Private Snow Monkey & Frozen Waterfall — Nagano Winter Tour

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11 hours 20 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Experience Nagano’s top winter highlights in one private guided tour: the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani and the frozen Yonako Falls. This unique adventure combines wildlife, snowshoeing, and dramatic winter scenery for an unforgettable day in Japan.

Enjoy private transport with pick-up available from major resort areas including Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, and Shiga Kogen. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and hassle-free winter experience.

Perfect for those interested in photography, nature, culture, and hidden winter destinations. Recommended for up to 4 guests, with options for larger groups by coordinating additional guides.

If you want a premium Nagano winter tour beyond standard sightseeing, this Snow Monkey and frozen waterfall experience offers a memorable and meaningful journey.

What's Included

6th Gen Subaru Forester Hybrid (up to 4 passengers). If your group has more than 5 people, an additional guide vehicle will be arranged for the remaining participants.
Snowshoes, Trekking poles, Snow boots
Guide fee (UIMLA / JMGA Certified guides)
Snowcat ride
Hot coffee, Tea, chai or hot chocolate (Hot water is available)
Warm clothes
Lunch (You will be able to buy something to eat at 7-Eleven on the way)
Gloves
Snow Monkey Park

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Itinerary
7:00 — Meet at Nagano Station (in front of Tokyu Nagano REI Hotel)
or at hotels located within a 50 km radius of Nagano Station
(Examples: Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, Shiga Kogen, etc.)
8:15 — Arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park parking area
8:30 — Walk along the forest trail to the snow monkey viewing area (approx. 30 min)
9:00 — Observe wild Japanese macaques relaxing in their natural hot spring environment
9:20 — Depart and walk back to the parking area (approx. 30 min)
10:30 — Stop at 7-Eleven for snacks and a restroom break
Please purchase lunch here before heading into the mountains.
❄️ Snowcat & Snowshoe Experience
11:45 — Arrive at Yukkurando
12:00 — Depart Yukkurando for the snowcat base
12:25 — Board the snowcat
13:05 — Arrive at the snowcat drop-off point
13:15 — Begin snowshoe hike
14:05 — Arrive at Nekodake Mountain Hut / Visit Fudo-ji Okunoin
14:20 — Photo time at the frozen Yonako Falls
14:50 — Depart the waterfall area
15:20 — Arrive at the former mine plateau (geology & history briefing)
16:10 — Return to the snowcat point
16:15 — Snowcat departure
17:00 — Snowcat drop-off at Yukkurando
17:20 — Tour concludes at Yukkurando
Return
Approx. 18:20 — Arrival back at Nagano Station
(Actual return time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.)
⚠ Important Notes
Please purchase lunch and snacks during the 7-Eleven stop.
Restroom access becomes limited after entering the snow activity area.
Schedule may be adjusted based on snow and safety conditions.
Vehicle Information
Standard transport: Subaru Forester Hybrid (6th Gen) — max capacity: 4 passengers
For groups of 5 or more, an additional guide and support vehicle will be arranged.

Itinerary

Duration: 11 hours 20 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Meet-up in front of Tokyu REI Hotel

    1 minute • Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

    Visit the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and watch wild Japanese macaques relax, play, and sometimes bathe in natural hot springs. You’ll walk through a peaceful forest trail to reach the viewing area and enjoy close-up photo opportunities of these unique winter-loving monkeys. This is one of Japan’s most memorable nature encounters.

    1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3

    Bathroom breaks and a vehicle transfer may be necessary due to parking limitations in the snowcat area.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    For just three months each year, this natural monument transforms into a mesmerizing frozen masterpiece. We will venture close to the towering icefalls, experiencing their breathtaking beauty while the guide ensures safety in case of unexpected ice falls. This trip includes an exploration of two sacred waterfalls, revered as objects of worship. Please note that the guide may adjust the itinerary based on weather, trail conditions, and participants' abilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This remote wonder is accessible by snowcat, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the trailhead. Without snowcat transportation, reaching the falls requires a physically demanding 4-5 hour snow hike one way.

    4 hours 35 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Bathroom breaks and a vehicle transfer may be necessary.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 6

    End of the trip

    1 minute • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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
Supplied by Mountain Leader Hama

Tags

Day Trips
Hiking Tours
Winter Sports
Extreme Sports
Full-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Snowmobiling
Seasonal
Adventure Tours
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Cancellation Policy

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