Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Private Tour

Nagano, Japan’s picturesque alpine region, beckons travelers seeking a unique culture. This private tour promises an unforgettable journey, blending the enchanting natural wonders of the famous snow monkeys with the spiritual serenity of the historic Zenkoji Temple. As visitors explore the serene Matsushiro Castle ruins and savor the flavors of local sake, they’ll uncover the captivating essence of this remarkable destination. With the option to discover the charming town of Obuse, this flexible itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, catering to a variety of interests. Prepare to be swept away by Nagano’s captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures.

Key Points

• Explore the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park and observe the captivating snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
• Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple with impressive architecture and rich spiritual significance.
• Discover the Matsushiro Castle ruins, gaining insights into Nagano’s feudal past.
• Relax in the therapeutic mineral-rich onsens (hot springs) of the traditional Shibu Onsen village.
• Optionally, immerse in the well-preserved cultural heritage and local crafts of the historic town of Obuse.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private tour of Nagano showcases the region’s renowned snow monkeys, the historic Zenkoji Temple, and a sake tasting experience, encompassing approximately 12 hours of exploration, including commute time.

Guests will have the opportunity to observe the famous snow monkeys in their natural habitat at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, as well as a guided tour of the Matsushiro Castle ruins.

Plus, visitors can relax in the soothing hot springs of Shibu Onsen and explore the charming town of Obuse, if desired.

With a flexible itinerary and private transportation, this comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Nagano’s key highlights.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

The highlight of the tour is a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where guests can observe the famous snow monkeys in their natural habitat.

The park is home to a population of Japanese macaques that have adapted to the cold climate by soaking in the natural hot springs. Visitors can watch as the monkeys groom, play, and relax in the steaming pools, providing a unique and fascinating glimpse into their daily lives.

The park’s trails offer excellent opportunities for photography, and guests can learn about the monkeys’ behavior and ecology from the on-site staff. This intimate encounter with the snow monkeys is sure to be a memorable and cherished experience for all who visit.

Zenkoji Temple Exploration

Stepping through the grand entrance of Zenkoji Temple, visitors are greeted by the imposing wooden architecture and the serene atmosphere that permeates the historic Buddhist site.

Founded in the 7th century, the temple is renowned for housing one of Japan’s most important Buddhist statues – a hidden ‘secret Buddha’ that’s only revealed to the public once every seven years.

Visitors can explore the temple’s many halls and shrines, including the Niomon Gate, the Main Hall, and the Sanmon Gate. Along the way, they’ll learn about the temple’s rich history and the significance of its religious artifacts.

With its blend of architectural beauty and spiritual significance, Zenkoji Temple offers a truly immersive cultural experience.

Matsushiro Castle Ruins

After exploring the spiritual grandeur of Zenkoji Temple, the tour takes visitors to the captivating Matsushiro Castle Ruins, where they can explore the site’s rich history and uncover the remnants of this once-formidable fortress. Guests will embark on a guided tour, seeing the castle’s storied past. They’ll discover the foundations of the main keep, admire the exquisite stone walls, and learn about the site’s strategic importance. The ruins offer a glimpse into Nagano’s feudal era, allowing visitors to imagine the bustling activity that once filled the castle grounds. This stop on the tour provides a fascinating connection to the region’s cultural heritage.

Matsushiro Castle Ruins
Historical Significance	Architectural Highlights	Visitor Experience
Served as the seat of the Sanada clan, a prominent feudal lord family	Impressive stone walls and foundations of the main keep	Guided tour provides insights into the castle’s rich history
Played a key role in regional conflicts during the Warring States period	Remnants of the once-formidable fortress structure	Opportunity to connect with Nagano’s feudal past
Offers a window into Nagano’s feudal heritage	Chance to envision the castle in its former glory	Immersive experience exploring the historic site

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Shibu Onsen Relaxation

Following their exploration of the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, visitors can unwind at the renowned Shibu Onsen, a historic hot spring village nestled in the picturesque Nagano countryside.

