
This overnight excursion is an outstanding addition to your Japan itinerary. Witness Snow Monkeys bathing in the hot springs of Jigokundani National Park. The area varies greatly depending on the time of year but offers a thrilling experience whatever the season. From December until March, the forest will be covered in snow and the monkeys will be enjoying themselves to the fullest in the hot springs. If you visit in April, enjoy the striking cherry blossoms all around you, whilst getting a glimpse of mothers with their infants in the branches.
Tour departs: Daily on request

Trip Highlights
- Wonderful opportunity to see these gorgeous monkeys relaxing and enjoying themselves.
- Authentic overnight stay in a traditional ryokan
- Easy self-guided tour
Start your Journey
Tokyo - Jigokudani - Yudanaka
You will leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind as you set off on the bullet train to Nagano Station - arriving in time for lunch. Then change onto the provincial Nagano Dentetsu line to Yadanaka Station. Just outside the station - you will find the bus which will take you to the national park (310 JPY additional per person per way). Watch the monkeys play, relax and groom each other. Their animated faces closely resemble our own - don't forget your cameras - you will want to capture these moments to look back on.
This evening you will stay in a traditional ryokan in Yudanaka - a traditional Japanese Inn. Tuck into a scrumptious dinner whilst wrapped up in your cosy Japanese Yakata robe, and take in the peaceful and authentic surroundings of sliding doors and tatami mats.
Yudanaka - Tokyo
After a hearty breakfast, you will make the journey back to Tokyo. But we will ensure you have a map and lots of information and suggestions of places we would recommend you stop and explore on the way. For example - stop off at Obuse, a small town with a picturesque centre. It has a great selection of museums, shops and restaurants among its pretty narrow lanes. Another stop worth making is at the mighty Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. This is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country. We will provide you with a guide to all the areas available to you to explore.
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