Japan Awaits

Embark on a captivating journey through Nagano with our exciting join-in tour with a small group (limited to 6-13 people). With a dedicated English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the city, visiting renowned sites such as the Snow Monkey Park, Obuse, Hokusai Museum, and exciting Onsen Experience or Sake Experience.

• Begin your journey at 7:00 if you come from Tokyo (or 8:45 AM at Nagano Station), the tour guide will meet you at Nagano Station to start the tour.
• On this tour, starting by venturing to the famed Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you might encounter adorable Japanese Macaques soaking in steaming hot springs – a sight that’s sure to leave you enchanted (be advised that sightings are less frequent during the warmer months). After this delightful encounter, we’ll take a break to savor a delicious Nagano lunch (included in the tour) to refuel for the afternoon’s explorations.
• The latter half of the tour delves into the artistic and historical heart of Nagano. We’ll visit the charming town of Obuse, where you can wander along traditional streetscapes and immerse yourself in the vibrant local art scene. Next, we’ll step into the world of the legendary Katsushika Hokusai at the Hokusai Museum. Here, you’ll be mesmerized by his iconic woodblock prints, including the world-renowned “Great Wave off Kanagawa”.
• To conclude the tour, you’ll have the option to indulge in a sake tasting, where you can savor different flavors and discover the art of this iconic Japanese beverage. Alternatively, you can unwind with a relaxing soak in a nearby onsen and rejuvenate your senses.
• This comprehensive tour is meticulously crafted to allow you to experience the diverse tapestry of Nagano in a convenient and enjoyable way. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, sake lovers, and anyone seeking a fascinating cultural immersion, this join-in tour promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating heart of Nagano.

Seasonal Recommendations for This Tour:

Spring Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Viewing: Mid-April to Early-May

Summer Outdoor Activities: Late-May to Late-September

Autumn Foliage (Koyo) Viewing: Early-October to Late-November

Winter Festivities: Early-December to Late-March

• Inclusions:

  • • Join-in tour with English-speaking (or other available language) tour guide

    • Pickup and drop-off service

    • Transportation within Nagano City

    • Train ticket from Tokyo to Nagano and return (if the guests come from Tokyo)

    • Entrance fee to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

    • Fuel surcharge
• Exclusions:

  • • Food and drinks

    • Gratuities

    • Entrance fee to Hokusai Museum
    • Onsen/ Sake Experience

 Location Options:

• Snow Monkey Park

• Obuse

• Hokusai Museum

• Sake or Onsen Experience

  Availability:

• All year round, but especially recommended during Spring (for cherry blossoms), Summer (for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling), Fall (for autumn foliage) and Winter (for snow monkeys and winter festivities).
• The monkeys enter the onsen all year round, but sometimes the park wardens will encourage the monkeys by throwing food into the pool, especially during the warmer seasons of the year. Please understand that these are wild monkeys so there may be times when the monkeys would not come out from the forest. 

  Location: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

  Time:

• 7:00 AM from Tokyo Station

• 8:45 AM from Nagano Station

Additional information:

• For this tour, if the guests come from Tokyo and return: we will send train tickets to the guests’ hotel in Tokyo (the hotel which guests are staying at before their Nagano trip). Please provide: 1) Hotel Name in Tokyo, 2) Name of guest who booked the hotel, 3) Confirmation Number, and 4) Dates of Stay at the hotel in Tokyo.
• Snow Monkeys in warmer seasons: The snow starts to melt in March, and the snow monkeys may not bathe as often as they did in the winter to keep warm. Guests may see the snow monkeys taking a swim as the park staff gives them lunch, but unlike winter months, there are definitely days when the monkeys just do not feel like entering the bath. When it is warm and the sun is out, the monkeys tend to be more active and move around the area. The monkeys are more likely to be grooming in the warmer seasons. While Winter is not the only time to see snow monkeys, please note that they are wild animals and it is difficult to predict their behavior. You can still visit the Snow Monkey Park, but seeing the snow monkeys and watching them bathe is not always guaranteed.
• Guests must provide information (name, age) of each guest. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Age Requirement: Guests of all ages can attend this tour, but a booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 12 to 99. Child pricing applies to guests age 6 – 11. Young child pricing applies to guests age 1 – 5. In this private group tour, there must be at least one person that is 18 years or older.

Minimum group size

This activity requires a minimum of 6 participant(s). If the minimum is not met, you can book an alternative date or request a full refund

Winter in Nagano

In winter, the walking trail to the Snow Monkey Park may get slippery, so please wear winter shoes (sometimes provided by the hotel/ryokan guests are staying at). The temperatures in Nagano are much colder than Tokyo, so please prepare warm clothes.

Payment

All bookings is payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy:

How far in advance should I book?

Nagano City is a popular destination from Tokyo. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible and ideally, at least a month in advance.

When is it Peak Season and what does that mean for this tour?

There are many peak seasons in Nagano, but it is especially busy during the Autumn and Winter Seasons. During these peak seasons, there will be heavy traffic on the roads and may take two to three times the duration to travel between locations.

Other peak holidays include Golden Week (May 6th to 27th), the Obon Holidays (August 11th to 20th), and the New Year Holidays (December 28th – January 6th).

Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?