1-Day Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour

Set out on a captivating journey to witness the natural wonder of Japanese macaques and the enchanting Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival. This 1-day tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural traditions of Japan, from the steaming hot springs of Snow Monkey Park to the ceremonial lighting of lanterns. With transportation, dinner, and expert guidance included, it’s an unforgettable experience that promises to leave you with lasting memories.

Key Points

This 1-day tour offers a unique experience to observe Japanese snow monkeys in their natural habitat and attend the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival.
The tour is priced from $170.91 per person and accommodates up to 25 travelers, including entry tickets, dinner, transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
The tour starts and ends at Nagano Station, with a moderate fitness level required and not being wheelchair accessible.
Highlights of the tour include witnessing the snow monkeys in the hot springs and the ceremonial lighting of Tomyo lanterns at the Zenko-ji festival.
The tour provides a culture experience through local cuisine and exploring artisan stalls at the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival.

Tour Overview

The 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour offers visitors a chance to experience the iconic snow monkeys of Jigokudani Park and the enchanting Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival in Nagano, Japan.

Priced from $170.91 per person, the tour accommodates up to 25 travelers and includes entry tickets to the Snow Monkey Park, dinner, transportation, and an English-speaking guide.

Guests meet at Nagano Station and the experience ends back at the same location. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour requires a moderate fitness level, and travelers can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nagano.

Inclusions

The tour includes entry tickets to the renowned Snow Monkey Park, allowing visitors to observe the unique sight of Japanese macaques bathing in the natural hot springs. In addition, the tour provides a delicious dinner, an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, and an English-speaking guide to enhance the experience. Travelers will also receive Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets and accommodation, though additional food, snacks, and drinks are not included.

Inclusions
Entry tickets to Snow Monkey Park	Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle	English-speaking guide
Shinkansen / Bullet Train tickets	Accommodation
Additional food, snacks & drinks

Meeting and End Point

The meeting point for this tour is Nagano Station, located at Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan.

The guide will meet participants in front of the Information Board across from the shinkansen ticket gates at 12:55, wearing a Snow Monkey Resorts tour tag.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Here are the key details:

Meeting point: Nagano Station
Meeting time: 12:55
Meeting location: In front of Information Board across from shinkansen ticket gates
Guide identification: Wearing Snow Monkey Resorts tour tag

The activity ends with participants returning to the original meeting point.

Additional Information

Not wheelchair accessible, but the tour is near public transportation.

Infant seats are available for families with young children. A moderate physical fitness level is required, as the tour involves walking and some hiking.

Booking can be flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Guests can reserve now and pay later, allowing for more planning time.

The tour has received positive reviews, with a 5.0 overall rating based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor.

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience.

Reviews

What do the reviews say about this 1-Day Snow Monkeys Tour?

The tour has an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor. There are no 1-star or 2-star reviews recorded, indicating that customers have been highly satisfied with the experience.

Some key highlights from the reviews include:

Exceptional English-speaking guide who provides excellent commentary.
Convenient transportation and smooth logistics throughout the tour.
Delicious and authentic dinner included in the package.
Overall, a well-organized and memorable day trip to see the snow monkeys.

Here's some more things to do in Nagano

Exploring the Snow Monkey Park

Visitors venture into the Snow Monkey Park, an enchanting haven where Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, take respite from the winter chill.

The monkeys gather in natural hot springs, grooming each other and soaking their fur to ward off the frigid air. Guests observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat, watching as they navigate the snowy terrain and interact with one another.

The park’s tranquil atmosphere and the chance to witness the snow monkeys’ unique behaviors make this an unforgettable experience for all who explore this remarkable wildlife sanctuary.

Experiencing the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival

After exploring the enchanting Snow Monkey Park, the tour takes visitors to the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival.

This vibrant event celebrates the Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist sites.

Highlights include:

Viewing the stunning Tomyo lanterns, intricately designed with traditional motifs.
Witnessing the ceremonial lighting of the lanterns, creating a mesmerizing display.
Exploring the temple grounds and learning about the history and cultural significance of Zenko-ji.
Indulging in local cuisine and browsing traditional artisan stalls.

The festival offers a unique culture, complementing the earlier snow monkey encounter for a well-rounded day in Nagano.

Logistics and Preparation

Travelers will meet the English-speaking guide at Nagano Station’s Information Board, across from the shinkansen ticket gates, at 12:55.

They’ll be wearing a Snow Monkey Resorts tour tag for easy identification. From there, the group will board an air-conditioned vehicle and travel to the Snow Monkey Park.

After exploring the park, they’ll enjoy a dinner before heading to the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival.

Moderate physical fitness is required, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infant seats are available.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food to the Snow Monkey Park?

Visitors can bring their own food to the Snow Monkey Park. However, the tour package includes dinner, so bringing additional food may not be necessary. Visitors should confirm any restrictions on bringing outside food before their visit.

Is There an Option to Visit the Park on My Own?

There’s no self-guided option for visiting the Snow Monkey Park. The tour includes entry tickets and transportation, so it’s the only way to access the park. Visitors can’t visit independently without booking the guided tour.

How Accessible Is the Snow Monkey Park for People With Disabilities?

The tour indicates the Snow Monkey Park is not wheelchair accessible. However, it’s located near public transportation, and infant seats are available, suggesting some accessibility options may be possible for those with limited mobility. It’s best to inquire further about specific accessibility accommodations.

Can I Extend My Stay in Nagano After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Nagano after the tour. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re free to continue exploring the area on your own or make additional arrangements. The tour doesn’t include any additional accommodations beyond the day’s activities.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Zenko-Ji Tomyo Lantern Festival?

The tour overview doesn’t mention any discounts for the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival. However, it’s possible there may be discounts available through other sources or by contacting the tour operator directly. It’s best to inquire about any potential discounts when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour offers a captivating cultural experience. Visitors can observe Japanese macaques in their natural habitat and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival. With inclusive transportation, entry tickets, and an English-speaking guide, this tour provides a seamless and unforgettable journey for those seeking to explore Japan’s cultural heritage.