Nagano & Tokyo: Snow Monkey & Zenkoji Temple Private Tour

Embarking on a captivating journey through Japan’s Nagano region, this private tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the historic Zenko-ji Temple to the enchanting Jigokudani Monkey Park, the itinerary promises an engaging exploration of the region’s natural wonders and architectural gems. With private transportation and an English-speaking driver, the tour provides a seamless and personalized experience, allowing visitors to discover the charm of Obuse’s chestnut confections and the serene hot springs of Shibu Onsen. As the day unfolds, the tour’s highlights continue to unfold, hinting at the intriguing experiences that await.

Key Points

• Comprehensive private tour exploring Nagano and Tokyo, including visits to key attractions like the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple.
• Tour priced from $520 for up to 6 participants, with a 10-hour duration and climate-controlled private transport.
• Opportunity to experience the cultural highlights of Obuse, known for its chestnut confectioneries and traditional sake breweries.
• Explore the historic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen, with its nine public baths and charming traditional architecture.
• Discover the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site from the mid-16th century, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Nagano and Tokyo, taking travelers on a private journey to discover the region’s renowned snow monkeys, historic temples, and charming towns.

Priced from $520 for up to 6 participants, the 10-hour tour includes climate-controlled private transport, an English-speaking driver, and child seats/wheelchair accessibility upon request.

Highlights include visiting Obuse, Shibu Onsen, Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Monkey Park, and Matsushiro Castle Ruins.

The tour provides complimentary refreshments and on-board Wi-Fi, while meals and attraction tickets are excluded.

With a 5/5 rating based on 7 reviews, this private tour promises a memorable experience.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Obuse, a charming town known for its chestnut confectioneries, sake breweries, and the Hokusai Museum, kicks off the tour.

Next, visitors explore the historic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen, with its nine public baths.

The tour then moves to the significant Zenko-ji Temple, founded in the 7th century and housing a hidden Buddhist statue.

Continuing on, guests witness the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs.

The final stop is the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site dating back to the mid-16th century.

Obuse: Chestnut Confectioneries and Cultural Attractions

As the tour begins, visitors are introduced to the charming town of Obuse, renowned for its delectable chestnut confectioneries, traditional sake breweries, and the renowned Hokusai Museum.

Guests explore the town’s quaint streets, stopping to sample the famous chestnut-based sweets and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The Hokusai Museum showcases the celebrated ukiyo-e artist’s works, providing an immersive experience into Japanese artistic traditions.

Visitors also have the opportunity to visit local sake breweries, witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship behind the production of this iconic Japanese beverage.

Shibu Onsen: Historic Hot Spring Town

Next, the tour explores the historic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen.

Visitors will spend an hour discovering its traditional ryokans and nine public hot spring baths. These ancient onsen date back centuries and are an important part of the local culture.

Guests can wander the charming streets, lined with traditional wooden buildings, and learn about the town’s rich history.

Shibu Onsen is known for its therapeutic waters and peaceful atmosphere, offering a chance to relax and unwind before continuing the day’s adventure.

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Zenko-ji Temple: Significant Buddhist Site

After visiting the historic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen, the tour continues to Zenko-ji Temple, a significant Buddhist site founded in the 7th century.

The temple houses a hidden Buddhist statue that can’t be viewed by the public. Visitors can, however, walk through the temple’s main gate and explore its impressive architecture.

The site is an important pilgrimage destination, attracting worshippers from across Japan. Guests have one hour to wander the grounds, take in the serene atmosphere, and learn about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance.

Jigokudani Monkey Park: Wild Japanese Macaques

From Zenko-ji Temple, the tour heads to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its unique population of wild Japanese macaques. These snow monkeys, as they’re commonly called, are the world’s northernmost primates, adapted to the cold winters of central Japan. They’re renowned for their natural hot spring bathing behavior, providing visitors a rare glimpse into their social interactions and fascinating habits. The park’s scenic location in a volcanic valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, only enhances the experience of observing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Feature	Description
Location	Jigokudani, Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture
Altitude	1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level
Habitat	Volcanic valley with natural hot springs
Notable Residents	Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Attraction	Watching the monkeys bathe in the hot springs

Matsushiro Castle Ruins: National Historic Site

The final stop on the tour is the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site in Nagano Prefecture.

Originally Kaizu Castle, the ruins date back to the mid-16th century. Visitors can explore the remaining stone walls, foundations, and remnants of the once-formidable fortress.

The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Guests will have an hour to wander the grounds and imagine the castle’s former grandeur.

The Matsushiro Castle Ruins provide a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and the strategic importance of this location in Nagano’s history.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Booking Details

The tour package includes climate-controlled private transport, a licensed English-speaking driver, and child seats or wheelchair accessibility upon request. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, complimentary tea, coffee, and water, as well as photo and video assistance are also provided. Meals and attraction entry tickets are excluded, and airport and port pickup/drop-off are not included. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be made with no upfront payment. The driver waits up to 60 minutes past the scheduled pickup time.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Private transport	Meals
English-speaking driver	Attraction entry tickets
Child seats, wheelchair accessibility	Airport & port pickup/drop-off
Onboard Wi-Fi	–
Complimentary drinks, photo/video assistance	–

FAQ

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is up to 6 participants. According to the tour overview, the price is quoted "per group (up to 6 participants)", indicating the maximum group size is 6 people.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to suit the customer’s interests. The private tour allows for flexibility, so travelers can adjust the schedule and activities based on their preferences and needs.

How Do I Communicate With the Driver During the Tour?

The driver is an English-speaking licensed professional who can communicate with you throughout the tour. You can discuss the itinerary, ask questions, and provide feedback to ensure a smooth and personalized experience.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

While the tour doesn’t specify any discounts for children or seniors, it does offer child seats upon request. Customers can inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Book This Tour for a Specific Date and Time?

Yes, you can book this tour for a specific date and time. The tour allows for flexible scheduling, and you can reserve your spot without any upfront payment to secure your preferred date.

Sum Up

This captivating private tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Japan’s Nagano region. From the enchanting Jigokudani Monkey Park to the historic Zenko-ji Temple, the itinerary promises an unforgettable experience, complemented by the comfort of private transportation and the insights of an English-speaking driver. Travelers can look forward to discovering the charming town of Obuse, the serene hot springs of Shibu Onsen, and the impressive Matsushiro Castle Ruins, all while exploring Japan’s stunning landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: