Snow Monkey, Shiga Kogen Roman Museum With Lunch Buffet

Explore the enchanting world of Japan’s snow monkeys and learn about the cultural legacy of the Shiga Kogen region. This day trip from Shinjuku offers a hassle-free adventure, complete with prebooked entry to the famous Snow Monkey Park and a visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum. Indulge in a delectable all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, featuring over 130 delicious options, as you uncover the natural beauty and rich history of this captivating destination. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable audio guides, this tour promises an unforgettable experience, leaving you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• Offers a guided tour to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to observe snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, with prebooked entry tickets and audio guides.
• Includes an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch with over 130 food items, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
• Provides convenient transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, departing from Shinjuku in Tokyo.
• Includes a visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, weather permitting, for a well-rounded cultural experience.
• Advises visitors to wear warm clothing, as the tour may be affected by weather conditions impacting the monkeys’ hot spring activity.

Overview and Experience

Travelers on this tour have the opportunity to visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and observe the iconic snow monkeys as they bathe in the hot springs.

The tour includes prebooked entry tickets and onboard audio guides, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Guests can capture memorable photos of the monkeys in their natural habitat.

The day trip departs from Shinjuku in Tokyo, providing convenient transportation and the chance to relax on the coach.

Whether a first-time or repeat visitor, this tour offers an immersive encounter with Japan’s famous snow monkeys.

Meal Options

The tour includes an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch featuring a wide variety of over 130 food items.

Alternatively, you can opt for a plan without lunch.

The buffet may change to a Shabu-shabu lunch, which involves about 60 minutes of cooking and dining.

Vegetarian options are available upon request.

This comprehensive meal offering caters to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience during the tour.

Whether you choose the buffet or Shabu-shabu, the meal will provide the energy and nourishment needed to fully enjoy the day’s activities.

Meeting and Logistics

The tour departs from the Shinjuku Center Building in Tokyo at 07:15 AM, with participants returning to the same location later that day. The maximum group size is 43 travelers, with a minimum of 15 required for the tour to proceed. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making for a hassle-free experience.

Meeting Point	Departure Time	Return Location	Group Size	Minimum Participants
Shinjuku Center Building	07:15 AM	Shinjuku Center Building	43	15

This snow monkey adventure offers an opportunity to witness the famous bathing monkeys in Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, as well as a visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, weather permitting.

Important Information

What participants should know is that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

To ensure a comfortable experience, visitors are advised to wear warm clothes, gloves, and comfortable shoes.

Additionally:

1. There’s a possibility that the monkeys may not be soaking in the hot springs due to weather conditions.
2. If this occurs, there will be no refunds.
3. The visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum may be shortened or canceled due to traffic conditions, and the museum may also be temporarily closed.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Situated in the heart of Jigokudani Park, the snow monkey park offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, bathing in the natural hot springs to escape the harsh winter.

Visitors can capture stunning photographs of the monkeys as they relax in the steaming pools, surrounded by the serene snowy landscape. The park provides easy access, with a short walk through the forest leading to the prime viewing areas.

Watching the monkeys interact and soak in the warm waters is a truly mesmerizing experience that immerses visitors in the natural beauty of Japan.

Shiga Kogen Roman Museum

A visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum features:

1. Impressive displays of ancient Roman artifacts, including coins, pottery, and jewelry, providing insights into the historical connections between Japan and the Roman Empire.
2. Interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the daily life and customs of the Roman era.
3. Knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and context, bringing the museum’s collections to life.

While the visit to the museum may be cut short due to traffic conditions, the experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of Japanese and Roman history.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour to see the snow monkeys begins with a hassle-free day trip from Tokyo. Coach transport from Shinjuku takes travelers directly to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Transportation	Details
Departure Point	Shinjuku Center Building
Departure Time	7:15 AM
Return Location	Same as departure point

Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Participants are advised to wear warm clothing, gloves, and comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the experience.

Reviews and Feedback

How do the reviews and feedback for this tour stack up? The tour boasts an impressive 100% recommendation rate from travelers, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Positive comments highlight the overall experience, the professionalism of the guide, and the quality of the buffet lunch.

However, some areas for improvement include:

1. Providing clearer scheduling information.
2. Respecting time limits.
3. Addressing the possibility of monkeys not soaking in the hot springs due to weather conditions, as this can be disappointing for some participants.

Since You Asked

Are the Monkeys Always Visible in the Hot Springs?

The monkeys may not always be visible in the hot springs due to weather conditions. As noted, there’s a possibility the monkeys won’t be soaking, and no refunds are provided if this occurs.

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

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes a prebooked all-you-can-eat buffet lunch or Shabu-shabu lunch, so outside food and beverages aren’t allowed. The tour package covers your meal needs.

Is There a Designated Spot to Take Photos of the Monkeys?

Yes, there’s a designated photography area where visitors can capture photos of the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs. The tour provides an opportunity to get close and take memorable pictures of these unique primates.

Can I Stay Longer at the Snow Monkey Park on My Own?

Visitors can’t stay longer at the Snow Monkey Park on their own. The tour includes a pre-booked entry ticket and specific visit time. Extending the stay would require making separate arrangements, which aren’t part of the planned itinerary.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned in the Overview?

The overview doesn’t mention any additional fees or costs beyond the prebooked entry ticket and the optional all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. Travelers should only need to cover personal expenses like souvenirs or extra snacks during the trip.

The Sum Up

This all-inclusive day trip provides a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. With prebooked access to the famous Snow Monkey Park, a delectable buffet lunch, and a visit to the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, it’s an unforgettable way to take in the country’s beauty and traditions. The convenient transportation and audio guides ensure a hassle-free adventure, making this tour an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching and memorable experience.