1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
English
1 day
(738)
A full-day tour from Nagano led by a local English-speaking guide, covering Zenkoji Temple, a sake tasting at Yoshinoya Sake Brewery, an included lunch, and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Transport, park admission, lunch, and sake tasting are all included.
Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park
Snow Monkey Park Admission Fee
Lunch (vegetarian options are available)
Guided tour at Zenkoji, 'sake'-tasting, and at the monkey park
English-speaking guide
What's not included
Additional food, snacks & drinks
Optional entrance fee to the inner sanctuary of Zenkoji Temple
Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' tickets
Accommodation
Meet directly at one of these locations to join the tour
The sake tasting takes place at Yoshinoya Sake Brewery near Zenkoji. Your guide will introduce the flavor profiles and brewing characteristics of Nagano sake during the session. Guests must be 20 years of age or older to consume alcohol. A non-alcoholic alternative is available.
The trail is 1.6 kilometers one way on an unsealed forest path and takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes each way. From mid-December to early April, the trail may be covered in snow and ice. Sturdy footwear is essential. Rental boots and crampons are available near the trailhead for an additional fee.
In winter, the monkeys are commonly seen bathing in the hot spring. In spring, summer, and autumn, they may be present near or in the water, but this cannot be guaranteed. On a small number of days per year, the monkeys may not come down to the park area at all.
Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are essential for the forest trail. In winter, warm and waterproof layered clothing is required as temperatures can drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius. From mid-December to early April, rental boots and crampons are available near the park for an additional fee.
If any part of the itinerary cannot proceed as scheduled due to weather, closures, or other conditions, the tour operator will arrange a suitable alternative and inform guests as early as possible.
What a magical place. The temple was grand and a special place to visit. The local stores that led to the temple sold delicious local foods. We especially loved the apple custard pastry and dried fruit and nuts. The lunch after the saki tasting was Devine and plentiful. We had the seafood and beef options and there were no complaints. Our tour guide Tamio was fabulous, providing interesting information about the area and its history. He made us feel comfortable and allowed for a stress free tour. The most spectacular part of the tour was the walk to see the snow monkeys. It was cool and snowing but we had a ball and we’re in awe of the spectacular view and wildlife. Definitely recommend.
Lisa A
January 30, 2026
Fantastic day and great value for money
I’m not usually a fan of organised tours, but as I was alone today I decided to make the most of my time and have absolutely no regrets.
Our guide was fantastic, and the temple was both beautiful and fascinating. We also had a sake tasting that the guide explained in detail, which made it really educational and enjoyable.
Cescaxxx
March 18, 2026
Lisa A
January 30, 2026
Must visit while in Japan
What a magical place. The temple was grand and a special place to visit. The local stores that led to the temple sold delicious local foods. We especially loved the apple custard pastry and dried fruit and nuts. The lunch after the saki tasting was Devine and plentiful. We had the seafood and beef options and there were no complaints. Our tour guide Tamio was fabulous, providing interesting information about the area and its history. He made us feel comfortable and allowed for a stress free tour. The most spectacular part of the tour was the walk to see the snow monkeys. It was cool and snowing but we had a ball and we’re in awe of the spectacular view and wildlife. Definitely recommend.
Cescaxxx
March 18, 2026
Fantastic day and great value for money
I’m not usually a fan of organised tours, but as I was alone today I decided to make the most of my time and have absolutely no regrets.
Our guide was fantastic, and the temple was both beautiful and fascinating. We also had a sake tasting that the guide explained in detail, which made it really educational and enjoyable.