Here, they’ll have the opportunity to rejuvenate in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the region’s traditional onsens (hot springs), which have been revered for their therapeutic properties for centuries.

The town boasts an array of charming ryokans (traditional inns) and bathhouses, each with its own unique character and history. Theres some good the calming, restorative experience of bathing, and then stroll through the quaint streets, taking in the traditional architecture and local shops.

Shibu Onsen offers a perfect respite from the day’s adventures.

Obuse Town Tour

Why, for those interested in exploring the historic town of Obuse, an optional guided tour is available as part of this comprehensive Nagano experience. Obuse is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture, vibrant local culture, and connection to the renowned ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, making it a delightful addition to the day’s itinerary.

During the guided tour, visitors can expect to:

• Stroll through the charming streets, admiring the quaint wooden buildings and storefronts that have stood the test of time.
• Visit the Hokusai Museum, which showcases the artist’s renowned woodblock prints and provides insights into his life and work.
• Explore the town’s traditional craft workshops, where locals continue to produce high-quality wares like chestnut-based confections and intricate lacquerware.
• Indulge in local cuisine, such as the region’s renowned chestnuts and sake, for a truly immersive cultural experience.

Included Amenities

This private tour of Nagano includes several key amenities to enhance the overall experience for participants. The tour provides private transportation with an English-speaking driver, granting visitors comfortable and convenient access to the day’s destinations. Plus, the package covers entry tickets to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Matsushiro Castle ruins, as well as access to the renowned Zenkoji Temple. To further immerse guests in the local culture, the tour also includes a hot spring (onsen) fee, allowing them to relax and unwind in the region’s famous thermal waters.

Included Amenities	Details
Transportation	Private transportation with English-speaking driver
Admission Tickets	Jigokudani Monkey Park, Matsushiro Castle, Zenkoji Temple
Onsen (Hot Spring)	700 JPY per person

Flexible Itinerary

Alongside the comprehensive inclusions, this private tour of Nagano offers a fully customizable itinerary, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their specific interests and preferences.

Whether you’re eager to delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Zenkoji Temple or keen to indulge in the local sake-tasting scene, the tour is designed with flexibility in mind.

Guests can:

1. Opt for an additional guided tour of the charming town of Obuse.
2. Allocate more time to explore the captivating Matsushiro Castle Ruins.
3. Customize the duration of the visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
4. Request special arrangements for specific dietary requirements or accessibility needs.

This level of personalization ensures that each guest’s Nagano adventure aligns perfectly with their unique travel goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed on tours, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Some tours may restrict outside food and beverages to ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour has no set maximum group size, allowing flexibility for travelers. The tour provider can accommodate groups of various sizes to ensure a personalized experience. The exact group size depends on the number of participants booked for the tour.

Are Cameras and Recording Devices Allowed at Jigokudani Monkey Park?

Cameras and recording devices are generally allowed at Jigokudani Monkey Park. Visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos of the snow monkeys in their natural habitat, though they should avoid disturbing the animals.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if Needed?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended if needed. The tour is flexible and customizable, allowing you to adjust the itinerary and length according to your preferences. You can request an extension of the tour at the time of booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Shibu Onsen?

For the Shibu Onsen portion, guests don’t need to bring any special equipment. Typically, onsen provide towels and yukata robes for guests to use during their visit. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for maximum relaxation.

Recap

This comprehensive tour of Nagano offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s renowned snow monkeys, historic Zenkoji Temple, and opportunities for sake tasting.

Visitors can observe the playful Japanese macaques, explore the serene temple, and discover the Matsushiro Castle ruins.

With the option to visit charming Obuse town, this flexible itinerary provides a well-rounded exploration of Nagano’s cultural and natural wonders, allowing for personalized experiences tailored to individual interests.

You can check if your dates are available here: