How to Plan Your Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the best of Nagano, look no further than this day trip. This guided tour takes you on a journey to see some of the most famous attractions in Nagano City and Jigokudani, also known as “Hell’s Valley”, home to the world-famous snow monkeys. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the tranquility of Zenkoji Temple and explore the vibrant shopping street of Nakamise.

The tour includes everything you need for a fun and hassle-free day trip. You’ll be provided with transportation between attractions, lunch at a nearby restaurant, entrance to the Snow Monkey Park, and even a sake tasting experience. Plus, there’s an optional attraction entrance to Zenko-ji Temple.

Highlights

Here are just a few of the highlights of this amazing tour:

• Go to Zenkoji, the first temple to house a Buddha statue in Japan
• Take photos with the world-famous snow monkeys
• Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant
• Explore the vibrant shopping street of Nakamise
• Try Japanese sake at a local brewery

Itinerary

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect on this day trip:

8:30 AM: Meet and Greet with Your Guide

You’ll meet your personal tour guide at Nagano Station. They will escort you to the Snow Monkey Park and other attractions throughout the day.

9:00 AM: Departure from Nagano Station

You’ll depart from Nagano Station heading straight to the Snow Monkey Park.

10:00 AM: Visit Snow Monkey Park

Your guide will take you to the Snow Monkey Park where you’ll have the chance to see the adorable snow monkeys playing freely in their natural habitat while enjoying the beautiful snowy surroundings.

12:00 PM: Lunch

You’ll head to a nearby restaurant to sample some of the local culinary delights for lunch.

1:00 PM: Zenko-ji Temple

Next, you’ll head to Zenko-ji Temple which is one of the most famous temples in Japan harboring a historic wooden statue of Buddha.

2:30 PM: Nakamise Shopping District

After visiting the temple, you’ll explore the Nakamise Shopping District, bursting with Japanese-made goods, souvenirs, and tasty street food options.

4:00 PM: Sake Brewery Experience

Finally, you’ll head to a local sake brewery for a fun and informative sake tasting experience.

5:00 PM: Return to Nagano Station

You’ll end the day with a relaxing journey back to Nagano Station, arriving around 5:00 PM.

Additional Tour Information

Here are a few more details about the tour:

• The tour is available all year round and highlights vary depending on the season
• The tour cost includes transportation between attractions, Snow Monkey Park entrance fee, lunch, and a sake tasting experience
• Hakuba shuttle service is available during winter months to transport you to and from the tour

Booking Information

If you’re interested in experiencing Nagano in a whole new way, you can book the tour through Get Your Guide.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the best of Nagano, this day trip is a great option. With all-inclusive transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, it’s a hassle-free way to explore the Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple and shopping street of Nakamise. So why wait? Book your tour today and discover all that Nagano has to offer.

An Insider’s Guide to Nagano, Japan

If you’re looking for a destination in Japan that’s full of culture, history, and natural beauty, consider adding Nagano to your list. This city is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is famous for its majestic mountains, hot springs, and lovely temples. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-see attractions, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Nagano.

Local Attractions

Nagano is famous for its gorgeous and dramatic mountains. One of the best places to go hiking in Nagano is the Kamikochi Valley. The valley is located inside Chubu-Sangaku National Park and is known for its picturesque ponds, bridges, and trails. It’s a great place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Another must-visit attraction is the stunning Zenkoji Temple. It’s a 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple that has been rebuilt several times and is home to many treasures and artifacts. You can also visit the Shinano Art Museum to experience the beauty of Japanese art.

If you’re interested in winter sports and activities, Nagano also has plenty to offer. The region hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding resorts, such as Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen. You can also visit the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe Japanese macaques taking a relaxing dip in a hot spring.

Dining Spots

When it comes to dining in Nagano, you’ll be spoiled for choice with its delicious local cuisine. Soba noodles are Nagano’s most famous dish, and you can find them sold in many restaurants. In addition, the city is known for its juicy apples and delicious soba dishes. Some must-try restaurants include Matsuya Soba, where you can taste Nagano’s famous soba dishes. Another fascinating dining spot is Akihabara Nojo, where you can enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine.

Cultural Experiences

Nagano’s rich cultural heritage means it has several unique experiences to offer visitors. One of the best cultural experiences you can have in Nagano is to participate in a tea ceremony. The birthplace of the tea ceremony is in the Nagano, so it’s a chance to learn from the masters in an authentic setting. Another excellent experience is to wear a kimono and get your photo taken. You can also try calligraphy, traditional dance, and playing the shamisen.

Local History

Nagano has plenty of history, dating back to prehistoric times. One of the city’s most famous historical sites is Matsushiro Castle. It’s an ancient Samurai Castle, built between 1560 and 1614. You’ll learn about samurai culture and witness the majestic castle’s beauty. The city also has several museums, such as the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Nagano Prefectural Museum of History.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Sights

For travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations, Nagano has plenty to offer. If you’re a fan of skiing and snowboarding, consider visiting Iizuna Resort Ski Area. It’s a small but outstanding resort that’s perfect for those who want to avoid large crowds. Kinasa Village is another off-the-beaten-path destination worth visiting. The village is full of traditional houses with thatched roofs and has an authentic rural Japan feel. Finally, consider visiting Suwa Lake and enjoying the stunning views and fresh air.

Conclusion

Nagano is a city that offers something for everyone; history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and foodies will enjoy discovering the city’s amazing attractions. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, Nagano will impress you with its stunning scenery, mouth-watering cuisine, and unique cultural experiences. Don’t forget to plan a visit to the Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple. You won’t be disappointed!