Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, named after the plumes of steam shooting out of the ground. Not as scary as it sounds, however, it is a truly memorable experience safe for all ages.
After visiting the Monkeys we offer you an exclusive look into the historic Onsen Village of Shibu. This village was frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsens in town.
As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, some hundreds of years old, you might just get to see some more wild monkeys as they try to scavenge food!
Our professional, experienced, English-speaking staff can offer a bilingual service that ensures peace of mind and an unforgettable day tour to your already memorable holiday in Japan!
Options
Iiyama Station Pickup
Duration: 5 hours: Winter (Dec~Mar): Depart 13:20 / Return 17:10 (4 hours)
Green Season (Apr~Nov): Depart 13:20 / Return 17:40 (4.5 hours)
Starting point:
Iiyama Station, Japan, 389-2253 Nagano, Iiyama, 枡ノ浦
What's included in Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
See the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Monkey Park, named for the plumes of steam rising from the ground, as if from hell itself! Despite the name, this is a fun and unforgettable trip for the whole family. The driver guide will provide information about all points of interest during the bus trip, and will provide further information within the park itself!
Sake Storehouse Art Museum - Gallery Tamamura Honten
[CLOSED on SUNDAY] Sake & Beer brewery. The ground floor is a shop area, 2nd floor is a traditional art gallery. During winter, you may freely visit it instead of the guided walk in Shibu Onsen.
Shibu Onsen
[STORES are CLOSED on WEDNESDAY] Shibu Onsen is a traditional Onsen town, full of rich culture, beautiful narrow backstreets, and of course, the 9 public onsen. Sometimes some more wild monkeys can even show up to cause trouble! This section of the tour is a guided walking tour. If you would prefer to take independent action rather than join the tour, you may do so to relax in an onsen or walk around by yourself.
Inclusions
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided walks in Shibu Onsen
- Monkey Park Entry Tickets
- Stop over at the spring water spot (Green season only)
- Luggage Space
- Lunch
- Umbrella / Rainwear
- 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
- It is not allowed to bring Luggage (No luggage space in a vehcile). Please use coin lockers or storage service at the tourist information center in Iiyama Station..
- Pickup time at Iiyama Station may be delayed if the participants are not coming on time at the first pickup point, Nozawa Onsen.
- Return time at Iiyama Station will be 17:10~17:30 (Purchasing a train ticket before 17:30 is not recommended, the return time is subject to change depending on delays/weather conditions)
- Return time at Nozawa Onsen will be 17:30~18:00 (subject to change depending on delays/condition of day)
- Total duration depart/return from Iiyama: 3 hrs 50 mins ~ 4 hrs 20 mins
- Total duration depart/return from Nozawa Onsen: 4 hrs 30 mins ~ 5 hrs
- Rain gears are needed to be arranged by paricipants.
- In the event of damages (vomiting etc.) which require the vehicle to be out of service for a duration and are caused by your party, a fee of up to ¥30,000 may be incurred.
- Please be aware that a medium level of fitness is required for about 2 km walk (one-way) to/from the park.
- Most shops in Shibu Onsen are closed on Wednesdays
- Tamamura Honten (the brewery) is closed on Sundays
- The type of vehicle for the tour depends on the number of participants and can not be confirmed until the tour date.
- Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking for 2km (30 mins) to/from the Monkey Park (Total 4 km / 1 hr)
- Not recommended for families with infants or small children during winter, due to the added difficulty of the walk up to the monkey park. We also are unable to take strollers onto the bus. For customers who have small children, we recommend the Private Tour.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Shikansen departing at 18:12 for Nagano & Tokyo / Arrive at 18:23 Nagano / 20:00 Tokyo. Departing at 18:20 for Kanazawa / Arrive at 19:35
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
For Chuo Terminal, 県道 38 号線, 豊郷 野沢温泉村 下高井郡 長野県 389-2502, Japan This is the map https://maps.app.goo.gl/cfQyUvWsD54RBYXdA For Iiyama Station, Japan, 389-2253 Nagano, Iiyama, 枡ノ浦 This is the map https://maps.app.goo.gl/wHQE1GPSgkxWvoVv6 In front of the Tourist Information Center. Pickup time may be delayed if the participants are not coming on time at the first pickup point.