Japan Discovery Tour: Hidden Gems & Culture

Explore Japan’s hidden gems with our private tour to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Togakushi Shrine. Discover unique experiences and create lasting memories.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) - Nestled in the mountains of Nagano, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is renowned for its wild Japanese macaques, affectionately known as snow monkeys. These fascinating creatures are famous for their distinctive habit of bathing in natural hot springs during the chilly winter months, offering visitors a unique…
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Surcharges on fuel
  • Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
  • Parking fees
What's Not Included
  • Admission is paid on-site, so you get the best price without extra online fees.
Additional Information

A full-day excursion to Nagano’s snow monkeys and Togakushi Shrine. With a private vehicle and guide, bypass the crowds and gain local insights. Photos are taken and provided after the tour.
❑ A Unique Experience
Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where in winter, monkeys relax in hot springs, and in summer, they frolic in forests and rivers. Then…

Location
Snow Monkey Park (jigokudani Yaen Koen)
6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(13 Ratings)
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1 star
Gaby_t
Apr 5, 2026
The tour was very fun, I... - The tour was very fun, I would highly recommend it (especially if you’re an animal lover)! The snow monkeys were so cute. My guide Shuhei made the tour even more fun with his extensive knowledge and stories.
Review provided by Viator
Pooif_l
Jan 31, 2026
Nagano day trip. - Great guide, Shuhei was knowledgeable and friendly. He was a very safe driver too on the snowy roads. Fantastic trip altogether. The monkeys were worth the drive.
Review provided by Viator
James_f
Jan 30, 2026
Wonderful day with the monkeys and snow. - We had been debating between going ourselves, doing a group tour or a private tour and we were so glad for what we did. Dai was awesome, he accommodated our pace, provided all kinds of interesting information and context, and even took some great pictures of us! We booked pretty last minute and we were really grateful they were able to accommodate us. Dai spoke excellent English and even took us on a farmers market stop on the way back!
Review provided by Viator
Lisarichardson049
Jan 24, 2026
Amazing private tour to snow monkeys and shrine with lunch - Would highly recommend this tour. Our guide Dai helped us have a wonderful day getting to the snow monkey park early in time for the feeding and before the crowds. He then took us to a fabulous traditional soba noodle restaurant near the shrine for lunch, and then a wonderful visit to the upper shrine gates via a magical walk through the snow. We loved it and would do again. Thanks Dai!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Evie
Jan 22, 2026
Fantastic experience! - Fantastic experience seeing the snow monkeys and togakushi shrine with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide! Highly recommend for people who only have a day in Nagano
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kat_a
Jan 9, 2026
Whilst it was a cold and... - Whilst it was a cold and snowy winter's day, as crowds were minimal and our guide was excellent, we had a fantastic experience.
Review provided by Viator
Shaynna_p
Dec 18, 2025
A Magical Nagano Experience: Snow Monkeys & Togakushi Shrine - Wonderful tour with a great balance of nature and culture. Seeing the snow monkeys in their natural environment was a truly unique experience, and the visit Togakushi Shrine was peaceful and stunning. Our guide Chris was excellent—knowledgeable, friendly, and kept everything running smoothly while sharing great insights along the way. Chris shared great insights into the culture, history, and local traditions, which made the experience even more meaningful. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nagano—it’s the perfect combination of nature, culture, and unforgettable memories.
Review provided by Viator
Marygene_c
Dec 16, 2025
Perfect winter experience in Nagano! - So glad we booked this private tour—such a fun day with our amazing guide Taketo (Take)! From seeing tons of snow monkeys to a stunning snow-covered walk beneath Togakushi’s towering cedar trees, such a special day. For lunch, we had authentic Nagano buckwheat soba at a cozy, OG family-owned spot. Take also captured beautiful photos along the way—which made for perfect souvenirs. This tour was worth it, highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Artem_b
Nov 15, 2025
It was great - we visited... - It was great - we visited both locations, saw the monkeys and also the guide get us to some interesting local sights like apple farms or the beautiful lake with the view. The guide also was great and very friendly. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
J4007qiandrewk
Apr 19, 2026
Wouldn't bother unless in winter as its a bit staged. - Honestly, this is raved about and is suggested that it a must see experience. I wouldn't agree with that. It was interesting and we saw a lot of monkeys, however, only 2 went in the water and that was only because there were seeds puts into the pool. I would imagine that it is much better in the winter months with snow around, but in springtime it was a bit of a waste of a day. The only reason the monkeys are coming down from the hill from April onwards is because they are being fed and their appearance is good for tourism.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $132
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).