Nozawaonsen Trip Overview
Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a morning visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys, followed by a warming winter lunch and afternoon exploration of Zenko-ji – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Led by a locally-based English-speaking guide and including a sake tasting experience to bring the tour to an indulgent conclusion this tour is a great way to enjoy the best of Nagano in winter!
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Starts: Nozawaonsen, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Nozawaonsen Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Nozawaonsen, Nagano, Japan
Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a morning visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys, followed by a warming winter lunch and afternoon exploration of Zenko-ji – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Led by a locally-based English-speaking guide and including a sake tasting experience to bring the tour to an indulgent conclusion this tour is a great way to enjoy the best of Nagano in winter!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, 6845 Heion, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture
Established in 1964, Nagano’s world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. With no barriers between you and the monkeys (don’t worry, they are very calm) this is a unique opportunity to observe these curious creatures in close proximity as the walk about you, wrestle with each other, endlessly groom, and of course, soak in their favourite hot spring! Your guide will introduce you to everything that makes them so unique and famous while giving you plenty of time to explore for yourself.
Please note that estimated time at the monkey park includes walking in and out along the forest trail – 1.6km each way / 35-minutes each way in winter. We endeavour to give our guests 1 hour in the park to observe the monkeys however this depends on your pace in and out of the park. Please also note that during winter the trail and park will be affected by snow and ice so please ensure you wear good quality shoes or boots.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Enza Cafe, 1421-1 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Just down fromt the monkey park trail, Enza Cafe serves a warming winter menu of Japanese and Western favourites. Included in the tour, guests can choose between chicken ramen with a side serve of fries, teriyaki pizza or nozawa and mushroom pizza (both served with side salads). Lunch also includes one drink.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Zenko-ji Temple, I-491 Motoyoshicho, Nagano 380-0851 Nagano Prefecture
As one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in Japan, Zenko-ji is the spiritual heart of Nagano. A registered National Treasure, the temple’s near-1400 year history is full of legend and myth which your guide will help you unlock as they guide you around the temple precinct followed by time to explore for yourself (time-permitting).
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Nishinomon-Yoshinoya Sake Brewery, Japan, 〒380-0853 Nagano, Sakaechō, 西之門町941
Nagano is Japan’s second largest producer of ‘sake’, meaning no trip to the region is complete without sampling some of the local breweries. Your guide will introduce to the complex and warm world of sake with a guided tasting. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
Duration: 20 minutes
