Check out Japan’s famous cherry blossom blooms and see snow monkeys on a full-day trip from Nagano. After visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you’ll stop for lunch, then visit several different ‘hanami’ spots to admire the cherry blossom trees. This seasonal experience runs from April to the end of May, allowing you to take in the later blooms of the mountainous northern Nagano region.

Northern Nagano cherry blossom and snow monkey tour
See Japanese macaques at the Jigokudani Monkey Park
Visit the blooming sakura trees of the northern region with your guide
Learn about the yearly tradition of welcoming spring in Japan

What's Included

Transportation from Nagano Station to all listed destinations / activities
English-speaking guide
Jigokudani Monkey Park entry ticket
Lunch
Afternoon of cherry blossom at a location selected for its condition on the day.

Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets
Additional food, snacks & drinks
Accommodation

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Nagano Station
Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan
Inside Nagano Station, in front of the large Information directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates.

Start time

09:35 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Nagano Prefecture

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Please wear suitable shoes for walking
We monitor the blooming of the blossoms a select the possible location to view them for each tour, affecting the end time of each tour which will be between 17:30 to 18:30.
If the trees are not in bloom on the day of the tour, you will visit Zenko-ji Temple and the sake brewery store instead. You will be notified of the change three days in advance of your tour
In winter, the snow monkeys are often seen in the park’s hot spring bath. However, in spring and autumn months, the monkeys may just play or eat in the water
On rare occasions, the monkeys may not come into the park. On these occasions, the park will close and an alternative tour will be provided
Infants aged under five years old are free; lunch for infants is not provided

This tour uses local restaurants 'Enza Cafe' and 'Japanese Dining GOEN', depending on their availability. Vegetarian options are available.
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time. There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

10 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-4 of 10 reviews

Love the Snow Monkeys

Justin_W, Apr 2023

The snow monkey location was an outstanding experience. The guide did not not give any background on the places we visited or things we saw which would have made this trip 5 stars.

Highly recommend!

Danielle_M, Apr 2023

Ryu was an amazing tour guide. He gave us lots of information about the day and then allowed us free time at each destination to explore. However, he made sure to connect with all of us at some point so that we could ask questions. The bus that transported our group was clean and comfortable. It took us first to snow monkey park. There was a bit of a hike to get there but it was beautiful and not too demanding. The snow monkey experience was so amazing. They were so fun to watch and there were so many walking and hanging out right around us. After the snow monkey park our bus took us to lunch at a great restaurant that provided us with delicious bento boxes. Ryu communicated with the restaurant about my husband's allergies which put us at ease. After lunch we stopped at a market to shop and then we ended our day at a beautiful park with cherry blossoms. Ryu came around once again to take photos of everyone. This day was truly beautiful and one of my favorite days from my Japan trip.

Most fantastic tour in Japan so far

ANKIN_T, Apr 2023

It was an exciting and memorable tour. Seeing snow monkeys is a must. Second half of the tour was in the park strolling amongst cherry blossoms and it was spectacular because of the small lake surrounded by those trees. Took hundreds of pictures. Lunch was good too. I recommend this tour for sure.

Peter our guide was amazing. He...

Patricia R, May 2018

Peter our guide was amazing. He went out of his way to make sure everyone was having fun. Monkeys were a highlight of my entire trip to Japan.