Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

About this experience

Enjoy a small-group tour with no more than 12 guests, combining Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a local lunch in Obuse, two premium sake tastings, and free time to explore. Start at Nagano Station with an English-speaking local guide. Walk a scenic forest trail to the Snow Monkey Park, then visit Obuse for lunch and sake tasting. Browse local shops, stroll the historic streets, or visit the Hokusai Museum independently during free time (admission not included). Choose an 8:45 AM or 9:45 AM departure. On 8:45 AM departures only, you may also choose an optional self-guided visit to Zenkoji Temple, with return transportation to Nagano Station. The 9:45 AM departure returns directly to Nagano Station after Obuse. With transport, park admission, lunch, and sake tasting arranged for you, this is an easy way to enjoy Nagano in one day.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 5min

   8:45 AM departure: Meet your guide at 8:45 AM in front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station, just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates. Getting there from Tokyo Station: Take the 6:52 AM Asama 601 (arriving at Nagano at 8:35 AM) or the 7:20 AM Kagayaki 503 (arriving at 8:37 AM). 9:45 AM departure: Meet your guide at 9:45 AM in front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station, just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates. Getting there from Tokyo Station: Take the 7:52 AM Hakutaka 553 (arriving at Nagano at 9:30 AM) or the 8:11 AM Kagayaki 505 (arriving at 9:38 AM). Please check the train timetable for your travel date and go directly to the meeting point upon arrival.

2. Stop 2 · 1h

   Witness wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, an iconic Nagano experience.

3. Stop 3 · 45min

   Explore the picturesque streets of Obuse, renowned for its artistic heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and chestnut delicacies. Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh, seasonal dishes like Nagano chicken, tender pork, or vegetarian grated yam.

4. Stop 4 · 15min

   • Sample two types of premium sake at a local brewery (30ml each). • If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.

5. Stop 5 · 45min

   Take some free time in Obuse to stroll through the scenic streets or browse charming local shops at your own pace. Guests may also choose to visit the Hokusai Museum independently (admission not included).

6. Stop 6

   Flexible Ending (8:45 AM departures only): Return to Nagano Station or Enjoy a Self-Guided Visit to Zenkoji Temple After visiting Obuse, guests on 8:45 AM departures can choose to return directly to Nagano Station or enjoy an optional self-guided visit to Zenkoji Temple. Guests choosing Zenkoji will be dropped off at the temple for free time. After taking the other guests to Nagano Station, the guide will return to collect those at Zenkoji and bring them back to the station. This option is not available on 9:45 AM departures, which return directly to Nagano Station after Obuse.

7. Stop 7 · 5min

   Approximately 3:30–4:40 PM – Return to Nagano Station • 8:45 AM departure: Choose a direct return to Nagano Station or an optional self-guided visit to Zenkoji Temple, with return transportation to Nagano Station afterward. • 9:45 AM departure: Return directly to Nagano Station after Obuse. The optional Zenkoji Temple visit is not available. • Return times vary depending on your selected departure, traffic, weather, and the pace of the group. Please allow extra time for onward travel.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)

End point

• In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• For the 8:45 AM departure: From Tokyo Station, take the 6:52 AM Asama 601 (arriving at Nagano at 8:35 AM) or the 7:20 AM Kagayaki 503 (arriving at 8:37 AM). For the 9:45 AM departure: From Tokyo Station, take the 7:52 AM Hakutaka 553 (arriving at Nagano at 9:30 AM) or the 8:11 AM Kagayaki 505 (arriving at 9:38 AM). Please check the train timetable for your travel date and go directly to the meeting point upon arrival.
• 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.
• Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
• Please arrive at the meeting point by your selected departure time: 8:45 AM or 9:45 AM. The vehicle normally leaves five minutes later. If you are delayed, please contact us immediately. We can wait no longer than 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. Arrivals after this limit are treated as a no-show, with no refund or rescheduling.
• The tour lasts approximately 7–8 hours. Return times may vary depending on traffic, weather, walking conditions, and whether you choose the optional Zenkoji Temple visit on the 8:45 AM departure. Please allow extra time when booking onward trains.
• 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.
• Flexible Ending (8:45 AM departures only): After Obuse, choose an optional self-guided visit to Zenkoji Temple or return directly to Nagano Station. Guests visiting Zenkoji will be dropped off at the temple for free time. After taking the other guests to Nagano Station, the guide will return to collect those at Zenkoji and bring them back to the station. This option is not available on 9:45 AM departures, which return directly to Nagano Station after Obuse.
• Peak winter days: If parking is extremely limited, the Snow Monkey Park visit may be done on your own. We’ll share a clear meet-up point, stay in touch via WhatsApp, and provide ticket money in advance (receipt requested).
• o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
• On 8:45 AM departures, the order of visits and lunch timing may change depending on monkey activity and local conditions. Your guide will explain any adjustments on the day.
• 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.
• Strollers are not accessible

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.