Snow Monkey Park and Miso Production Tour Bullet Train From Tokyo

Escape the bustling streets of Tokyo for an unforgettable journey to the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture. This full-day tour promises an enriching cultural experience, from witnessing the iconic snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs to exploring the traditional miso production process. Accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the region’s captivating history and natural wonders, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. Ready to discover the hidden gems of this Japanese winter wonderland?

Key Points

1. This full-day tour from Tokyo provides access to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where visitors can observe snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.

2. The tour also includes a visit to Suzaka for a traditional miso production experience and the town of Obuse, known for its connections to the artist Hokusai.

3. Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets are included, ensuring efficient transportation and maximized exploration time during the tour.

4. The tour is guided by an English-speaking expert and is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, though not recommended for those with serious medical conditions or young children.

5. Customer feedback highlights the organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and the unique opportunity to see the snow monkeys, with the optimal viewing period being between December and March.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Tokyo takes visitors to Nagano Prefecture, where they’ll first stop in the town of Suzaka to explore the art of traditional miso production.

After sampling the umami-rich paste, the tour heads to the charming town of Obuse, known for its connections to the renowned artist Hokusai.

Guests enjoy free time to wander and try local chestnut treats before the highlight – observing the famous snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park.

An expert English-speaking guide leads the way, bringing the cultural significance and natural wonders to life.

Transportation and Meeting Details

Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets from Tokyo are included in the tour package. Travelers will meet at the JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, in central Tokyo. Tickets can be picked up 3 days before to the day before the tour at the Tokyo City i. The tour ends around 8:00 pm back at Tokyo Station.

Meeting Point	Ticket Pickup	Departure	Return
JR Tokyo Station, Marunouchi	Tokyo City i, 3 days before to the day before tour	Morning	Around 8:00 pm

This convenient bullet train transportation allows you to maximize your time exploring the snow monkeys and miso production without the hassle of driving.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets from Tokyo as well as an English guide interpreter to lead the day’s activities.

Admission to the Jigokudani Monkey Park is also covered, along with other transportation costs.

However, lunch isn’t included, so you will need to purchase their own meal during the free time in Obuse.

Any additional fees not listed in the inclusions will also be the responsibility of the traveler.

Important Tour Information

Guests should keep in mind that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness.

The tour involves about 50 minutes of walking to the monkey park, which sits 850 meters above sea level. Cooler temperatures at this elevation mean you’ll want to wear appropriate winter footwear to navigate the potentially slippery paths.

Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

While the snow monkeys are a highlight, exercise caution, especially if you’re bringing children or seniors along.

Customer Feedback and Experience

Travelers have overwhelmingly enjoyed this tour, with 25 reviews earning an impressive 4.5-star rating overall.

Highlights include the mesmerizing snow monkeys, a well-organized itinerary, and knowledgeable guides. Some guests provided feedback on the quality of the included lunch and the guide’s knowledge about Zenkoji Temple.

For optimal monkey viewing, the tour is best experienced between December and March. Visitors should exercise caution on the slippery paths, especially for children and seniors.

Miso Production Tour

As part of the full-day tour, visitors get to experience the traditional art of miso production in the town of Suzaka. At the miso factory, they’ll learn about the meticulous process of fermenting soybeans, rice, and salt to create this umami-rich condiment. Guests can observe the skilled artisans in action and even sample the different varieties. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s rich culinary heritage.

Miso Production Process
Soaking Soybeans	12-24 hours
Cooking Soybeans	8-10 hours
Koji Fermentation	2-3 days
Aging in Wooden Vats	6 months – 3 years

Exploring Obuse

What’s Obuse, you ask? Nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, Obuse is a charming town known for its artistic heritage.

After the miso factory tour, the group heads to this historic gem for free time. Visitors can:

1. Explore the Hokusai Museum, home to the famous ukiyo-e artist’s masterpieces.
2. Sample the town’s prized chestnuts, a local specialty.
3. Wander the quaint streets, popping into boutiques and cafes.

With its picturesque scenery and cultural riches, Obuse offers a delightful contrast to the snow monkey park.

The tour allows ample time to soak in the town’s unique atmosphere before the journey back to Tokyo.

Visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park

After exploring the quaint town of Obuse, the tour group heads to the main attraction – the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Nestled in a valley 850 meters above sea level, this park is home to a troop of Japanese macaques, affectionately known as "snow monkeys."

The group eagerly anticipates observing these unique primates as they bathe in the steaming hot springs, seeking refuge from the chilly winter air.

The 50-minute walk to the park may be challenging, but the reward of witnessing the monkeys’ natural behavior is well worth the effort.

With caution and proper footwear, the group looks forward to this unforgettable experience.

Since You Asked

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows participants to cancel up to 3 days before the tour for a full refund. There’s a moderate fee for cancellations within 3 days due to the advanced Shinkansen ticket booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during the tour. However, a tasty lunch in Obuse is recommended to fully experience the local cuisine. The tour guide can provide recommendations for great lunch spots.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not recommended for infants, travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. However, there are no strict age restrictions – guests of all ages are welcome, though caution is advised for children and seniors.

Can I Extend My Stay in Nagano After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Nagano after the tour. The tour ends at Tokyo Station around 8:00 pm, so you’d have the flexibility to continue exploring Nagano on your own schedule. Just be sure to plan your onward travel accordingly.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Attractions in Nagano?

Absolutely! The tour allows you to explore more of Nagano Prefecture. After the snow monkey and miso experiences, you can extend your stay to visit other popular attractions like Zenkoji Temple, historic villages, and scenic mountain landscapes.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable full-day tour from Tokyo to Nagano offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Witness the captivating snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs, learn about traditional miso production, and explore the charming town of Obuse – all while enjoying the convenience of round-trip Shinkansen tickets and an expert English-speaking guide. Don’t miss the chance to discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of this remarkable region.