Snow Monkey Spiritual Adventure

A meditative walk to meet the monkeys

Immerse yourself in the serene mountain landscape of Nagano. This guided tour features a meditative walk through the forest trail, leading to the world-famous Snow Monkey Park. Witness the Japanese macaques in their natural habitat, and find a moment of spiritual clarity. Guided by a Nagano local who knows the trail — English-led, with Japanese on hand if needed.

On this tour

Highlights

01

Witness wild macaques soaking in the Jigokudani hot spring, doing exactly what they've done for generations.

02

Walk a meditative forest trail, about 50 minutes each way, at your guide's pace.

03

Free your hands — your guide takes your photos at the hot spring, so you can just be present.

04

Choose your start. Join at Nagano Station, Yudanaka Station, or the Jigokudani Park entrance directly.

05

Unwind on the way back, with a soak at the Yudanaka foot spa and free time in Obuse, Nagano's chestnut village.

The journey

Nagano → Yudanaka → Jigokudani

From Nagano Station, your guide takes you by express train to Yudanaka, then a local bus to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park entrance. From there it's an easy, roughly 50-minute walk through cedar forest to the hot spring, at your guide's pace.

The forest trail leading to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
The final approach — a quiet forest trail into the Jigokudani valley.

At the hot spring, wild macaques soak, groom, and watch the watchers — doing exactly what they've done for generations. Your guide can take your photos here, so you're free to just be present.

The way back is more relaxed: a soak at the Yudanaka foot spa, then free time in Obuse, Nagano's chestnut village, before heading back to Nagano Station by around 4:00 PM.

Standard schedule

Getting there

09:15
Meet at Nagano StationMIDORI building, 1F West Exit — near the Starbucks.
09:53
Board the express trainNagano Station → Yudanaka Station.
10:37
Arrive YudanakaTransfer to the local bus toward Jigokudani.
10:42
Bus to the parkYudanaka → Snow Monkey Park bus stop.
11:00
Jigokudani Park entranceStart of the forest walk, roughly 50 minutes.
11:50
Arrive at the hot springTime with the monkeys — stay as long as feels right.
~16:00
Back at Nagano StationA soak at the Yudanaka foot spa and free time in Obuse along the way.
Good to know

Before you book

What's included

  • INEnglish-speaking guide, with you the entire route
  • INPhoto service at the hot spring
  • INGuide's own list of recommended local restaurants
  • NOT INCLUDEDTrain and bus fares, park entrance fee — paid as you go, guide can assist
  • NOT INCLUDEDAll meals and snacks along the way — pay as you go

Know before you go

  • Solo travelers welcome — up to 10 adults per tour; kids (up to 4 per booking) are welcome.
  • Winter (Nov–Mar): snowy, sometimes icy trail — proper winter gear and slip-resistant boots are a must. Other seasons: the trail is unpaved but easy in normal sneakers or trekking shoes.
  • Runs in almost all weather; your guide will advise on layers for the day.
  • The monkeys are wild — please keep in mind that there may be times when they cannot be seen.
Meeting Point A09:15

Nagano Station — MIDORI building, 1F West Exit, near the Starbucks.

Meeting Point B10:37

Yudanaka Station, if joining partway through.

Meeting Point C11:00

Jigokudani Park entrance, if meeting directly at the trailhead.

Rates

Tour price, by group size

1 person
¥13,000/person
2–3 people
¥12,000/person
4+ people
¥11,000/person

All prices include tax. The per-person rate depends on your total group size (adults + kids), and is calculated for you in the booking form below. Kids 12 and under are half price. It covers your guide for the full day. Confirm your booking by email to reserve your date, then pay securely by card before the deadline we send you (up to 7 days before your tour). Nothing is charged until you pay. Train fares, bus fares, the park entrance fee, and all meals are separate, small, and paid in cash as you go — your guide can help at each counter. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour. If you have already paid, the card processing fee is deducted from your refund. No refund within 24 hours of the tour.

Running late or need to reach your guide? ryu@naganotrail.com · +81‑80‑2392‑8423

Reserve your spot

Booking form

1
Choose your datePick an open date and send your details. Nothing is charged.
2
Confirm by emailClick "Confirm my booking" in the email we send you (within 24 hours). Your date is reserved the moment you confirm — first come, first served.
3
Pay by the deadlineAfter you confirm, you get a secure payment link and a payment deadline (up to 7 days before your tour). Bookings not paid by the deadline are cancelled.

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