1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour

Exploring Japan’s winter wonderland, the 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour offers an unparalleled adventure. Visitors can experience the thrill of sledding, snow biking, and snow scootering at the country’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. But the highlight is undoubtedly the chance to witness the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild macaques bask in the rejuvenating hot springs. With all transportation, equipment, and a delicious lunch included, this tour promises an unforgettable day in Japan’s enchanting winter landscape.

Key Points

Explore Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen, and enjoy thrilling snow activities like sledding, snow biking, and snow scootering.
Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe wild Japanese macaques relaxing in natural hot springs.
Enjoy a local lunch and round-trip Shinkansen/Bullet Train transportation included in the tour package.
Tour is led by English-speaking guides and includes all necessary equipment and fees.
Dress warmly in waterproof clothing, and rental options are available for added convenience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The 1-Day Snow Monkeys Tour offers a full-day adventure to Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest ski resort, where visitors can enjoy a range of snow activities like sledding, snow biking, and snow scootering.

After playing in the snow, the tour heads to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe the wild macaques bathing in the hot springs.

A delicious local lunch is included, and the tour provides English-speaking guides, transportation, and all necessary equipment.

With multiple pickup points, this tour is a convenient and immersive way to experience Japan’s winter wonders.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Nagano

Tour Inclusions

The 1-Day Snow Monkeys Tour includes a range of features to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Transportation from the meetup point to all destinations and back is provided, along with snow activity fees at Shiga Kogen. The entry fee to the Snow Monkey Park is also included.

Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, and an English-speaking guide accompanies the group.

Shinkansen/Bullet Train tickets to and from Nagano are included, and rental clothing such as snow jackets, pants, and boots are available for an additional fee.

Other expenses like snacks, drinks, and accommodation aren’t covered.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with participants meeting the group at a central location.

From there, the coach bus departs for Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest ski resort.

Once there, guests have 2 hours to enjoy the snow activities like sledding, snow bikes, and snow scooters.

After the snow fun, the group heads to a local restaurant for lunch.

Next, they travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they can observe the famous snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs for approximately 2.5 hours.

Finally, the tour returns to the original departure point, concluding the day’s adventures.

Activities at Shiga Kogen

At Shiga Kogen, the largest ski resort in Japan, guests can enjoy a variety of thrilling snow activities.

Visitors can try their hand at sledding down the slopes, feeling the rush of the wind as they zip along the powdery snow.

For a unique experience, they can hop on a snow bike or snow scooter, navigating the winter wonderland with ease.

These activities provide an adrenaline-filled way to make the most of the snowy landscape.

With a range of options, there’s something for all to enjoy at this premier winter destination.

Jigokudani Monkey Park Experience

What sets the Jigokudani Monkey Park experience apart is the chance to observe wild Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, as they soak in the natural hot springs. This unique environment allows visitors to witness the monkeys’ relaxing and social behaviors in their natural habitat. The tour provides approximately 2.5 hours at the park, including a 1.6km walk to reach the observation area. This allows ample time to see the monkeys and capture memorable photographs.

Benefits	Challenges
Observe unique animal behavior	Moderate fitness level required
Immersive natural setting	Weather may affect accessibility
Opportunity for great photos	Limited time at the park
Included in the tour package	Additional snacks/drinks not covered

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Nagano

Dining and Lunch Options

As part of the tour, a lunch is included at a local restaurant near the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

The restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. Guests can expect a set menu with several small dishes, allowing them to sample a variety of flavors.

The lunch is designed to provide a satisfying meal after the morning’s activities and before the visit to the monkey park. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

The included lunch is a convenient and delicious part of the overall tour experience.

Preparation and Attire

To ensure visitors are prepared for the day’s activities, the tour operator recommends dressing in warm, waterproof clothing. This includes:

Layers like thermal shirts, sweaters, and jackets to trap heat.
Waterproof pants and boots to keep dry in the snow.
Accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves to protect exposed skin.

Rental clothing, including snow jackets, pants, and boots, is available for ¥500 each.

Guests are advised to check their personal travel insurance to ensure snow activities are covered. Staying dry and comfortable is key to enjoying the day’s adventures.

Tour Reviews and Feedback

The tour has received an overall positive response, with a 97% recommendation rate across 62 reviews.

Travelers have highlighted the unique experience of observing wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park. The snow activities at Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest ski resort, were also widely enjoyed.

However, some feedback mentioned issues with tour guide interactions and itinerary management. Despite these minor complaints, the tour’s ability to provide a memorable day of snow fun and wildlife encounters has been widely praised.

The small group size of 18 travelers or less is also noted as a positive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snow Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snow gear. The tour allows travelers to use their personal equipment for the snow activities at Shiga Kogen. Rental gear is also available if needed.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers free admission for infants 0-5 years old, but they won’t receive a meal. There’s no specific discount for children or seniors mentioned in the overview information provided.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends 2 hours at the Shiga Kogen ski resort and around 2.5 hours at the Jigokudani Monkey Park, including a 1.6km walk. Lunch is included at a local restaurant during the day.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point?

Participants can’t leave the tour group at any point, as the itinerary is fixed. Departing from the group would mean missing out on included activities and transportation. The tour operator requires all travelers to remain with the guide throughout the day.

What Is the Cancellation/Refund Policy?

The cancellation/refund policy allows participants to cancel up to 7 days before the tour date for a full refund. Within 7 days, partial refunds may be available depending on the circumstances.

The Sum Up

This 1-day tour offers a thrilling winter adventure, combining snow activities at Japan’s largest ski resort with the unique experience of observing wild snow monkeys in their natural habitat. With convenient transportation, equipment, and lunch included, it’s an excellent opportunity to take in the beauty and wonders of Japan’s winter landscape. Suitable for all skill levels, this tour promises an unforgettable day of snow fun and cultural exploration.