Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

1. Meet at Nagano Station (8:45 AM)

• Meeting Point: In front of the Starbucks Midori Nagano Station 
• Getting There: If traveling from Tokyo station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
• Warm Welcome: Board a comfortable vehicle and begin your day in the company of a friendly, knowledgeable local guide.

2. Snow Monkey Park Adventure

• Scenic Forest Trail: Enjoy a 30–40 minute walk through serene woodland. In winter, we recommend non-slip footwear or cleats for icy conditions.
• Up-Close Encounters: Thanks to our small group size, you’ll have ample opportunity to observe the playful snow monkeys at a comfortable, respectful distance. Your guide will direct you to the best vantage points for stunning photos and unforgettable moments.
• Natural Immersion: Soak in the beauty of Nagano’s lush forests and fresh mountain air, offering a rejuvenating start to your day.

3. Lunch in Obuse

• Local Culinary Delights: After your time with the snow monkeys, head to the picturesque town of Obuse and indulge in a delicious lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Choose from:
  
  • Nagano’s flavorful chicken
  • Tender pork
  • A vegetarian option featuring grated yam
• Fresh & Seasonal: Each meal is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, providing an authentic taste of Nagano’s celebrated cuisine.

4. Savor the Essence of Two Japanese Sakes

• Premium Tasting: After lunch, visit a respected brewery to sample two exquisite types of Japanese sake (60ml each).
• Optional Skip: Prefer to skip the tasting? You can enjoy extra free time exploring Obuse while others participate in the sake experience.
• Cultural Deep-Dive: Learn about the region’s unique brewing traditions, the importance of rice quality, and what makes Nagano’s sake so special.

5. Explore the Hokusai Museum & Obuse’s Scenic Streets

• Free Time (60 Minutes): Wander through Obuse at your own pace. Highlights include:
  
  • Hokusai Museum: Admire masterpieces by the legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (entrance fees not included).
  • Charming Streets: Discover cozy cafés, art galleries, and local shops that bring Obuse’s cultural heritage to life.
• Customized Recommendations: Ask your guide for tips on hidden gems, sweet shops, or local specialties you won’t want to miss.

6.Flexible Ending: Return to Nagano Station or Visit Zenkoji Temple

• Guests can choose between:
  
  1. Returning to Nagano Station – If you prefer to end your tour early, you can be dropped off at Nagano Station directly after Obuse.
  2. Exploring Zenkoji Temple – Those interested in visiting one of Japan’s most significant temples can enjoy free time at Zenkoji before returning to Nagano Station.

• Convenient Pickup: 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.

Tour Highlights 

• Snow Monkey Park: Watch wild Japanese macaques bathe in hot springs.
• Forest Walk: Stroll through Nagano’s tranquil woodland.
• Obuse Charm: Explore elegant streets, art, and traditional crafts.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy a seasonal Nagano-style lunch.
• Premium Sake: Taste two select sake(60ml) varieties or explore more of Obuse.
• Hokusai Museum (Optional): Discover the works of Katsushika Hokusai.
• Personalized Experience: Small groups for a flexible, in-depth tour.
• Zenkoji Temple Option: Visit this historic Buddhist site with a convenient pickup back to Nagano Station. (main hall closes after 16:00).
• Expert Guide: Learn from an English-speaking local guide.

Tour Duration

• Approximately 7 hours (may be slightly longer depending on traffic or weather).

Please note that due to potential traffic jams, there may be slight delays, making the tour last more extra hours. Guests are advised not to schedule train departures immediately after the tour and to allow sufficient time for boarding.

Meeting Details

• Meeting Point: In front of Starbucks Midori Nagano station
• Meeting Time: 8:45 AM

If traveling from Tokyo station, 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.
• 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.
• Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential (non-slip recommended in winter).

What’s Included

• Transportation between tour locations

• Entry to Snow Monkey Park

• A delicious lunch (chicken, pork, or vegetarian)

• Savor two premium sake (60ml each) – optional

• Guidance from an English-speaking local guide

• Drop-off at Zenkoji Temple (optional) with return pick-up to Nagano Station

What’s Excluded

• Hokusai Museum entrance fee
• Additional food, drinks, or personal purchases
• Transportation fees to the meeting point (Nagano Station)

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing (warm jackets in winter, comfortable attire year-round)
• Suitable walking shoes (consider cleats in winter)
• A sense of adventure and willingness to discover Nagano’s hidden gems!

During winter, please be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and icy, slippery conditions at Snow Monkey Park by wearing non-slip footwear or bringing cleats for added safety.

Ready to Experience Nagano in a Premium Small Group?

We invite you to discover Nagano’s natural beauty, artistic treasures, and culinary delights in a truly personal way—far beyond what large-bus tours can provide. Reserve your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime!