This tour will take you up to the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani where you can enjoy observing the monkeys in close proximity, followed by lunch and an afternoon enjoying the best cherry blossom spots in the region.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 9 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Visit to the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani
- Enjoy a well-deserved Japanese lunch
- Discover some of the best cherry blossom spots in northern Nagano
Full description
This tour takes you from JR Nagano Station to the world-famous Jigokudani snow monkeys and to some of the most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagano. Seeing the blooming cherry blossoms (called hanami in Japanese) is one of the most Japanese things one can do whilst being in the land of the rising sun. Located in a chilly, mountainous region, northern Nagano’s blossoms start blooming later than those in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Every year, the blossoms normally come into bloom from the middle of April. Nagano is not as famous as an aforementioned city but has many lovely places where you can see the brightly colored flowers. If you wish to get off the beaten track and see the wild monkeys and cherry blossoms on the same day, this tour is perfect for you.
First, you will be taken to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe the wild Japanese macaques at an incredibly close distance. April is generally the month when newborn babies arrive to the Jigokudani monkey troop. Usually there are 20 to 30 babies born every spring, and it’s endearing to see the newborns taking their first step and climb.
After being filled by a Japanese lunch, the tour will take you to the hanami spots where cherry blossoms can be seen. The spots are selected depending on the degree of bloom of the blossoms on the tour date. Each spot has different types of cherry blossoms with overall more than 500 to 1000 sakura trees. Experience the yearly tradition to welcome spring in full. After enjoying the cherry blossoms, you will be taken to the train that takes you back to JR Nagano Station. The tour is scheduled to conclude at JR Nagano Station by 6:30 PM. Don’t miss this special opportunity to witness Japan’s beautiful spring.
Includes
- Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park and between activities/ attractions
- Snow Monkey Park entrance fee
- Lunch (vegetarian options are available, please make this known beforehand)
- English-speaking guide
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Bullet train tickets
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- You must keep social distance while in vehicles
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Meeting point
Nagano JR Station, in front of the Information Board directly opposite the shinkansen (bullet train) gates.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Please wear suitable shoes for the walking trail
- If the cherry blossoms are not in bloom, an alternative afternoon visit to Zenko-ji Temple with sake tasting will be provided. You will be notified of the change in an itinerary 3 days in advance.
- During the winter, it is common to see the monkeys in the hot spring, however, while the monkeys may play in the water from spring to autumn, there is no guarantee that they will be in the hot spring
- There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park. In such a case or if the park is closed, you will be provided an alternative activity.
- Confirmation email of your reservation will be sent to you within 48 hours after booking
- Infants (up to 5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order should be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs.