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Offered languages
- English
Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Narai-juku, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With an English-speaking guide on both days, and transport between locations included, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is across from the Shinkansen exit/entrance under the Information Board. Our guide will be there by 9:20.
Itinerary
-
1
Explore Zenko-ji - a National Treasure and one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
2
Visit the world-famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani and learn all about what makes them so unique
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
Visit iconic Matsumoto Castle – a National Treasure and one the last remaining original castles in Japan
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
One of Matsumoto's most charming streets, Nawate Street (also known as Frog Street) is home to numerous shops selling handmade crafts, delicious food, ice cream, and more! Your guide will allow some time here to enjoy the options for yourself, as well as check out Yohashira Shrine which borders the street.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5
Japan's longest post town, and one of its best preserved, Narai-juku is a step into the past, when samurai and merchants walked the Nakasendo Trail.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Zenkoji Temple - Snow Monkey Park
Matsumoto Castle - Narai-juku - Takayama
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear suitable shoes for the walking trail into the Snow Monkey Park.
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Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear suitable shoes for the walking trail into the Snow Monkey Park.
- During the winter it is common to see the Snow Monkeys enjoying the hot spring bath, 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. In such case we will provide an alternative activity.
- It is possible to extend your stay at Hotel Kokusai 21. Please send us your preferred length of stay if this is what you’re looking for.
- 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.
- Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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