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Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Foodie Tour from Nagano

4.8(20)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20 reviews7 h 35 minFree cancellationBy JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.
Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple & Foodie Tour from Nagano

About this activity

Discover the best of Nagano on a full-day tour with an English-speaking guide. Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to Japan’s wild snow monkeys, and observe Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. Seasonal highlights include adorable baby monkeys in spring, energetic young monkeys in summer, and the iconic hot spring-bathing monkeys in winter. Explore the 1,400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, renowned for its National Treasure Main Hall and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street with a local expert and uncover the stories behind Nagano’s traditional food culture. Learn about regional specialties such as oyaki, shichimi pepper, and miso while discovering historic shops and hidden gems. Combining nature, history, and local flavors, this tour offers a deeper insight into the culture and traditions of Nagano in a single unforgettable day.

What's 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
  • ✓Monkey park admission fee

Not included

  • ✕Lunch
  • ✕Fees other than those listed in Includes

Meeting and pickup

  • Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign in front of the Nagano City Tourist Information Center on the 2nd floor of Nagano Station.

Good to know

  • 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
  • The tour itinerary and inclusions have been revised for tours departing on or after December 1, 2026
  • The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destination
  • 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
  • This is a hard walking tour covering about 50 minutes of walking each way between the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum and Jigokudani Monkey Park
  • Observe the Japanese macaques' way of life and behavior that vary by the season
  • 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
  • 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
  • Bringing certain fruits back into some countries is prohibited. Please be sure to check on your own
  • Please note that we are unable to provide special support for those with trouble walking, or small children
  • 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
  • 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
  • Drivers do not work as guides

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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