1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Shiga Kogen offers a winter wonderland of snow-capped peaks and enchanting natural wonders. This one-day tour promises an unforgettable adventure, blending the awe-inspiring Jigokudani Monkey Park with the exhilarating snow activities at Japan’s largest ski resort. Guests will be treated to a guided exploration, savoring the local cuisine and seeing the region’s unique cultural charm. Whether you’re a seasoned snow enthusiast or simply seeking a captivating glimpse into Japan’s natural beauty, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be captivated as you embark on an extraordinary journey through Shiga Kogen’s winter wonderland.

Key Points

• This 1-day tour offers a full-day experience exploring Japan’s largest ski resort and the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, various snow activities like snowscooting and snow tubing, a guided tour, free time, and a delectable Japanese lunch.
• The tour starts with a 105-minute bus/coach ride to the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, followed by 2.25 hours of activities and free time.
• Visitors then travel to the Jigokudani Monkey Park for 2.75 hours to observe the snow monkeys and learn about them.
• The tour provides multiple convenient pickup locations in the Nagano area, ensuring a hassle-free transportation experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The 1-day tour to the Snow Monkeys and Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen takes travelers on a journey to explore Japan’s largest ski resort and the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park. Over the course of 9 hours, you will enjoy a variety of snow activities, a guided tour, and free time at Shiga Kogen.

They’ll then visit the Snow Monkey Park, where they can observe the famous Japanese macaques bathing in the natural hot springs. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, activity fees, park entry, lunch, and an English-speaking guide to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. With substantial walking and cold temperatures, participants are advised to dress warmly and prepare for an active day filled with winter wonders.

Itinerary

The tour departs from five convenient pickup locations: Nagano Station, Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku, Shibu Onsen Visitor Center, Kokusai 21, and Yudanaka Station. From there, it’s a 105-minute bus/coach ride to the renowned Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. Guests will have 2.25 hours for lunch, a guided tour, and free time to enjoy the resort’s snow activities. Next, it’s a 35-minute bus/coach journey to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where visitors will spend 2.75 hours exploring and learning about the snow monkeys. Finally, the tour returns to the pickup locations in 1.5 hours.

Time	Activity
105 minutes	Bus/coach to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
2.25 hours	Lunch, guided tour, free time at ski resort
35 minutes	Bus/coach to Jigokudani Monkey Park
2.75 hours	Visit and guided tour at Monkey Park
1.5 hours	Return to pickup locations

Pickup Locations

This tour offers five convenient pickup locations for guests – Nagano Station, Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku, Shibu Onsen Visitor Center, Kokusai 21, and Yudanaka Station. Guests can choose the most suitable pickup point based on their location or accommodation.

The tour departs from these five locations, allowing for a seamless start to the day’s activities. The bus/coach journey to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort takes approximately 105 minutes, providing ample time for guests to settle in and prepare for the exciting snow activities ahead.

With these multiple pickup options, the tour ensures a hassle-free transportation experience for all participants.

Snow Activities

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort offers a variety of thrilling snow activities for guests to enjoy during the tour. Participants can experience the excitement of snowscooting, a cross between a scooter and a snowmobile.

For a more leisurely experience, they can ride on a snow tube and glide down the slopes. Those looking for a unique challenge can try their hand at snow driving, where they’ll navigate a specialized vehicle through the snowy terrain. All the while, they’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Japanese Alps. These activities are included in the tour package, allowing guests to fully enjoy the winter wonderland of Shiga Kogen.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch at Ski Resort

A delectable lunch is served at a local restaurant within Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, providing the tour participants a chance to refuel and recharge after their thrilling snow activities. The meal features a spread of traditional Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura, and a hearty hot pot. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Guests can enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning mountain views surrounding the resort. The lunch break not only satiates their appetites but also allows them to rest and prepare for the second half of the tour – visiting the famous Snow Monkey Park.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

After the lunch break at the ski resort, the tour heads to the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park, nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps. The park is home to a population of Japanese macaques, also known as "snow monkeys", that have adapted to the cold winters by soaking in the natural hot springs.

Visitors can observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, watching as they groom each other, play, and relax in the steaming pools. The 35-minute bus ride to the park is followed by a 1.6 km guided walk through the snowy forest to reach the monkey viewing area.

Guests have 2.75 hours to explore the park and witness the snow monkeys’ captivating behavior.

Inclusions

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from the designated pickup locations, covering the cost of snow activities at Shiga Kogen, and entrance fees to the Snow Monkey Park. Lunch at a local restaurant within the ski resort is also provided.

The English-speaking guide will be with the group throughout the journey, ensuring a seamless and informative experience. The key inclusions are:

1. Roundtrip transportation from pickup locations
2. Snow activity fees in Shiga Kogen
3. Entry fee to the Snow Monkey Park

With these comprehensive inclusions, guests can enjoy a hassle-free day of snow fun and encountering the famous Snow Monkeys without worrying about additional expenses.

Important Information

Visitors should be aware of the substantial walking involved, as the round-trip distance to and from the Monkey Park measures approximately 1.6 kilometers. Participants will also need to dress warmly, as the tour takes place in cold temperatures. While snow gear rental is available, visitors are encouraged to come prepared.

It’s important to note that the tour doesn’t include skiing or snowboarding, but rather focuses on snow activities like snowscooting, snowdriving, sledding, and tubing. Although the presence of the snow monkeys is highly likely, there’s a small possibility they may not be visible during the visit. The itinerary is subject to change based on snow conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Snow Activities?

Yes, children can participate in the snow activities. The tour includes snow activities like snowscooting, snowdriving, sledding, and tubing, which are suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a fun experience for the whole family.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are group discounts available for this tour. Larger groups of 4 or more participants can receive a discounted rate per person. The exact group discount amount is not specified in the tour overview.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Ski Resort?

Yes, guests can extend their stay at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. The tour operator offers flexible options to allow visitors to spend more time enjoying the resort’s snow activities and amenities beyond the scheduled tour duration.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, customers will receive a full refund. The tour operator will contact them with details on the cancellation and refund process. Customers can reschedule their tour for another day if they wish.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific age or fitness requirements for the tour, but it involves substantial walking up to 1.6 km to/from the Snow Monkey Park. Visitors should dress warmly and be prepared for cold temperatures and snow activities.

Recap

This 1-day tour to Shiga Kogen offers a unique and hassle-free winter experience. Guests can enjoy various snow activities, a delicious Japanese lunch, and a visit to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Japanese Alps. With roundtrip transportation, activity fees, and an English-speaking guide included, this tour provides an immersive and memorable exploration of Japan’s largest ski resort.

You can check if your dates are available here: