Japan · WINTER ACTIVITIES

The 15 Winter Trips in Japan That Earn Their Price

24 tours  ·  from $49

Good winter trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano - A 30-minute introduction to Nagano sake
1-Day Tours, Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Nagano Tours, Sake & Bar Hopping Tours, Sake & Bar Hopping Tours in Nagano, Sake Tasting, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Nagano, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

1.1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,020 reviews · from $151Our pick

Spend about eight hours with an English-speaking guide visiting Zenko-ji Temple, tasting Nagano sake, eating a regional lunch, and walking to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Guides such as Tom, Endo, Kieran, Nadine, and Jens have led recent departures. Winter visitors need warm layers and sturdy traction.

“We were lucky to have Tom as our guide. He is extremely knowledgeable not only about Japanese history but also gave an excellent summary of sake production and the different types as well as the snow monkeys and Nagano attractions. Tom was also very generous with recommendations for other areas in Japan. The tour was an excellent combination of the temple tour and snow monkey forest. Fantastic lunch included. Plenty of time to see the Zenkoji temple as well as the monkeys. Thanks Tom”

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Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip - Zenkoji Temple gives the day its cultural center
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Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

2.Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 833 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $135

Join an English-speaking guide such as Dylan, Brent, or Tom for a full day in Nagano. Visit Zenkoji Temple, enter its pitch-black inner passage if you choose, taste several sakes, enjoy a generous local lunch, and walk 1.6 km each way to the Snow Monkey Park.

“What a wonderful day! The guides were great and very informative. The transportation was perfect. The meal was amazing. So fun and wonderful.”

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From Tokyo: Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch - The Shinjuku meeting point needs careful planning
1-Day Tours, Lunch Experiences, Nagano Tours, Snow Monkey & Ski Trips, Snow Monkey & Ski Trips in Nagano, Tour Reviews, Tours, Winter Activities

From Tokyo: Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch

3.Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 295 reviews · 1 day · from $151

Travel from Shinjuku to Nagano by coach, enjoy a Japanese sukiyaki lunch, then walk through snowy forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park. You get about two hours at the park, an English-speaking guide, and seasonal Kamakura snow huts from January 23 to March 1, 2026.

“The guide and drivers were so friendly and excellent, despite bad traffic back into Tokyo. The lunch was good, the snow huts were ok, the monkeys and the walk through the snowy forest was brilliant. A great day trip from Tokyo.”

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From Tokyo: Private Tour Snow Monkey Park & Zenko-ji Temple - Jigokudani Monkey Park and the walk to the hot pools
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From Tokyo: Private Tour Snow Monkey Park & Zenko-ji Temple

4.Private Tour Snow Monkey Park & Zenko-ji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 184 reviews · 1 day

Travel from Tokyo to Nagano in a private Toyota Vellfire, Crown, or Land Cruiser with an English-speaking driver such as Waqas, Bilal, or Sajawal. See snow monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple, Matsushiro Castle Ruins, Shibu Onsen, and Obuse, with hotel pickup, flexible stops, and about 10 hours on the road.

“We had a great time visiting the snow monkeys and then getting dropped off in Hakuba. They were unbelievable, and there were so many. Waqas, our guide, was great, very friendly, easy to talk to, and a safe driver. Would happily recommend Glorious Travels and Waqas, our driver, to anyone. Also, a great way to have an adventure while travelling to the ski fields.”

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Tokyo: Snow Monkey & Nagano Customiseable Private Day Tour - Jigokudani Monkey Park: the reason to make the trip
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Tokyo: Snow Monkey & Nagano Customiseable Private Day Tour

5.Snow Monkey & Nagano Customiseable Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 138 reviews · 1 day

Travel from Tokyo, Hakuba, Nagano, or nearby areas in a private Toyota Vellfire or Crown with an English-speaking driver such as Kashi, Alex, or Jazib. Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, Zenko-ji, Obuse, Shibu Onsen, and Matsushiro, then adjust the day around your group.

“Excellent visit to the monkeys and the temple Driver Kashi was very punctual polite courteous Would recommend him to anyone looking for a private driving tour from Tokyo”

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Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch from Tokyo - A warm sukiyaki lunch at Shinshu Fruitsland
1-Day Tours, Lunch Experiences, Snow Monkey & Ski Trips, Snow Monkey & Ski Trips in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Winter Activities

Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch from Tokyo

6.Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · from $151

Meet near Shinjuku’s LOVE sculpture at 8 a.m. for a full day to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Ride with an English guide such as Yoshi, Harry, Mary, Chee, or Shin, eat beef sukiyaki, and walk more than 30 minutes to see wild macaques. Winter dates may add illuminated Kamakura snow huts.

“Quite the hike to the monkeys. The monkeys act like you are invisible. Calming experience on my trip.”

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Nagano Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Day Tour Hotel Pick & Drop - The 10-hour route and what each stop adds
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Nagano Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Day Tour Hotel Pick & Drop

7.Nagano Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Day Tour Hotel Pick & Drop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 84 reviews · 10 hours

Travel in a private Toyota Prado with an English-speaking driver such as Alex, Baba, Kashi, or Jazib. Visit Jigokudani’s snow monkeys, Zenko-ji, Shibu Onsen, Obuse, and Matsushiro, with time adjusted to your group and hotel pickup in Tokyo or Nagano.

“Kashi was a welcoming and kind driver. I took this trip on my own and he was always looking out for my welfare. Shrines, snow monkeys and Matsumoto Castle was a day well spent. Being in a car rather than a large tour group meant we could get to places early and cover more ground.”

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Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen - Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: the day’s big moment
1-Day Tours, Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Nagano Tours, Onsen & Hot Spring Trips, Private, Sake & Bar Hopping Tours, Sake & Bar Hopping Tours in Nagano, Sake Tasting, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Tours, Winter Activities

Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

8.Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $337

Spend about eight hours exploring Nagano with a private English-speaking guide such as Hori, Mutsumi, or Horiuchi-san. Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji, and Obuse, with time for sake, local food, the Hokusai Museum, or an onsen. Hotel pickup is available from selected central Nagano hotels.

“Our tour guide was Hori and he was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of the area and history behind everything was great. Our experience was so much fun. The hike was icy when we went in March so I definitely recommend having gooRead more”

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From Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Customize Day Tour - A 3.5-hour ride made easier by private transport
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From Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Customize Day Tour

9.Snow Monkey Private Customize Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews

Travel from Tokyo to Nagano in a private, air-conditioned van with an English, Japanese, or Hindi-speaking driver. See Jigokudani’s wild macaques, Zenko-ji Temple, Shibu Onsen, Obuse, Matsumoto, or Matsushiro, with stops adjusted to suit your group.

“Our guide moon was very professional and an excellent”

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Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour - Zenkoji Temple gives the day its spiritual center
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Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour

10.Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews

Travel from Tokyo to Nagano with an English-speaking driver such as Ali, Raza, Fahad, Hadi, or Sunny. Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Shibu Onsen, and more in a private vehicle for up to six. The route is flexible, but the long drive means you should choose stops carefully.

“Raza was fantastic guide and very informative on the tour. He is very knowledgeable about Tokyo and all of Japan and provides great insights in to the locations and surrounding areas visited. He is a safe and reliable driver, a very friendly and humble guy, and we felt in good hands for all of our trip. would have no issue at all travelling with him again next time we are in Japan! Thanks so much Raza for a fantastic tour and all of your knowledge and experience!”

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Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa) - Watching the macaques at Jigokudani
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Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

11.Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $78

Join guides such as Tommy, Tome, Rossella, or Shinji for a 4.5-hour outing from Iiyama or Nozawa. Walk 2 kilometers through cedar forest to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, then visit Shibu Onsen and a sake brewery. Priority entry, WiFi, transport, and park admission are included.

“I really enjoy the tour, going to see the snow monkeys but also a little japanese village was a great experience. The guide was very nice and knowlegeable. If you have little time, I definitely recommend it. I have already recommend to my colleagues, as when we are in Tokyo, we spend only 2 nights.”

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1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen - Leaving Nagano for Japan’s high snow country
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1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

12.1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 9 hours · from $165

Join a locally based English-speaking guide for a 9-hour winter day from Nagano, Kokusai 21, or Yudanaka. Play in the snow at Shiga Kogen, eat lunch beside the slopes, then walk 1.6 km to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Guides such as Endo, Kieran, Dylan, and Jen are praised for friendly help and clear explanations.

“Worth visiting the monkey resort but disappointed we didn't manage to experience the snow fun due to bad weather. Our guide is very thoughtful and flexible, he had brought us to shigakogen up the mountain for the fabulous view. Thank you get your guide for giving me such a great time!!”

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Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring - The 1.6-kilometer walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park
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Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring

13.1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 51 reviews · 9 hours · from $135

Travel from Nagano Station to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques roam close by, then enjoy lunch and visit cherry blossom sites chosen for current bloom conditions. English-speaking guides such as Dai, Kevin, and Kunihiko Endo add local context. Expect a full nine-hour day with plenty of walking.

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip throughout the day, it really exceeded our expectations. Our guide Dai was helpful, funny and informative, and it was very nice to meet a fellow Welshman in Japan! He was very patient with guests who took a little longer to get from place to place, however we made good time throughout the day getting to each location. The snow monkey park was incredible, we got up close to the monkeys (leaving a respectful distance of course) and got some great photos. It was wonderful to see the monkeys enjoying the habitat and having the freedom to wander around- they are not at…”

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From Tokyo: Snow Monkey Park and Miso Production Day Tour - A long but comfortable private ride from Tokyo
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From Tokyo: Snow Monkey Park and Miso Production Day Tour

14.Snow Monkey Park and Miso Production Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 45 reviews · 1 day

Travel from Tokyo or another listed pickup area in a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver and licensed interpreter. See Jigokudani’s snow monkeys, visit Zenko-ji, explore Obuse’s miso traditions, and add stops such as Shibu Onsen or Matsushiro. Guides including Sarfraz, Ali, and Hamza Ali have led past departures.

“I can’t think of anything that can be improved with this tour. There are so many good things to say —Sarfy is the best guide. He is kind and funny. He has a great personality. The vehicle was clean, comfortable and Sarfy is an excellent driver too. He is also extremely knowledgeable about the areas we visited. He gave us options and was also very flexible with our day. I'm going to recommend Sarfy to my friends and family. We loved the entire day and Sarfy made the experience better than we could have imagined. This tour exceeded our expectations. Thank you Sarfy”

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Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Day Tour At Lowest Rate - Shibu Onsen adds old-town atmosphere
Private, Snow Monkey & Ski Trips, Snow Monkey & Ski Trips in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Winter Activities

Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Day Tour At Lowest Rate

15.Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey Private Day Tour At Lowest Rate

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 44 reviews · 10 hours

Travel by private luxury Vellfire with an English-speaking driver such as Alex, Cheema, or Arslan. See snow monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Obuse, or other Nagano sights, with a flexible plan for groups of up to six.

“This was a great trip. Cheema made our dreams come true by taking us to see the snow monkeys! He picked us up on time, comfortably transporting us to the snow monkey park (with a perfectly timed rest stop each way). He walked us to the entrance of the park (1.6km) and took some great pictures for us! Then he waited while we spent time viewing the monkeys. He got us safely back to our hotel in Tokyo despite bad traffic! Thank you, Cheema!!”

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New in Winter Activities

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★ 4.9From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji Day Trip & SakeFrom $13513 reviews
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