your comments will help us improve future tours. We're glad that your tour guide was accommodating and able to add an extra excursion to Nagano City, enhancing your overall experience. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine our services. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you again on future travels, providing an even better experience.
via Viator
One of a kind experience
This tour includes the bullet train ticket to Nagano from Tokyo station. We were staying at an AirBnb (not hotel) so we needed to go pick up our tickets beforehand - plan to include that in your itinerary if you are not staying at a hotel. You are meant to find your way to Nagano on own. The guide meets you and the group at the Nagano train station. From there you visit the temple and lunch. We were disappointed to not really learn anything about the temple. Our guides English was not as good as other tours we enjoyed during our stay. I’m surprised to read that others enjoyed their lunch - we found it to be average at best. After lunch you head by bus to the see the snow monkeys. Be prepared to wear waterproof footwear as you’ll trudge through some snowy mud. The walk was lovely - we stopped along the way to take photos with a picturesque winter backdrop - a very unique and serene setting. Once you arrive at the park you will spend about an hour observing the monkeys. We really enjoyed it. One hour is plenty of time before heading back to the bus which takes you to the train station for your travel back to Tokyo station. The snow monkey park was great - however considering our need to pick up the bullet train tickets, I wonder if it would have been a better experience to just make the arrangements on own. It was convenient to have the bus arranged but the guided experience and lunch was lacking. I would recommend doing a little research to maybe make your own plans - save yourself the possible need to pick up tickets. However, a great authentic experience to see the snow monkeys. Do not miss this as part of your trip. A nice change of pace from Tokyo.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your valuable feedback. Your information about the bullet train tickets is greatly appreciated. We've revamped our tour content from 2025 to offer an even more enriching experience. Instead of visiting Zenkoji Temple, we've introduced a traditional miso-making tour and a stroll through the charming town of Obuse. Lunch is now enjoyed freely in Obuse town. We're delighted you highly rated the snow monkey park experience. Our new tour offers even more attractive content, so please visit us again. We look forward to helping you create wonderful memories.
via Viator
The actual walk in the snow.
Very well organized. Ken our guide was wonderful. The actual walk up to the monkeys is quite something. You need to be fit for a 50 minute up hill walk .
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu
- Price range
- ¥39,000 to ¥47,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc., who run 52 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.6.
See everything JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc. runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo cost?
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Prices start at ¥39,000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo take?
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Plan for about 12.7 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 Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 28 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo?
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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 Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo?
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Around 10 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 12.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking 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 Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. 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 Tokyo?
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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 Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo?
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Included: Local expert guide for the Nakamise Foodie Tour and Zenko-ji Temple visit; Transportation via public transportation and/or chartered vehicle; National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter; Round-trip Shinkansen tickets between Tokyo and Nagano (ordinary car reserved seating); and Monkey park admission fee. Not included: Guide (during train ride between Tokyo and Nagano); Lunch; and Fees other than those listed in Includes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo?
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[Ticket Pickup] Please pick up your tickets at Tokyo City i at B1F KITTE JP Tower between 3 days before and THE DAY BEFORE your tour departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo 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 Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo?
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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 Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Nagano Foodie Tour from Tokyo?
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Across 28 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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