Jigokudani Monkey Park Day Trip
Day Trip Details
We’ll begin this day trip after meeting in front of the LOVE sculpture at 6-Chome-5-1. Once everyone is ready, we’ll board the vehicle that’ll take us to Nagano in just 3 hours. Little by little, Tokyo’s skyline will give way to mountain scenery, traditional villages, and snow-covered pine trees. A true picture of rural Japan!
Our first stop will be Shinshu Fruitsland, where a typical beef sukiyaki lunch made with seasonal ingredients will be waiting for us. This dish, slow-cooked in a sweet and salty broth, is perfect for warming up. With your meal, you’ll be served water and hojicha, a roasted green tea. Before continuing, you’ll have some free time to stroll through the market.
We’ll then get back on the road and head to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This is a natural sanctuary in what’s known as Hell Valley, home to the nihonzaru, or Japanese macaques. When we arrive, we’ll walk for about 30 minutes along a snowy forest path until we reach the area where steam from the hot springs rises between the mountains.
There, the monkeys enjoy their unique ritual in the onsen (hot springs) while the snow gently falls on their heads. Did you know that these macaques are the only primates, apart from humans, that bathe in hot springs for pleasure? Watching them so relaxed, with their eyes half closed and steam surrounding their bodies, is a truly hypnotic experience.
As evening falls, we’ll visit Kamakura no Sato, a village that comes to life between January and February when its small snow huts are lit by candles, creating a dreamlike winter scene.
Finally, we’ll begin the return journey to the meeting point in Tokyo, where we’ll say goodbye after between 12 and 13 hours of touring.
Itinerary Changes
We’ll visit Kamakura no Sato from January 23 to March 1, 2026. For the rest of the year, we’ll return to Tokyo 1 hour earlier instead.
Please Note
- We’ll walk for about 30 minutes from the car park in Jigokudani to the area where the snow monkeys are found.
- The monkeys are territorial and unpredictable animals, so we recommend not getting too close to them or making direct eye contact. It’s also possible that they may not be in the hot springs when we arrive.
- The lunch menu may vary depending on ingredient availability.
More Information
Duration
12 - 13h.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Transport by minibus or coach
English–speaking guide
Ticket to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Lunch with one drink
When to book?
You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
Provider
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H.i.s. Co., Ltd.
Corporate name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How long will we walk to reach the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park?
A - We’ll walk for about 30 minutes from the car park in Jigokudani to the area where the snow monkeys are found.
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Q - Will we always be able to see the snow monkeys?
A - Snow monkeys are wild animals, so it’s possible that they may not always be present during the visit.
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Q - Should we be careful about anything regarding the snow monkeys?
A - Yes. Please keep in mind that the snow monkeys are unpredictable and territorial, so we recommend not getting too close to them or making direct eye contact.
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Q - Are the snow monkeys always in the hot springs?
A - No. The snow monkeys don’t always stay in the hot springs.
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Q - Is the lunch menu fixed?
A - No. The lunch menu may vary depending on ingredient availability.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 1 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
Shinjuku LOVE 6-Chome-5-1