1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival

Exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Japan’s Nagano region has never been more accessible. This 1-day tour offers travelers a chance to witness the captivating sight of snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, followed by an immersive experience at the iconic Zenko-ji Temple during the Tomyo Lantern Festival. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a delightful dinner included, it’s a comprehensive way to dive into the region’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a lover of traditional Japanese culture, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This 1-day tour allows visitors to observe the world-famous hot spring-bathing Snow Monkeys and explore the Zenko-ji Temple at night during the Tomyo Lantern Festival.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from designated locations, entrance fees, a guided sake tasting, and a delicious dinner with vegetarian options.
• The tour duration is 8 to 10.5 hours, with the flexibility of cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Visitors should wear suitable shoes and warm clothing, as the tour involves snow and ice conditions, and an early lunch is needed.
• The tour may be canceled due to unpredictable weather conditions or a possible no-show of the Snow Monkeys.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

This 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival offers a comprehensive experience, priced at £122.08 per person. The tour lasts 8 to 10.5 hours and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can choose from three starting locations – Nagano Station, Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal/Happo Information Center, or Hakuba Tokyu Hotel.

The itinerary includes visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, a sake brewery tour and tasting, dinner, and an exploration of the Zenko-ji Temple at night. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes transportation, park entrance fees, and dinner. Guests should dress warmly and be aware that the monkeys may not always be present.

Itinerary Overview

The itinerary for this 1-day tour begins with a bus/coach journey from the starting locations to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Visitors will then have 2.5 hours to explore and observe the famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys.

Next, the tour moves on to a 45-minute bus/coach ride to the Nishinomon-Yoshinoya Sake Brewery, where guests will enjoy a guided tour and food tasting. After a local dinner, the group will visit Zenko-ji Temple for a 100-minute guided tour, taking in the light installations and paper lanterns.

The tour concludes with an 80-minute bus/coach ride back to the drop-off locations.

Highlights of the Tour

Highlighted by this immersive 1-day excursion are the world-famous hot spring-bathing Snow Monkeys, where visitors can observe these unique primates relaxing in the natural thermal pools.

Guests will then have the opportunity to try Nagano’s best sake with a guided tasting at the Nishinomon-Yoshinoya Sake Brewery. The tour culminates with an exploration of Zenko-ji Temple at night, awash with light installations and paper lanterns, led by an English-speaking guide.

Throughout the day, the tour includes pickup in both Hakuba and Nagano, as well as all listed activities, entrance fees, dinner, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

Included in the Tour

For this tour, visitors enjoy a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience. The package includes round-trip transportation from Hakuba, Nagano Station, and other designated locations, as well as entrance fees to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Guests will also savor a delicious dinner, with vegetarian options available. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who provides guided tours at the Jigokudani Monkey Park and the iconic Zenko-ji Temple.

Plus, visitors can indulge in a sake-tasting session, with non-alcoholic alternatives on offer. With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can make the most of their day exploring the snow monkeys and the captivating Tomyo Lantern Festival at Zenko-ji.

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Important Information

Visitors should wear suitable shoes and warm clothing for the snow and ice conditions they’ll encounter during the tour. It’s important to be prepared, as the tour may be canceled if the monkeys don’t come down to the park on a given day.

Important to Note
Snow and ice	Lunch not included	Possible monkey no-show
Warm clothing	Bring snacks	Tour may be canceled
Sturdy footwear	Early lunch needed	Unpredictable weather

While the tour offers a unique experience, visitors should be mindful of the potential challenges posed by the winter weather and the monkeys’ unpredictable behavior.

Starting Location Options

The tour offers three convenient starting location options: Nagano Station, Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal / Happo Information Center, and Hakuba Tokyu Hotel. Guests can choose the option most suitable for their needs:

• Nagano Station provides a central starting point for those arriving by train.
• Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal / Happo Information Center caters to travelers based in the Hakuba area.
• Hakuba Tokyu Hotel offers a pick-up location for those staying at the hotel.

This flexibility ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure, allowing participants to join the tour from the most convenient location.

Visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park

After being picked up at one of the convenient starting locations, the tour makes its way to the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park. The 2.5-hour bus ride takes visitors through stunning alpine landscapes before arriving at the park.

Once there, the group embarks on a guided tour to observe the famous Japanese macaques, also known as "snow monkeys", as they bathe in the natural hot springs. These primates are the northernmost living monkeys and have adapted remarkably to the cold, snowy environment. The tour allows ample time to witness the monkeys’ unique behavior and capture breathtaking photos before continuing on to the next destination.

Exploring Zenko-ji Temple

From the brewery, the tour then proceeds to the iconic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant and historic Buddhist sites. Visitors will be guided through the temple’s intricate architecture, illuminated by the Tomyo Lantern Festival. The experience includes:

• Exploring the main hall, renowned for its massive wooden structure and impressive Buddha statues
• Discovering the "hidden Buddha" beneath the main altar, accessible only to a select few
• Observing the colorful lanterns and light installations that create a mesmerizing ambiance
• Learning about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance from the knowledgeable guide

The tour culminates with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit grounds, providing a serene and unforgettable finale to the day’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring to Keep Warm During the Tour?

To stay warm during the tour, one should bring warm layers like thermal underwear, a coat, gloves, and a hat. Wearing sturdy, waterproof boots is also recommended to navigate the snow and ice.

Is There an Option to Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked as a private group. The tour operator offers private group options, allowing travelers to customize the experience to their preferences with a dedicated English-speaking guide.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for seniors and students. Seniors aged 65 and above receive a 10% discount, while students with valid ID can get a 5% discount off the regular tour price.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Attractions?

While the tour itinerary is set, customers can likely customize their experience by requesting additional stops or activities. However, any changes may incur extra fees or require pre-approval from the tour operator.

How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided During the Tour?

The transportation provided during the tour is reliable, with scheduled pickup from multiple locations and comfortable coach travel between the attractions. The English-speaking guide ensures a smooth and coordinated experience throughout the day.

Recap

This 1-day tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park and take in the enchanting Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival. With comprehensive inclusions like transportation, meals, and guided experiences, it’s a cultural experience not to be missed. Guests should dress warmly and be prepared for the unpredictable weather conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: