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Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake:
A Perfect Day in Nagano
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¥24,800 / person (10+)
- 📅 Period: All year
- ⏱ Duration: 7 hours
- 📍 In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station
Start your morning with the famous snow monkeys, then explore Nagano’s cultural gems in a premium small-group setting. Visit the Snow Monkey Park early before the crowds, stroll through Obuse and the Hokusai Museum, enjoy a sake tasting, and optionally visit the iconic Zenkoji Temple—all before returning to Nagano Station with plenty of time to continue your journey to Tokyo, Kanazawa, or Matsumoto. Unlike most tours, ours finishes earlier, giving you more freedom and flexibility for the rest of your day.
✅ See the snow monkeys in the peaceful morning hours
✅ Explore Obuse, the charming town of Hokusai
✅ Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a historic Obuse restaurant
✅ Taste premium Nagano sake at a 270-year-old brewery
✅ Round-trip transportation from Nagano Station included
✅ Finish earlier than most tours – flexible timing for easy onward travel
✅ Optional: Visit Zenkoji Temple before heading to your next destination
✅ Small group experience with an English-speaking local guide
1. Meet at Nagano Station (8:45 AM)
Location: 📍 In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
Getting Here: Take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen from Tokyo
Warm Welcome: Board your comfortable vehicle and meet your friendly guide.
2. Snow Monkey Park Adventure
Scenic Trail: Enjoy a 30-40 minute walk through the serene woodland. (Winter: wear non-slip footwear)
Up-Close Encounters: See snow monkeys in their natural habitat and capture stunning photos.
3. Lunch in Obuse
Local Delights: Enjoy a delicious meal with options like Nagano-style chicken, tender pork, or a vegetarian dish.
Fresh & Seasonal: Locally sourced ingredients for an authentic taste of Nagano.
4. Savor Two Types of Japanese Sake
Premium Tasting: Sample two types of sake (60ml each) at a local brewery.
Optional: Skip the tasting and enjoy free time in Obuse.
5. Explore the Hokusai Museum & Obuse’s Streets
Free Time: Wander through Obuse’s streets, visiting cozy cafés, art galleries, and shops.
Optional: Visit the Hokusai Museum (entrance fee not included).
6. Flexible Ending: Return to Nagano Station or Visit Zenkoji Temple
Option 1: Return directly to Nagano Station
Option 2: Explore Zenkoji Temple before returning to the station.
Tour Highlights
Snow Monkey Park: Wild macaques in hot springs
Forest Walk: Stroll through tranquil woodland
Obuse: Elegant streets, art, and cuisine
Premium Sake: Taste two types of sake
Hokusai Museum: Explore ukiyo-e art (optional)
Zenkoji Temple: Visit a historic Buddhist temple (main hall closes after 16:00)
⚠ Winter Notice: Due to potential traffic delays, please allow extra time for onward travel.
⏳ Tour Duration
Approximately 7 hours (may be longer depending on traffic or weather).
⚠ Winter Advisory: Traffic congestion or snowy conditions may cause delays. If you have a train or onward travel planned, we strongly recommend allowing extra time and not scheduling immediate departures after the tour.
📍 Meeting Details
- Meeting Point: 📍 In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
- Meeting Time: 8:45 AM (Please arrive 10 minutes early)
- Traveling from Tokyo?
🚄 Take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
🚶 Physical Requirements
- The walk to Snow Monkey Park involves a 30–40 minute forest trail each way.
- Not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues or those who prefer minimal walking.
- Wheelchairs & strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not provided.
- Winter Advisory: Expect icy and slippery trails—wear appropriate footwear!
✅ What’s Included
✔ Transportation between tour locations
✔ Entry to Snow Monkey Park
✔ A delicious local lunch (chicken, pork, or vegetarian options)
✔ Savor two premium sake (60ml each, optional)
✔ Guidance from an English-speaking local guide
✔ Drop-off at Zenkoji Temple (optional) with return to Nagano Station
❌ What’s Excluded
✖ Hokusai Museum entrance fee
✖ Additional food, drinks, or personal purchases
✖ Transportation to the meeting point (Nagano Station)
🎒 What to Bring
✔ Weather-appropriate clothing (warm jackets in winter, comfortable attire year-round)
✔ Sturdy walking shoes (non-slip recommended in winter; cleats helpful for icy trails)
✔ A sense of adventure!
⚠ Winter Advisory: Expect below-freezing temperatures and icy paths at Snow Monkey Park.
Non-slip footwear or cleats are strongly recommended for safety.
- Photo Friendly
- approx. 7 h
- 2 to 12 people
- All weather
Trip Itinerary : Start at 8:45
8:45 AM – Meeting Time
8:45 AM: Meet in front of Becks Coffee at Nagano Station for a warm welcome from your guide.
