[Nagano] Winter Relaxation - Enjoy Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple, and Specialty Beef Sukiyaki! Departing from Shinjuku

How about a slightly out-of-the-ordinary experience in the chilly winters of Nagano? The sight of snow monkeys, rarely seen in urban areas, soaking in the hot springs of Jigokudani, surrounded by snow, is so cute you'll want to exclaim without even thinking. After enjoying the adorable winter scenery that will have you taking pictures non-stop, a luxurious winter trip awaits, with snowy scenery, a visit to the historic Zenkoji Temple, and a piping hot sukiyaki of carefully selected local beef to warm your body and soul. This tour is perfect for creating memories with family, friends, or as a couple, as it lets you fully enjoy the charms of Nagano in winter in one day!

Jigokudani Monkey Park & National Treasure Zenkoji Temple & Specially Selected Beef Sukiyaki | Departing from Shinjuku

Jigokudani Monkey Park: Snow monkeys and relaxing hot springs

One of the most popular spots for winter travel in Nagano is Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, you can observe wild Japanese macaques (commonly known as "snow monkeys") soaking in hot springs in the snowy scenery up close. These monkeys are rare in the world and are extremely popular with tourists from both Japan and overseas.

Admission information

Opening hours:

It is open all year round, and is especially popular in winter (December to February) when you can see the snowy scenery and snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

Admission fee:

Adults (18 years and over): 800 yen Groups (20 or more): 680 yen Annual pass: 5,000 yen

Children (elementary school to high school students): General: 400 yen Groups (20 or more): 340 yen Annual pass: 2,500 yen

Monkey's work schedule:

You can check the official website to see when the snow monkeys are in the hot springs and what their working hours are.

Time required in the park:

You will be walking along mountain paths, so please allow 20-30 minutes one way, or 40-60 minutes round trip.

Great photo spot

The sight of snow monkeys bathing in hot springs in the snow-covered valley is very adorable, making it a popular photo spot. There are fewer tourists in the early morning and evening, making it easier to observe them in their natural state. The scenery of the snow-covered mountains and valleys is also fantastical, like something out of a fairy tale. As a winter-only landscape, the contrast between the steam from the hot springs and the silvery white makes for a great photo opportunity. The snow monkeys you meet here will not attack people, but it is important to observe them quietly and with mutual respect.

Important points to note when taking photographs and observing

What to wear and what to bring

In the quiet mountains of Jigokudani, seeing the snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs with the snow-covered valley as a backdrop, you will feel as if you have truly wandered into a fairy tale. This experience of meeting the world's rare "monkeys bathing in hot springs" has long been loved by many travelers and is one of Nagano's most representative winter attractions.

It takes about 30 minutes to get to the park, and about an hour to walk on snowy roads round trip, so it does take some stamina, but the snow scenery along the way is beautiful, and the walk itself is part of the fun. And best of all, the sight of the adorable snow monkeys you'll encounter when you arrive is so moving that it will make you forget all the hard work. It's a safe environment for observing, so be sure to take your time and visit.

Jigokudani Monkey Park & National Treasure Zenkoji Temple & Specially Selected Beef Sukiyaki | Departing from Shinjuku

A must-visit at least once in your lifetime: The winter charms of the national treasure Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple, located in Nagano City, is a national treasure-class temple that represents Japan and is a historic temple that was founded at the end of the 7th century. It has deep ties to the Tendai and Jodo sects of Buddhism and is popular with many believers and tourists.

The principal image of the Buddha is a secret Buddha, and is only displayed to the public on a special occasion called "Gokaicho" once every seven years. This belief in the secret Buddha has supported people's faith for many years. Zenkoji is also known as "a temple that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime," and many worshippers come to pray and mark important milestones in their lives. Since the Edo period, it has flourished as a center of faith for the common people, and the approach to the temple is lined with historic souvenir shops and teahouses.

Features and highlights

Main Hall : Featuring magnificent architecture and intricate carvings, worshippers are overwhelmed by the majesty of the main hall. The Kaidan pilgrimage within the temple is a must-see experience. Believers grope in complete darkness through a dark passageway beneath the main hall, searching for the "Lock of Paradise." It is said that this lock is connected to the principal image of Buddhism, and that if they can touch it, they will form a connection with the principal image. Therefore, the Kaidan pilgrimage is a special training experience, both mentally and physically.

Kaidan Meguri is an experience where you feel your way through the dark passages beneath the main hall and touch the locks on the Buddha statues. It is said to purify your mind and receive guidance from Buddhism, and is popular among many worshippers.

Along the approach to the shrine, you can find Nagano's famous soba noodles, Japanese sweets, and handicrafts, and in winter you can enjoy a stroll through the snowy scenery. We also recommend taking a break in a warm shop or enjoying a heartwarming winter snack while walking around.

Zenkoji Temple specialty: Soba

Points of worship

Procedure for worship: Light incense in front of the main hall and then worship.

Dark Passage Experience: Experience the "Okaidan Meguri" and symbolically walk the path from darkness to light.

Goshuin: You can receive a goshuin as a memento of your visit.

Zenkoji Temple is a place where you can find peace and tranquility while learning about history and culture.

Winter at Zenkoji Temple | Historical Architecture and a Stunning Silver-White View

Zenkoji Temple offers beautiful scenery even in winter. Snow quietly piles up on the temple grounds and approach, creating a magical atmosphere with the contrast between the historic architecture and the silvery white. The snow-covered gardens and stone-paved approach to the main hall add to the majesty, and the snow-covered maples near the temple gate welcome visitors as a perfect winter photo spot.

As you can see, Zenkoji Temple in winter is a charming spot where you can spend a heartwarming time by leisurely visiting the temple and strolling around, while enjoying the beautiful contrast between the historical buildings and the snowy scenery!

Jigokudani Monkey Park & National Treasure Zenkoji Temple & Specially Selected Beef Sukiyaki | Departing from Shinjuku

Savor the flavors of Nagano

After visiting Zenkoji Temple, enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant in Nagano City. A must-try dish on a winter trip to Nagano is sukiyaki, made with carefully selected beef. The exquisitely marbled, tender, and flavorful beef is simmered in a hot pot with vegetables and tofu, creating a perfect blend of the sweetness of the meat and the aroma of the broth. It's a dish that will warm both body and soul, perfect for the cold winter.

To conclude your winter trip to Nagano, we recommend spending some relaxing time sitting around a warm bowl of sukiyaki. You can enjoy a luxurious moment that will satisfy both your body and mind, something you can't get from just sightseeing!

Enjoy winter in Nagano in one day ♪ Warm your heart with adorable snow monkeys and heartwarming food

On this winter day trip to Nagano, you can get up close and personal with snow monkeys bathing in hot springs surrounded by snow in Jigokudani, relax and enjoy the winter scenery of the historic national treasure, Zenkoji Temple, and then spend the day warming both body and soul with sukiyaki made with carefully selected beef. This tour, which combines the magical snow-covered scenery with a warm meal and the charms of history and nature, is a special winter experience that you should definitely visit.

Jigokudani Monkey Park & National Treasure Zenkoji Temple & Specially Selected Beef Sukiyaki | Departing from Shinjuku

11:00 Arrive at the restaurant and enjoy a special beef sukiyaki set (stay time: approximately 50 minutes)

1

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park

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2

Zenko-ji Temple

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3

JR Shinjuku Station

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Spots introduced in this itinerary

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