Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour (Iiyama & Nozawa)

The Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour promises an immersive experience in Nagano’s winter wonderland. Travelers can explore the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and the historic Shibu Onsen town, enjoying guided walks and top-notch amenities. With transportation, meals, and admission fees included, this tour offers convenience and value. Whether you’re seeking adventure or cultural enrichment, this excursion might just be the perfect fit for your Nagano getaway.

Key Points

• This 3.5-5 hour tour takes visitors to the Snow Monkey Park and historic Shibu Onsen town, departing from Iiyama Station or Nozawa Onsen.
• The tour includes transportation, guided walks, admission tickets, lunch, and amenities like WiFi and rain gear.
• Participants need a moderate fitness level for the 2 km walk and should wear proper footwear, especially in winter.
• The tour is not suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or families with infants/small children during winter.
• The tour may experience delays, and purchasing return train tickets after 17:30 is not recommended due to potential overruns.

Tour Overview

The Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour is a 3-hour 50-minute to 5-hour experience that departs from Iiyama Station or Nozawa Onsen.

This tour takes travelers to see the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park and explore the historic Shibu Onsen.

With 22 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, the tour accommodates up to 60 people and costs from $73.51 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Highlights include guided walks, monkey park entry, lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Proper footwear and fitness level are required for the moderate 2km walk to the monkey park.

Inclusions

As part of the Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour, travelers can expect an air-conditioned vehicle to transport them throughout the experience.

The tour also includes:

• Guided walks through the historic Shibu Onsen town.
• Admission tickets to the Snow Monkey Park, where visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat.
• A provided lunch to fuel the day’s adventures.
• WiFi access on the bus and umbrellas/rain gear to keep participants dry, if needed.

Luggage storage is available at Iiyama Station, as storage isn’t permitted on the tour vehicle.

Fitness and Accessibility

Moderate fitness is required for the Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour, as it involves a 2 km (1.2 mile) walk each way to and from the Monkey Park.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women. Families with infants or small children may also find the hike challenging during winter when strollers aren’t allowed.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants should have a moderate level of mobility and be prepared for the hike.

Proper footwear and ice cleats are essential, especially in winter, to navigate the snowy and icy terrain.

Meeting Points and Timing

Two pickup locations are offered for the Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour – Iiyama Station and Nozawa Onsen.

The return times vary:

• Iiyama Station: 17:10~17:30
• Nozawa Onsen: 17:30~18:00

Participants should note that delays may occur if fellow travelers are late.

Plus, purchasing a train ticket before 17:30 isn’t recommended, as the tour may run over the scheduled time.

The tour includes guided walks, visits to the Snow Monkey Park, a sake brewery, and a local shrine – an engaging and memorable experience for all who join.

Tour Experience and Highlights

What activities does the Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour offer? Participants can visit the Snow Monkey Park, where they’ll have the chance to observe the monkeys in their natural habitat. The tour also includes a walking tour of the historic Shibu Onsen, and stops at a sake brewery and local shrine. Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides provide insights about the area and ensure visitor safety.

Highlights	Season-Dependent Experiences	Guides	Feedback
Snow Monkey Park Visit	Varying monkey behaviors	Knowledgeable	Engaging, beautiful scenery
Shibu Onsen Walking Tour	Enjoyment changes by season	Ensure safety	Memorable monkey encounters
Sake Brewery & Shrine Stops			Proper footwear advised in winter

Weather Considerations

Since you will be spending time outdoors, proper rain gear is required for the Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour.

The weather in Nagano can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to come prepared:

• Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry during the walking portions of the tour.
• Wear sturdy, slip-resistant shoes or boots to navigate the potentially icy or muddy terrain.
• Consider bringing an umbrella or having one available, as light rain showers are common in the area.

Ensuring participants have the right gear helps them stay comfortable and focus on the tour’s highlights.

Damage Fees

In the event that participants cause damage to the vehicle during the tour, they may be required to pay up to ¥30,000 to cover the costs.

This policy is in place to ensure the well-being of the vehicle and to encourage responsible behavior from all participants.

Any damages incurred will be assessed, and the tour operator reserves the right to seek compensation from the responsible party.

Participants are advised to exercise caution and care when boarding, exiting, and moving around the vehicle to avoid any unintended incidents that could result in additional fees.

Tour Adjustments

The tour operator continually gathers feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall tour experience.

Based on this input, they make targeted adjustments to:

• Optimize tour timing to better accommodate participants and minimize delays
• Refine the itinerary to include more engaging activities or provide deeper insights into the local culture and wildlife
• Enhance equipment and resources, such as providing better rain gear or ice cleats, to ensure participants are comfortable and safe throughout the tour.

This commitment to continuous improvement ensures the Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Tour delivers an exceptional experience for all who join.

Since You Asked

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but warm, weatherproof clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes for the hiking required and bring rain gear in case of inclement weather.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any specific age restrictions. However, it is not recommended for families with infants or small children during winter, as strollers are not allowed on the tour.

Can I Bring My Camera to Take Pictures of the Monkeys?

Yes, you can bring your camera to take pictures of the monkeys. The tour guides encourage participants to capture the unique experiences with the snow monkeys in their natural habitat.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The set schedule and timing are designed to provide a complete experience within the allotted time. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, longer excursion.

Can I Purchase Additional Items or Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional items or souvenirs during the tour. The tour includes stops at a sake brewery and local shrine, providing opportunities to browse and buy local products and crafts.

The Sum Up

The Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour offers an unforgettable winter adventure in Nagano. With transportation, lunch, and guided walks, participants can explore the famous snow monkeys and historic Shibu Onsen town. While a moderate fitness level is required, the tour provides top-notch amenities, making it perfect for those seeking to enjoy the stunning winter landscape.