Visit the Snow Monkey Hot Springs & Zenko-Ji Temple with traditional Japanese lunch at the historic town of Obuse.
The world famous Jigokudani wild monkey park is home to about 200 wild monkeys who spend their days soaking in the natural hot springs, keeping warm from the harsh winter.
The park was opened in 1964 and is considered to be the only place in the world to see snow monkeys bathing in the wild. The hike to the hot-springs takes approx. 30 minutes each way.
Departing from the monkey park we then make our way to the historic town of Obuse, home to the famous Japanese artist Hokusai and Masuichi Sake Brewery.
Lunch is a delicious set course traditional Japanese meal with a choice of main courses including dessert and glass of Sake.
The next stop is Nagano City home to Zenkoji Temple, designated a national treasure and has a history of over 1400 years.
It is one of Japan's most revered temples and houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th century.
The streets surrounding the temple are lined with lantern lit shops and tiered roofed stalls, souvenir shops and galleries.
Operation Dates
- EVERY Day - 20th December 2025 to 28th February 2026 (except 1st January 2026)
- EVERY Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - in March 2026
2025 / 26 Prices
Tour is inclusive of Transportation, English-speaking Guide, Monkey Park entry fee, Set menu lunch and insurance.
Any other expenses or access/entry to other areas whilst customer is on the tour are to be paid by the customer.
Tour Itinerary
- Tsugaike pick-up is only available for the first departure on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Second bus and Third bus will accept bookings once first or second bus is full.
Tour Information
- The walk from the bus drop-off point to Monkey Park takes approximately 40 minutes each way along a forest trail. Please wear non-slip footwear or winter boots, as the path is often covered with snow and can be slippery. Warm clothing, gloves, and a beanie are also strongly recommended due to the cold conditions. Winter boots are available for rent at the Monkey Park souvenir shop. Snow spikes will be provided by upon request at no extra charge.
- The adult lunch consists of a hot pot meal with the guest’s choice of beef, fish, or a vegetarian option. It is accompanied by seasonal side dishes, chestnut rice (kuri-okowa), Japanese pickles, fresh apple slices, and a tasting of local sake.
- Children will be served a Japanese-Western style plate, which typically includes fried chicken (karaage), pasta, a rice ball (onigiri), French fries, an egg dish, and fresh apple slices.
- It is possible to leave the tour at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, if you do not wish to return to Hakuba. Drop-off near Nagano Station may be available depending on traffic conditions. If this is not possible, the guide will assist the you in arranging a taxi. Suitcases and other luggage can be stored in the bus storage compartment during the tour.
- You may change their tour date free of charge, subject to availability, no later than 5 days before the scheduled tour date.
Hakuba Pick Up / Drop Off Locations
Booking Terms
Payment
- Full payment via the booking portal is required within 5 days of the booking request being confirmed.
Cancellation
- 5 days or more prior to the tour date: 0% cancellation fee (full amount is refunded*)
- 0 to 4 days prior to the lesson date: 100% cancellation fee (no refund is offered)
* Refunds are made in Japanese Yen. The amount that you receive in your home currency may differ from the amount you paid in your home currency due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Minimum numbers of participants
- A minimum of 17 participants in total is required for the tour to operate *
- In the case the minimum number of participants has not been reached by 5:00 p.m.one day before the tour date, the tour will be cancelled, and you may choose a refund or allocation to another date.
Book Hakuba Snow Monkeys Tours
We are only able to book for guests who have already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow.
Please enter your Samurai Snow Reservation Number provided to you when you booked your accommodation in the form below and we will email booking instructions to you.
If you submit a booking request and have not already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow, we will do our best to respond to your enquiry but this will not always be possible.
We are not able to book 7 days or fewer before the start date.