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Offered languages
- English
Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day.
Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights.
Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace.
On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures).
With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of Beck’s Coffee inside Nagano Station (just outside the Shinkansen ticket gates)
Itinerary
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1Beck's Coffee Shop
8:45 AM: Meet in front of Becks Coffee at Nagano Station for a warm welcome from your guide. Getting There: If traveling from Tokyo Station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Witness wild Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, an iconic Nagano experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3Obuse-machi
Explore the picturesque streets of Obuse, renowned for its artistic heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and chestnut delicacies. Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh, seasonal dishes like Nagano chicken, tender pork, or vegetarian grated yam.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery
• Sample two types of premium sake at a local brewery (30ml each). • If not participating, explore Obuse’s scenic streets during this time.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5Obuse-machi
Take some free time in Obuse to stroll through the scenic streets or browse charming local shops at your own pace. Guests may also choose to visit the Hokusai Museum independently (admission not included).
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Zenko-ji Temple (Pass by)
Flexible Ending: Return to Nagano Station or Visit Zenkoji Temple. Returning to Nagano Station – If you prefer to end your tour early, you can be dropped off at Nagano Station directly after Obuse. Exploring Zenkoji Temple – Those interested in visiting one of Japan’s most significant temples can enjoy free time at Zenkoji before returning to Nagano Station. Convenient Pickup: After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji to pick up those who visited the temple and bring them back to Nagano Station.
Admission ticket free -
6Nagano Station
3:30 - 4:30 PM – Tour Ends • Wrap up your day with a choice of returning to Nagano Station or continuing your adventure at Zenkoji Temple. • Whether you prefer a relaxed finish or extra exploration time, the itinerary is designed to suit your pace. • The exact end time will depend on the pace and preferences of the group, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
Additional info
- 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
- If traveling from Tokyo station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time.
- There is a possibility that the monkeys may not appear as they are wild animals. While sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, there are times — particularly in certain seasons — when they may not come to the park due to weather, food availability, or other natural factors. Please understand that we do not offer refunds if no monkeys are present during your visit. Our team will still provide a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-structured itinerary to make your visit meaningful. Even without the monkeys, the walk to the park offers beautiful forest scenery and a memorable nature experience — each season has its own charm.
- Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
- On-time departure policy: Tours depart on time. We can wait up to 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After that, late arrivals are treated as a no-show (no refund/reschedule).
- Please note that due to potential traffic jams, there may be slight delays, making the tour last more extra hours. Guests are advised not to schedule train departures immediately after the tour and to allow sufficient time for boarding.
- During winter, please be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and icy, slippery conditions at Snow Monkey Park by wearing non-slip footwear or bringing cleats for added safety.
- Flexible Ending: After exploring Obuse, you can return to Nagano Station or, on 8:45 AM departures only (not possible on 9:35 AM departures), continue at the Zenkoji Temple area—one of Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
- Peak winter days: If parking is extremely limited, the Snow Monkey Park visit may be done on your own. We’ll share a clear meet-up point, stay in touch via WhatsApp, and provide ticket money in advance (receipt requested).
- o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
- Please note: The tour starts at 8:45 AM. If we visit Obuse first (based on monkey activity), lunch will be around 11:00 AM, and we’ll go to the Snow Monkey Park in the early afternoon.
- This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour.
- Strollers are not accessible
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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