Nagano Day Tour: Zenko-ji Temple, Snow Monkeys, Sake Tasting

4.9
(939 reviews)
Nagano Day Tour: Zenko-ji Temple, Snow Monkeys, Sake Tasting Gallery Image 1
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Nagano Day Tour: Zenko-ji Temple, Snow Monkeys, Sake Tasting Gallery Image 3
Nagano Day Tour: Zenko-ji Temple, Snow Monkeys, Sake Tasting Gallery Image 4

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion

Highlights

  • Explore Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples
  • Taste various sakes and learn more about the Japanese beverage
  • Learn about snow monkeys in their natural habitat at the Snow Monkey Park
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch designed to highlight the best of Nagano

Inclusions

  • Hakuba shuttle service (winter only)
  • Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available, please try to let us know in advance)
  • Snow Monkey Park entry fee
  • English-speaking guide
  • Transportation to and between all activities/attractions
  • Sake tasting

Exclusions

  • Shinkansen/bullet train tickets
  • Entry to paid attractions at Zenko-ji
  • Additional food, snacks and drinks

Good to Know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including to and from the monkey park along a 1.6km (1 mile), unsealed forest trail. Please sure your footwear is appropriate and you are dressed accordingly for the season. The trail includes 2 different staircases, and therefore is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time. There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park.
  • This tour uses different forms of transport. Tours can be conducted by microbus or a large bus depending on the season and size of the group.
  • From mid-December until early-April the trail and park are likely to be affected by snow and ice. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable shoes/boots and warm clothing. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons (metal spikes that attach underneath your shoes/boots) can also be purchased. From mid-December until early-March please wear suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C).
  • During the winter it is common to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring however from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath.
  • There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park, arrive late or leave early. While this is unlikely, it is possible and is outside of our control.
  • *Winter only* Guests in Hakuba can join this tour using our shuttle service from / to Hakuba Tokyu Hotel in Wadano and Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. This service is only available from mid December until end of March and may not be available every day between those dates. We apologize that bookings from / to Hakuba cannot be accepted outside of these dates. When using this shuttle service please note that your guide will join and depart the tour at Nagano Station.
  • *Winter only* This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nagano Station by 17:30 (and by 19:00 for guests joining from Hakuba in winter). However, due to weather and road conditions in winter we cannot guarantee the end time. For guests booking shinkansen tickets to travel to Tokyo after the tour in winter, we ask that you do not book any service earlier than the 17:56 Kagayaki (reservation only) or our recommendation of the 18:23 Hakutaka. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations we also recommend doing so for times of 18:00 or later.
  • This tour includes lunch at one of Nagano's outstanding restaurants. Please note that the restaurant may change their menu from time-to-time. Please let us know of any food allergies in advance so we can arrange accordingly.
  • This tour includes ‘sake’ tasting. You must be a minimum of 20 years of age to consume alcohol in Japan.
  • Infants (0-5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order will be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs.
  • Train schedule from Tokyo station to Nagano station| Tokyo: 07:20 –> Nagano: 08:43 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Tokyo: 07:24 –> Nagano: 09:14 by Asama| Tokyo: 07:52 –> Nagano: 09:30 by Hakutaka
  • Train schedule from Nagano station to Tokyo station| Nagano: 17:55 –> Tokyo: 19:20 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Nagano: 18:22 –> Tokyo: 20:00 by Hakutaka
  • Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors.
  • Please note that it is the responsibility of each guest to secure their own way back to their specific hotel after being dropped off at one of the four possible drop off points in Hakuba during the winter period, as our large bus cannot drop off at individual accommodations.

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

Description

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the tranquil grounds of the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important temples. Enjoy a guided sake tasting at a nearby brewery and a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head to the Snow Monkey Park, located down a beautiful forest trail, to witness a group of local macaques known for their willingness to live in the snow and bathe in the local hot springs.

Traveler Ratings

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4.9 / 5

4.89 out of 5 stars

Based on 939 reviews

Review histogram

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Traveler Reviews

Discover what other travelers have to say about this attraction. Read their reviews and get insights into their experiences

Passenger33865042672
the guide was very knowledgeable and had a great personality. the temple and sake tasting gave a varied experience. the monkeys were great fun to watch.
Courtney_I
Wow! What a great experience. This was our favorite activity of the whole trip. Endo was our tour guide for the day and he was very knowledgable about Buddhist traditions and the temple history. Endo...

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