
Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano worth booking?
Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano is a 10-hour experience in Nagano, Japan, from $221 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $221 per person
With over 15,000 individual fireworks lighting-up the crisp autumn sky, Nagano’s annual Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival attracts over 400,000 people to the city to watch this amazing spectacle. As Japan’s largest and most beautiful autumn fireworks display, this tour includes reserved seating at the event with a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park – home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs – and late lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants. This once a year tour is one of our most popular and is sure to leave a lasting impression long after the fireworks fade away!
What you get
About this experience
With over 15,000 individual fireworks lighting-up the crisp autumn sky, Nagano’s annual Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival attracts over 400,000 people to the city to watch this amazing spectacle. As Japan’s largest and most beautiful autumn fireworks display, this tour includes reserved seating at the event with a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park – home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs – and late lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants. This once a year tour is one of our most popular and is sure to leave a lasting impression long after the fireworks fade away!
What's included
Included
- Reserved seat at the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival
- Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park and between activities/attractions
- Lunch (vegetarian options are available, please let us know beforehand)
- Entry ticket to the Jigokudani Monkey Park
- English-speaking guide
Not included
- Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets
- Dinner (there are many vendors at the festival so you can choose freely from what is available there)
- Accommodation
- Additional food, snacks & drinks
What you'll see and do
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Established in 1964, Nagano's world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the entire world known to bathe in hot springs. With no barriers between you and the monkeys (don't worry, they are very calm) this is a unique opportunity to observe these curious creatures in close proximity as the walk about you, wrestle with each other, endlessly groom, and of course, soak in their favorite hot spring! Your guide will introduce you to everything that makes them so unique and famous while giving you plenty of time to explore for yourself.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Having visited the monkeys, enjoy a well-earned late lunch at Hotaru-tei - one of the region's best restaurants. Housed in a 170-year-old historic mansion, the traditional aesthetic of the restaurant is sure to heighten your enjoyment of Japan and Nagano's renowned food culture. Your guide will accompany you to the restaurant and is always happy to talk all things food!
60 minutes here
Originally held in 1899 by a small group of local merchants, Nagano's annual Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival has grown into Japan's largest autumn fireworks display, attracting an estimated 430,000 spectators to watch more than 15,000 individual fireworks burst into light in the night sky over the course of two hours. Taking place at Saigawa Kasenjiki Park, your booking includes a reserved 'Ebisu Seat', from where you'll have a great view of the show. Your guide will get you seated and comfortable and explain the lay-out of the grounds, in time for one of Japan's most spectacular annual events.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Nagano
Your guide will meet you inside the station, in front of large Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen / Bullet Train ticket gates at 11:00. They will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Please be at the meet-up early so that the tour can depart on-time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your guide will meet you inside the station, in front of large Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen / Bullet Train ticket gates at 11:00. They will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Please be at the meet-up early so that the tour can depart on-time.
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
- Mon
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It will be cold in the end of November in Nagano with a possibility of snowfall and temperatures falling below 0°C at night. The cold is especially apparent at night so please wear warm clothes fit for winter. During the fireworks display, you will be sitting for extended periods at which time you might really start to feel cold. Please feel free to bring anything you need to stay warm. During other parts of the tour, you are free to leave anything you don’t need on the tour bus.
- There will be a lot of walking on paved and unpaved roads so please wear suitable shoes.
- Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time. There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park.
- There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park, arrive late or leave early. While this unlikely, it is possible and is outside of our control.
- There will be a lot of people leaving for places like Tokyo and Kanazawa after the festival. It is expected to be very busy so be sure to book either your Shinkansen tickets or your hotel in/around Nagano in advance. You can book the following train services after the tour: Nagano: 21:46 – Tokyo: 23:24 – Hakutaka / Nagano: 22:08 – Tokyo: 23:32 – Kagayaki (reserved seats only) / Nagano: 21:21 – Kanazawa: 22:30 – Kagayaki (reserved seats only) / Nagano: 21:54 – Kanazawa: 23:21 – Hakutaka / Nagano: 22:28 – Kanazawa: 23:35 – Kagayaki (reserved seats only)
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for mobility-impaired travellers. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking.
