Snow Monkey and Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour From Myoko Kogen

The Snow Monkey and Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour from Myoko Kogen offers an immersive experience through a historic Japanese hot spring town. Travelers can observe playful Japanese macaques in their natural habitat and explore the charming streets of Shibu Onsen, complete with traditional ryokans. This tour provides an intimate adventure, catering to up to 60 guests and including lunch, as well as guided walks to uncover the rich cultural heritage of this scenic region. What else might one discover on this captivating excursion?

Key Points

• Guided walks through the historic Shibu Onsen hot spring town and observation of Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• Approximately 4-hour and 50-minute tour duration from the Akakura Bus Ginza, with a maximum capacity of 60 travelers.
• Air-conditioned transport, on-board WiFi, and lunch included during the tour.
• Participants can choose their meeting point, but punctuality is required to avoid delays.
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems, difficulty walking 2 km, or pregnant women and families with infants/small children, especially in winter.

Tour Overview

The Snow Monkey and Shibu Onsen Tour is an afternoon group excursion from Myoko Kogen that showcases the unique natural attractions of the region.

The tour includes guided walks through the historic Shibu Onsen hot spring town and entry tickets to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where visitors can observe the world-famous snow monkeys.

During the green season, the tour also stops at a natural spring water spot.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes from the Visitor Center, or 4 hours and 50 minutes from Akakura Bus Ginza, accommodating up to 60 travelers.

Highlights

Highlights of the Snow Monkey and Shibu Onsen Tour include guided walks through the historic Shibu Onsen hot spring town, where visitors can explore the atmospheric streets and traditional ryokans.

The tour also includes entry tickets to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where travelers can observe the famous Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, soaking in the natural hot springs.

Plus, the tour may stop at a scenic spring water spot during the green season.

With a maximum of 60 travelers, the 4-hour 10-minute tour provides an intimate and immersive experience.

• Guided walks in Shibu Onsen
• Entry tickets to Monkey Park
• Spring water spot stop (green season)
• Maximum of 60 travelers

Transportation and Amenities

Air-conditioned vehicles transport participants on this tour, ensuring a comfortable journey.

On-board WiFi allows travelers to stay connected. While luggage space isn’t available, participants can bring along small personal items.

Umbrellas or rainwear are recommended, as the tour may venture outdoors during inclement weather.

Lunch is included, providing sustenance during the 4-hour, 50-minute experience.

This tour caters to a maximum of 60 travelers, offering an intimate group setting.

The meeting point and pickup location are conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for participants.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour starts and ends at a selected meeting point.

Pickup time may be delayed if participants are late at the first pickup point in Nozawa Onsen. The tour is located near public transportation, providing convenient access.

• Participants have the option to choose their meeting point.
• The tour ends back at the original meeting point.
• Pickup time may be delayed if travelers are late at the first pickup location.
• The tour is situated near public transportation for easy commuting.

Participants must be mindful of the pickup schedule, as delays can impact the group’s departure.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Confirmation of booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or difficulty walking 2 km (30 mins) to/from the Monkey Park, a total of 4 km (1 hr).

Pregnant travelers or families with infants/small children are also discouraged from participating, especially during winter, as strollers aren’t allowed on the bus.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Participants must arrange for their own umbrella or rainwear.

A fee of up to ¥30,000 may be charged for damages requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service.

Cancellation and Reviews

Travelers can freely cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts, based on the local time. This policy provides flexibility for participants.

The tour has received an outstanding 5.0 rating based on a single review, highlighting the excellence of the guide and the enjoyable experience with the snow monkeys and Shibu Onsen.

Key points about the cancellation and reviews include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour
• 5.0 rating from 1 review, praising the guide and overall experience
• Detailed, authoritative, and objective information provided
• Concise and precise language to convey the relevant details

The Experience

Although the tour starts at either the Visitor Center or Akakura Bus Ginza, participants are picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi.

The first stop is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where travelers can witness the famous snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.

After exploring the park, the group heads to the historic Shibu Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring town.

Here, participants enjoy a guided walking tour, learning about the town’s rich history and culture.

The tour concludes with a stop at a spring water spot, where visitors can sample the natural mineral waters (in the green season only).

Getting There

Participants can make their way to the designated meeting points with ease.

The tour offers two convenient pickup locations:

• Visitor Center in Myoko Kogen
• Akakura Bus Ginza in Akakura

The meeting points are situated near public transportation, making them accessible for travelers.

Pickup times may vary, as the tour is mindful of participants arriving at the first stop in Nozawa Onsen. Participants should be punctual to ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, providing a hassle-free return journey for all attendees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, participants cannot bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a lunch, and the tour guidelines explicitly state that no luggage is allowed on the bus.

Is the Tour Suitable for Wheelchair Users?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It requires moderate physical fitness and involves a 2km (30-minute) walk to/from the Monkey Park. Strollers are also not allowed on the bus due to limited space.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes. Layering is recommended, as the weather can be chilly, especially around the monkey park area.

Can I Extend My Stay at Shibu Onsen After the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to extend their stay at Shibu Onsen after the scheduled activities. The tour has a fixed duration and ends back at the original meeting point. Extending one’s stay would need to be arranged independently.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or families with infants/small children during winter, as strollers aren’t allowed on the bus. A moderate physical fitness level is required for the 4 km walking portion.

The Sum Up

The Snow Monkey and Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour from Myoko Kogen offers an immersive cultural experience. Travelers can observe playful Japanese macaques at the Jigokudani Monkey Park and stroll through the historic Shibu Onsen hot spring town. With a knowledgeable guide, convenient transportation, and a comfortable group setting, this tour provides an intimate adventure in a scenic region.