Getting There: If traveling from Tokyo Station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
9:00 AM – Departure from Nagano Station
Board the vehicle and begin your exciting day of exploration.
10:00 AM – Arrive at Snow Monkey Park Entrance
egin the scenic 30-40 minute forest trail walk to the park.
10:30 AM – Explore Snow Monkey Park
Spend about 60minutes observing the snow monkeys and enjoying the forest scenery.
11:30 PM – Depart Snow Monkey Park
Walk back along the forest trail to the vehicle.
12:30 PM – Lunch in Obuse
Arrive in the picturesque town of Obuse and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties.
1:30 PM – Savor premium Sake
• Sample two types of premium sake at a local brewery (60ml each).
• If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.
• If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.
1:45 PM – Free Time in Obuse
Take some time to enjoy the Hokusai Museum, stroll through Obuse’s scenic streets, or browse charming local shops at your own pace.
3:00 PM – Flexible Ending: Return to Nagano Station or Visit Zenkoji Temple
• Option 1: Return to Nagano Station after Obuse.
• Option 2: Visit Zenkoji Temple for self-guided exploration. Key highlights include the historic main hall, Nakamise Street, and traditional shops.
• After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji to pick up those who visited the temple and bring them back to Nagano Station.
3:30 - 4:00 PM – Tour Ends
• Wrap up your day with a choice of returning to Nagano Station or extending your experience at Zenkoji Temple.
• Whether you prefer a relaxed finish or extra exploration time, the itinerary is designed to suit your pace.
• The exact end time will depend on the pace and preferences of the group, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Trip Itinerary : Start at 9:35
9:35 AM – Meeting Time
Meet in front of Becks Coffee at Nagano Station for a warm welcome from your guide.
Getting There: If traveling from Tokyo Station, we recommend taking:
• Kagayaki 505 (Departs Tokyo 8:00 AM → Arrives Nagano 9:30 AM)
9:50 AM – Departure from Nagano Station
Board the vehicle and begin your exciting day of exploration.
10:50 AM – Arrive at Snow Monkey Park Entrance
egin the scenic 30-40 minute forest trail walk to the park.
11:20 AM – Explore Snow Monkey Park
Spend about 60minutes observing the snow monkeys and enjoying the forest scenery.
12:20 PM – Depart Snow Monkey Park
Walk back along the forest trail to the vehicle.
1:20 PM – Lunch in Obuse
Arrive in the picturesque town of Obuse and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties.
2:20 PM – Savor Premium Sake
• Sample two types of premium sake at a local brewery (60ml each).
• If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.
• If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.
2:35 PM – Free Time in Obuse
Take some time to enjoy the Hokusai Museum, stroll through Obuse’s scenic streets, or browse charming local shops at your own pace.
3:50 PM – Flexible Ending: Return to Nagano Station or Visit Zenkoji Temple
• Option 1: Return to Nagano Station after Obuse.
• Option 2: Visit Zenkoji Temple for self-guided exploration. Key highlights include the historic main hall, Nakamise Street, and traditional shops.
• After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji to pick up those who visited the temple and bring them back to Nagano Station.
4:20 – 4:30 PM – Tour Ends
• Wrap up your day with a choice of returning to Nagano Station or extending your experience at Zenkoji Temple.
• Whether you prefer a relaxed finish or extra exploration time, the itinerary is designed to suit your pace.
• The exact end time will depend on the pace and preferences of the group, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Have a question before booking?
Interested in a Private Tour Experience? We offer a private upgrade for those seeking a more personalized and flexible day. To inquire about private options, please contact us by email. (We kindly ask that WhatsApp is used only for simple availability checks and post-booking communication.)
¥24,800 / person (10+)
⚠ Winter Notice: Due to potential traffic delays in winter, return times may vary. If you have a train or onward travel planned, please allow for extra time.
Info
🕒 Duration: ~7 hours
⏰ Meeting time: 8:45 AM or 9:35 AM
👥 Group size: 2–12 guests
💴 Price: ¥24,800 (10+), ¥17,800 (ages 3–9)
👶 Infants (0–2): Free – lunch not included
🍱 Includes:
・Transport between all locations
・Entry to Snow Monkey Park
・Lunch (chicken, pork, or vegetarian grated yam – local ingredients)
・2 premium sake tastings (60ml each)
・English-speaking guide
・Optional drop-off at Zenkoji Temple + return pick-up
🚫 Excludes:
・Hokusai Museum entrance
・Extra food/drinks, personal purchases
・Transport to meeting point (Nagano Station)
📍 Meeting point: In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
- Exclusivity & Personal Attention
Our premium small-group tour is designed for travelers who value quality over quantity.Unlike large bus tours with 30-40 participants, our tour is capped at 12 guests (typically 6-8) to maintain a relaxed pace, flexible schedule, and personal interaction with your guide.
