2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto

This 2-day snow monkey tour from Nagano to Takayama promises an immersive experience in Japan’s natural and cultural wonders. Travelers will visit the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, explore historic Matsumoto Castle, and discover the charming town of Takayama. With comfortable transportation, quality accommodation, and an expert English-speaking guide, this tour offers a seamless and enriching journey through some of Japan’s most captivating destinations. Whether you’re seeking stunning landscapes, cultural insights, or authentic local experiences, this tour has something to pique your interest.

Good To Know

• This 2-day tour takes visitors from Nagano to Takayama, with highlights including the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and Matsumoto Castle.
• The tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and an English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless and immersive cultural experience.
• Participants can enjoy sake tasting, explore local markets, and learn about regional traditions during the journey.
• The tour is suitable for a maximum group size of 50 travelers, providing a personalized experience.
• Appropriate walking shoes are recommended for the trails, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

The 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour takes travelers from Nagano to Takayama via the scenic city of Matsumoto.

Highlights include visiting the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, exploring the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, and admiring the impressive Matsumoto Castle.

Along the way, travelers will experience the region’s natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and local traditions, including a sake tasting.

Comfortable transportation, accommodation, meals, and an English-speaking guide are provided to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The tour caters to most travelers and offers a comprehensive introduction to Nagano’s top attractions.

Inclusions

The 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities and experiences to ensure travelers have a memorable and comfortable journey.

The tour package includes:

• Breakfast, as well as 2 lunches and 2 dinners
• Transportation from Nagano to the destinations, ending at Takayama
• Entrance fees for the Snow Monkey Park and Matsumoto Castle
• A sake tasting experience
• Accommodation at Hotel Kokusai 21 on the first night, including breakfast on the second day
• Shinkansen/bullet train tickets
• An English-speaking guide on both days
• A maximum group size of 50 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Meeting and Pickup

According to the tour details, the meeting point for the 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour is Nagano Station, located in Kurita, Nagano, Japan. Travelers should meet the group under the Information Board across from the Shinkansen exit/entrance at 9:20 AM. The tour will end at Takayama Station in Gifu Prefecture.

Meeting Point	Pickup Time	End Point	Drop-off
Nagano Station	9:20 AM	Takayama Station	N/A

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but stroller and infant seats are available. Appropriate walking shoes are recommended for the trails.

What to Expect

Travelers can expect to receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller and infant seats are available.

Suitable for most travelers, participants should wear appropriate shoes for walking trails.

Wild monkeys may not always be present at the Snow Monkey Park, but alternative activities will be provided if necessary.

Visitors must follow the park’s rules, maintaining a distance of 1-2 meters from the monkeys and refraining from touching or feeding them.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller and infant seats available
• Wear appropriate walking shoes
• Follow Snow Monkey Park rules

Day 1: Exploring Nagano

Your tour kicks off with a visit to the stunning Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano.

You’ll watch in awe as the famous Japanese macaques, or "snow monkeys," bathe in the park’s natural hot springs to escape the winter chill.

After, you’ll head to the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites.

Here, you’ll explore the vast complex and learn about its rich history.

Cap off the day with a sake tasting and a delicious traditional dinner before retiring at the comfortable Hotel Kokusai 21.

Day 2: Discovering Matsumoto and Takayama

The second day of the tour takes visitors to the historic city of Matsumoto, home to the impressive Matsumoto Castle.

After exploring the castle’s samurai history, the group travels to the quaint mountain town of Takayama.

There, they discover the region’s cultural treasures:

• Strolling the charming streets of the Sanmachi Suji historic district
• Visiting Takayama Jinya, the former government house
• Savoring a sake tasting at a local brewery
• Exploring the morning markets for crafts and regional specialties

The tour concludes with a delightful dinner in Takayama, capping off a day of immersive cultural experiences.

Accommodation and Dining

After exploring the cultural landmarks of Matsumoto and Takayama, the tour provides comfortable accommodations and delectable dining experiences to complete the day.

Travelers stay at the Hotel Kokusai 21, which includes breakfast on the second day. Lunch and dinner are included on both days, featuring regional cuisine and a sake tasting.

The tour ensures travelers enjoy a well-rounded culture, with ample opportunities to savor the local flavors. From traditional Japanese breakfasts to multi-course dinners, the dining experiences complement the overall tour, allowing participants to fully experience the region’s culinary delights.

Practical Information

When booking the 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour, travelers can expect confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller and infant seats are available.

Appropriate shoes for walking trails are recommended, as wild monkeys may not always be present, and alternative activities will be provided if necessary.

Travelers should follow the Snow Monkey Park rules, maintaining a distance of 1-2 meters and refraining from touching or feeding the monkeys.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller and infant seats available
• Wear appropriate shoes for walking trails
• Follow Snow Monkey Park rules

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Visitors can’t bring their own food to the Snow Monkey Park. The tour includes lunch, so there’s no need to pack meals. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the park’s facilities.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with young children. Stroller and infant seats are available, though the trails may not be wheelchair accessible. Parents should ensure children follow park rules and maintain distance from the monkeys.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs at the Tour Stops?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional souvenirs at the tour stops. The tour includes time at cultural landmarks like Zenko-ji Temple and Matsumoto Castle, providing opportunities to find local crafts, snacks, and other keepsakes.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age or height restrictions. It’s suitable for most travelers, though the guide recommends wearing appropriate shoes for walking trails. Stroller and infant seats are available if needed.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Destinations?

Yes, you can extend your stay at the Hotel Kokusai 21 to include additional destinations. Contact the tour operator for details on extending your trip and visiting more locations beyond the standard 2-day itinerary.

The Sum Up

This 2-day snow monkey tour from Nagano to Takayama offers an immersive experience into Japan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Travelers will witness the iconic snow monkeys, explore historic Matsumoto Castle, and discover the charming town of Takayama, while enjoying comfortable transportation, accommodations, and an English-speaking guide. With a maximum group size of 50, this tour provides a seamless and memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of central Japan.