Nagano Snow Monkey and Obuse Tour: English Speaking Driver Only
This 8-hour self-guided tour is perfect for travelers who want to visit the world-famous Snow Monkey Park and the charming town of Obuse at their own pace.
Your journey begins at JR Nagano Station, where you'll meet your English-speaking driver1. The driver will take you to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can witness Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs2. On the way back, enjoy a stop in Obuse, a beautiful town known for its historic streets, museums, and chestnut sweets. After spending a few hours, your driver will take you back to JR Nagano Station.
Experience two of Nagano’s must-see destinations in one convenient day trip!
1: The driver can understand basic English, but communication may be limited. They will use a translation app if needed. We recommend planning your itinerary in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
2: Monkeys don't soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter.
Options
Minivan (up to 5 pax)
Minivan (up to 5 pax)
Pickup included
What's included in Nagano Snow Monkey and Obuse Tour: English Speaking Driver Only
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Nagano
Your driver will meet you at JR Nagano Station and drive you to Kanbayashi Onsen, the starting point of the trail to the Snow Monkey Park. The journey takes approximately one hour.
Snow Monkey Park (jigokudani Yaen Koen)
The world-famous “Snow Monkey Park” is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River in northern Nagano where the troops of wild Japanese monkeys inhabit naturally through the ages. To access the monkey park, you must walk along a forest trail located at the top of Kanbayashi Onsen. Kanbayashi is small and the trail entrance is located next to the Snow Monkey Resort Information and Gift Shop. Pease note that entry tickets for the monkey park are not sold and there are no toilets. Tickets for the park are purchased at the park itself, at the end of the trail. When the weather is fine, this is an easy walk and it takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The trail to the park is 1.6 km / 1 mile in both directions. It is unsealed but well-maintained and other than a short staircase at the trail entrance and a final steep staircase and sloped path at the end of the trail / entrance to the park itself, the trail is completely level and easy to walk.
Obuse-machi
After visitint the Show Monkey Park, your driver will take you to Obuse Town. It takes about 30 minutes from Kanbayashi Onsen to Obuse.
Inclusions
- Private vehicle
- English speaking driver: The driver can understand basic English, but communication may be limited
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- The entrance fee to Jigokudani Monkey Park: Adults 800 JPY, Children 400JPY JPY
- Admission fee to Ganshoin Temple: Adults 500 JPY, Students (6-18) 200 JPY
- Admission fee to Hokusai Kan Museum: Adults 1200 JPY, Students (Junior high and high school students) 500 JPY, Children 300 JPY
- Admission fee to Takai Kozan Memorial Museum: Adults 300 JPY, Children 150 JPY
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Monkeys don't soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter.
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Your driver will pick you up and drop you off at JR Nagano Station or hotels near the port.