- Premium Experience
Go beyond the basics with a carefully curated itinerary featuring premium sake tastings, a locally sourced lunch, and the chance to explore Obuse at your own pace. Travel comfortably in a spacious private vehicle, avoiding the crowds and rigid schedules of larger tours.
- Tailored to You
A small group (typically 6-8 guests, maximum 12) means more personal discussions with your guide, greater flexibility, and unique photo opportunities at each destination. Whether it’s diving deeper into history, tasting extra sake varieties, or taking scenic detours, this tour adapts to your interests.
- Capture the Moments
Your journey deserves to be remembered. Throughout the tour, your guide will take professional DSLR photos, ensuring you leave with high-quality snapshots of your adventure. A curated selection of images will be shared with you after the tour—perfect for cherishing and sharing.
This tour is perfect for:
- Couples Seeking a Relaxed Adventure: Enjoy a thoughtfully paced journey that blends culture, nature, and culinary delights. This tour offers a stress-free, enriching experience, perfect for those who appreciate comfort and quality time together.
- Honeymoon Couples: Share an intimate and unforgettable experience exploring Nagano’s natural beauty and rich culture. From cozy walks through serene woodlands to savoring local delicacies, it’s an ideal way to create lasting memories together.
- Small Groups of Friends: Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or sharing an adventure with a close companion, this tour offers the perfect mix of exploration, fun, and relaxation.
- Families Looking for a Unique Day Out: Create unforgettable memories as a family while exploring the magical Snow Monkey Park and the charming streets of Obuse. With a flexible pace and a mix of cultural and natural experiences, this tour is perfect for all ages.
- Culture Enthusiasts: Discover the history and traditions of Nagano, from the fascinating Snow Monkey Park to the artistic charm of Obuse.
- Food & Sake Lovers: Indulge in a locally sourced lunch and premium sake tastings, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
• • Photography Buffs: Capture incredible moments, from snow monkeys soaking in hot springs to the picturesque streets of Obuse, with the added bonus of professional DSLR snapshots taken by your guide.
Q: Is there a possibility that the monkeys may not appear in the park?
A: Yes, there is a possibility that the monkeys may not appear as they are wild animals. While sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, there are times — particularly in certain seasons — when they may not come to the park due to weather, food availability, or other natural factors. Please understand that we do not offer refunds if no monkeys are present during your visit. Our team will still provide a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-structured itinerary to make your visit meaningful. Even without the monkeys, the walk to the park offers beautiful forest scenery and a memorable nature experience — each season has its own charm.
Q: What is included in the tour?
A:
•A visit to the Snow Monkey Park.
•Lunch in the picturesque town of Obuse.
•Free time to explore highlights such as the Hokusai Museum (entrance fees not included) and Obuse’s scenic streets.
•Savor Premium Sake in Obuse.
•An optional visit to Zenkoji Temple (self-guided).
•Comfortable transportation from and back to Nagano Station.
Q: Where does the tour start and end?
A: The meeting point is in front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station, and the tour concludes at the same location.
Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The tour lasts approximately 7 hours.
Q: What is the difficulty level of the Snow Monkey Park hike?
A: This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour.
Q: Is lunch included in the tour price?
A: Yes, lunch is included and features a delicious meal in Obuse. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.
Q: Can I skip the savor sake portion of the tour?
A: Yes, you are welcome to skip the savor sake portion. You can take the time to explore the surrounding area or relax.
Q: Is this tour family-friendly?
A: Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. However, please note the hike to the Snow Monkey Park and ensure children are comfortable with the distance.
Q: What should I wear and bring?
A: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring weather-appropriate clothing as the tour includes outdoor activities. Don’t forget a camera to capture the Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple, and scenic Obuse!
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: The tour operates rain or shine. Please dress accordingly, especially for the hike to the Snow Monkey Park.
Q: Who is not suitable for this tour?
A: This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour.
Q: How can I book the tour?
A: You can book directly on our website at o8experience.com.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A:
7+ days before the tour date: Full refund, minus a 10% processing fee.
3 to 6 days before the tour date: 50% refund, minus a 10% processing fee.
Within 2 days of the tour date: No refunds.
Q: Do I need to bring anything special for the Snow Monkey Park?
A: Snow Monkey Park can be snowy or muddy depending on the season, so we recommend waterproof shoes and warm clothing in winter.
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