Snow Monkey and Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (3rd ~17th Apr)

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

  (13:50~14:40) The journey to the park involves a scenic 2km walk along an unpaved forest trail, surrounded by majestic cedar trees, offering a true immersion into Japan’s pristine nature. The park itself is relatively compact; one hour is usually more than enough to see everything. However, please remember these are wild animals. You may encounter monkeys on the trail before even reaching the park entrance. We strongly recommend heading straight into the park first to see the main hot spring area. If you spend too much time with monkeys outside the gates, your time inside may be cut short. For a unique experience, look across the river from the park to the historic inn. In winter, you can often see monkeys and overnight guests sharing the outdoor bath! This facility also offers day-trip bathing for ¥1,500. If your timing is perfect, you might even find yourself soaking in the hot spring alongside a curious snow monkey. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

  1 hour 50 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Shibu Onsen

  (16:00~16:40) [STORES are CLOSED on WEDNESDAYS] With 1,350 years of history, Shibu Onsen is one of Nagano's oldest hot spring towns. Traditional wooden ryokans and stone-paved streets create a nostalgic atmosphere, with retro game parlors, shrines, and temples. Keep an eye out—local wild monkeys also live here, scurrying across the rooftops! The town is famous for its nine communal onsens (Soto-yu). It is a local tradition to collect stamps from all nine onsens on a special "Tenugui" towel; completing the set is said to grant a wish. While these onsens are locked for overnight guests, visitors can experience the main onsen, O-yu, by purchasing a ticket for ¥800. Shibu Onsen’s charm lies in its maze-like back alleys. On our tour, an expert guide will lead you through these secret paths, following the ultimate route designed to showcase the very best of Shibu Onsen’s historic charm without getting lost.

  40 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3

  (18:00~19:30) Takada Castle is rated as being within the top 3 places in all of Japan to view cherry blossoms at night, owing to its 4,000 sakura trees and spectacular illumination. Enjoy a 30-minute guided walking tour to discover the park's highlights, with the remainder of the time yours to enjoy freely. Explore the grounds of Takada Castle in wonder as you immerse yourself in the cherry blossoms that fill the entire area. With over 4,000 Sakura trees, no matter where you look you’ll be met with the incredible pale pink of the trees’ fleeting full bloom, and the lighting that accompanies them. The waters of the moat are placid with a mirror-like reflection of the trees, lightly agitated only by the sprinklers dotted around the water. At the castle, there are also many food stalls to choose from, ranging from curry bread to yakisoba to dango!

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  (15:45~16:00) [CLOSED on Sndays & New Year's Holiday] Established in 1805, this historic brewery boasts a legacy spanning over 220 years. Tamamura Honten produces both the award-winning traditional sake "Engi" and the pioneer of Japan’s craft beer scene, "Shiga Kogen Beer." Part of the magnificent 150-year-old wooden structure has been beautifully preserved and transformed into an art gallery. Here, you can immerse yourself in the owner’s curated art collection while enjoying tastings and shopping. Experience more than just a brewery, discover a true sanctuary of Japanese culture.

  15 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
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travel time is included to the total duration of the product.

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