- The remaining amount of time is allocated to free time, meal and transport
- 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 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Itinerary for a Special Day
The tour guide team was great & I really enjoyed the itinerary for the day! It was full without being excessive and the stop at the restaurant after the Snow Monkey park was great - a fantastic array of food and time to rest before making our way to the next stop to see the fireworks!! A word of caution to future travellers, the firework show spans over a few hours in the dark, so it gets really really cold after a while of sitting still! Plan to pack a few things to keep yourself warm (if you need, you can leave some items without valuables on the bus during other parts of the day), but make sure you're not dressed too heavily as there is a decent walk to the monkey park & back. I'd particularly like to thank Orlando for his great conversation and insight into Japanese culture and way-of-life, and wish him & all the other tour guides all the best for what the future has in store!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for your detailed 5-star review! We agree, it's very important to dress warm as this tour spends most of its time outdoors (and a few hours in the dark) - appreciate the tip! It's great that you had an enjoyable day from the Snow Monkey Park to the incredible fireworks. Orlando is so pleased to read your kind words about him. We look forward to welcoming you back! Snow Monkey Resorts
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
We had a great day, the activities were great and the organization was fluid. The guides were very invested in making everything go smoothly, which made the experience super fun!
Response from the operator: Dear Bertille, Thank you for the awesome review! We are so happy you felt the tour was organized and full of fun. We will be sure to pass along your wonderful feedback to the guides. We hope you'll visit us again in the future! Snow Monkey Resorts
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A great fireworks experience
The service was very attentive from the beginning of the gathering, and they also helped a lot when watching the snow monkeys. The accompanying staff in the car can speak Chinese which is great, especially Orlando from the red team who helped in Chinese from the beginning of the gathering. The fireworks are also very beautiful and the location is perfect. Good, it’s right in front of the fireworks display, and there’s also a private bus connecting it, which is great!
Response from the operator: Dear 俊成, Thank you for the positive review! Orlando will be glad to know his guidance in Chinese was so helpful. We're thrilled you enjoyed the fireworks and snow monkeys. We look forward to welcoming you back! Snow Monkey Resorts
via Tripadvisor
Nagano Ebisu-Ko Fireworks
Great trip! Nice food! We visited the snow monkey hotspring park and watch the Nagano Ebisuko Hanabi show. Special thanks to our tour guides Sean and Orlando!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you so much for the 5-star feedback! It makes our day to know that you enjoyed the fireworks and tour overall. Our team works hard to ensure every customer has a memorable experience. We hope to see you again! Snow Monkey Resorts
via Tripadvisor
A highlight of the trip!
When I booked my 15-day trip to Japan, the number one thing I wanted to do was this 1-day tour with Snow Monkey Resorts. I really wanted to see the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Show, and a relaxing forest walk to see snow monkeys at Jigokudani was an added bonus. I had to spend a day on the train getting from Beppu to Nagano to do it and it was absolutely worth it! One, it's really nice to just get to show up somewhere and have someone else do all the work. And shuttle you around all day! Sure, the evening weather didn't happen to be in our favor this time (being November and all...), but that didn't detract from the fireworks. And the morning weather was actually perfect for monkey viewing! Lots and lots of monkeys this particular day. (If you're nervous about being right up next to wild animals like I am, one might say... too many monkeys! 😆) Lunch was amazing! I think it was the fanciest meal I ate the whole trip and I met some really great fellow travelers. And through all of it, Peter and Marie were the absolute best guides. They were very knowledgable about the monkeys and the Nagano area and were really easy to talk to. And they dealt with some last-minute, impossible-to-foresee challenges with calm, humor and grace which I really appreciated! The website is great and everything is laid out in detail. I knew exactly what to expect and I already have more Snow Monkey Resort tours in mind for my next trip!
Response from the operator: Thanks for booking our tour and taking the time to write a review! We are very pleased to hear you enjoyed your day-out with Peter and Marie and despite the challenge of the weather and fireworks, we are thrilled we could provide you with a memorable experience. All the best for 2023!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon
- Price range
- $221 to $33,900
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
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 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nagano.
How much does Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano cost?
+
Prices start at $221 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 Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano take?
+
Plan for about 10 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 Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano?
+
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 Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano?
+
Around 2 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?
+
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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano?
+
Included: Reserved seat at the Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival; Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park and between activities/attractions; Lunch (vegetarian options are available, please let us know beforehand); Entry ticket to the Jigokudani Monkey Park; and English-speaking guide. Not included: Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets; Dinner (there are many vendors at the festival so you can choose freely from what is avail; Accommodation; and Additional food, snacks & drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano?
+
Your guide will meet you inside the station, in front of large Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen / Bullet Train ticket gates at 11:00. They will be wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano offered in?
+
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 Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano?
+
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 Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for mobility-impaired trave. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano if the weather is bad?
+
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 Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano?
+
Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano.
Pick your date




