Snow Monkey Hot Springs & Zenkoji Temple Tour

Visit the Snow Monkey Hot Springs & Zenko-Ji Temple with traditional Japanese lunch at the historic town of Obuse.

Daily visitor limits now apply. Join the tour - advance reservation and park admission ticket included!

Operation Dates

• EVERY Day - 19th December 2026 to 28th February 2027 (except 1st January 2027)
• EVERY Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - in March 2027

Snow Monkeys Hot Springs

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. 

Lunch in Historic Obuse

Departing from the monkey park the tour makes its 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.

Zenko-Ji Temple

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. 

2026 / 27 Prices

Infants (0-2 yrs) are free of charge to join the tour, however, lunch will not be provided and they will share the bus seat with a parent. Baby seats cannot be provided by the bus company.

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

• Hakuba Pickup - from selected pick up points. Find out more >
• Snow Monkey Park - approximately 2 hours (including 30 to 40 mins walk each way through cedar forest)
• Lunch in Obuse - approximately 1.5 hours
• Zenko Ji Temple in Nagano - approximately 1.5 hours (optional drop off available near Nagano Station)
• Return to Hakuba - drop off points are the same as pick up points.

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

* Tsugaike Pick up is available on weekdays for Bus 1 only. Guests staying in the Tsugaike area who are travelling on the 2nd bus or on weekends are kindly requested to make their own way to the Happo Bus Terminal to join the tour.