View all photos
Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Product code 241068P11
From
From JPY 24,800
Dates
Available from Jan 14, 2025
Start times
9:35 AM, 8:45 AM
Travelers
Infant ages 1-2, Child ages 3-9, Adult ages 10-99
Options
Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
7 hours to 8 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 24,800
Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
View all photos
Duration
7 hours to 8 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights. Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace. On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures). With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.
Overview
Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights. Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace. On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures). With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.
What's Included
Included
Choice of chicken, pork, or vegetarian meal, made with fresh, local ingredients
Small-group experience with an English-speaking local guide
Entry to Snow Monkey Park
For 8:45 departures only: optional drop-off at Zenkoji Temple with return pick-up to Nagano Station.
Savor premium sake
Transportation between all tour locations
Not included
Hokusai Museum entrance fee
Optional expenses: food, drinks, shopping, transport to meeting point
There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
End point
In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
Itinerary
Stop 1
5 minutes
Stop 1
8:45 AM: Meet in front of Becks Coffee at Nagano Station for a warm welcome from your guide. Getting There: If traveling from Tokyo Station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
Stop 2
1 hourAdmission included
Stop 2
Witness wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, an iconic Nagano experience.
Stop 3
45 minutes
Stop 3
Explore the picturesque streets of Obuse, renowned for its artistic heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and chestnut delicacies. Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh, seasonal dishes like Nagano chicken, tender pork, or vegetarian grated yam.
Stop 4
15 minutesAdmission included
Stop 4
• Sample two types of premium sake at a local brewery (30ml each). • If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.
Stop 5
45 minutes
Stop 5
Take some free time in Obuse to stroll through the scenic streets or browse charming local shops at your own pace. Guests may also choose to visit the Hokusai Museum independently (admission not included).
Pass by stop 6
Pass by stop 6
Flexible Ending (8:45 AM departures only): Return to Nagano Station or Enjoy Free Time at Zenkoji Temple After visiting Obuse, guests on 8:45 AM departures can choose how they would like to finish the day. If you prefer to end the tour earlier, you may be dropped off directly at Nagano Station. Those who would like to visit Zenkoji Temple can enjoy free time at one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks before returning to the station. After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji to pick up those visiting the temple and bring them back to Nagano Station. This option is not available on 9:35 AM departures.
Stop 7
5 minutes
Stop 7
3:30 - 4:30 PM – Tour Ends • Wrap up your day with a choice of returning to Nagano Station or continuing your adventure at Zenkoji Temple. • Whether you prefer a relaxed finish or extra exploration time, the itinerary is designed to suit your pace. • The exact end time will depend on the pace and preferences of the group, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants Must Sit On Laps
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
No Back Problems
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No Heart Problems
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Other
If traveling from Tokyo station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
Other
There is a possibility that the monkeys may not appear as they are wild animals. While sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, there are times — particularly in certain seasons — when they may not come to the park due to weather, food availability, or other natural factors. Please understand that we do not offer refunds if no monkeys are present during your visit. Our team will still provide a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-structured itinerary to make your visit meaningful. Even without the monkeys, the walk to the park offers beautiful forest scenery and a memorable nature experience — each season has its own charm.
Other
Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
Other
On-time departure policy: Tours depart on time. We can wait up to 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After that, late arrivals are treated as a no-show (no refund/reschedule).
Other
Please note that due to potential traffic jams, there may be slight delays, making the tour last more extra hours. Guests are advised not to schedule train departures immediately after the tour and to allow sufficient time for boarding.
Other
During winter, please be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and icy, slippery conditions at Snow Monkey Park by wearing non-slip footwear or bringing cleats for added safety.
Other
Flexible Ending (8:45 AM departures only): Optional Zenkoji Temple Visit After Obuse, guests who choose to visit Zenkoji Temple will be dropped off there first for free time. Guests who prefer to return directly to Nagano Station may do so instead. After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji Temple to pick up the remaining guests and bring them back to Nagano Station. This option is not available on 9:35 AM departures.
Other
Peak winter days: If parking is extremely limited, the Snow Monkey Park visit may be done on your own. We’ll share a clear meet-up point, stay in touch via WhatsApp, and provide ticket money in advance (receipt requested).
Other
o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
Other
Please note: The tour starts at 8:45 AM. If we visit Obuse first (based on monkey activity), lunch will be around 11:00 AM, and we’ll go to the Snow Monkey Park in the early afternoon.
Other
This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour.
Other
Strollers are not accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not met.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
5.0
27 reviews
Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Similar Attractions
ViatorJigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
4.9 (1925 reviews)
Available experiences
49
Free attractionZenkoji Temple
4.9 (1512 reviews)
Available experiences
48
ViatorNakasendo Way
4.9 (430 reviews)
Available experiences
29
ViatorYudanaka Onsen
5.0 (2 reviews)
Available experiences
2