Snow Monkey Park: Iconic Wildlife Experience

Explore snow monkeys, sacred temples, and ski adventures in Japan’s Alps. Customize your private tour for an unforgettable experience.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) - Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen)
    Experience the sight of wild Japanese macaques enjoying the natural hot springs.
    Ideal visiting period: December–March for a snowy backdrop with monkeys in the onsen.
    Open throughout the year (monkeys are present all year round).
    • Monkeys roam freely (no enclosures)…
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Child Seat
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Hotspot On the Board
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Entrance fees
Additional Information

Snow Monkey Park
Observe wild Japanese macaques as they relax in natural hot springs, surrounded by picturesque snowy forests. This is a unique and iconic wildlife experience that is unmatched anywhere else.
Zenkōji Temple
Explore one of Japan’s most revered temples, welcoming to everyone. Stroll through its ancient halls, experience the…

Location
Snow Monkey Park (jigokudani Yaen Koen)
6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.7
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Aligu3669ij
Mar 14, 2026
FABULOUS SERVICE WITH RANA - had an amazing snow tour with Mr. Rana. The whole trip was very enjoyable and well organized. Mr. Rana was very friendly, helpful, and made sure everyone was comfortable throughout the tour. The snowy scenery was beautiful, and the experience was unforgettable. I really appreciate the effort Mr. Rana put into making the tour fun and smooth for everyone. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy a wonderful snow tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackrk605kl
Mar 4, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unforgettable Day with the Snow Monkeys! With MR RANA - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unforgettable Day with the Snow Monkeys! Our private tour to the VIP Snow Monkeys Park with Nihon Shine Tours was easily the highlight of our trip to Japan. If you’re looking for a seamless, stress-free, and deeply personal experience, look no further. Why this tour stood out: * Complete Customization: From the moment we were picked up, the itinerary felt tailored to our pace. We never felt rushed, allowing us to truly soak in the magic of the Japanese Alps. * The VIP Treatment: Skipping the logistics of public transport and having a private vehicle waiting for us made the day feel incredibly luxurious and efficient. * Local Insight: We didn't just see the monkeys; we learned about the history of the region and found hidden gems we would have never discovered on our own. Our Guide: Mr. Rana A massive thank you to our guide, Mr. Rana. He was absolutely exceptional! His knowledge of the area is extensive, but it was his kindness and professionalism that made the day special. Mr. Rana went above and beyond to ensure we got the best photos of the snow monkeys and even suggested a fantastic local spot for lunch that was one of the best meals we've had in Japan. He is a skilled driver and a wonderful storyteller. > Bottom line: If you want a world-class experience with a company that truly cares about its guests, book with Nihon Shine Tours and ask for Mr. Rana. You won't regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yabunakal
Feb 26, 2026
100% winter choice with NIHON SHINE TOUR - We had an unforgettable one-day private tour to Jigokudani Monkey Park with our guide Rana, and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. Everything was organized smoothly, making the trip comfortable and stress-free. Rana was extremely professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. He explained so much about the Japanese macaques and the history of the area, which made the experience even more interesting. Seeing the snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs up close was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment! The VIP private tour made everything easy and relaxing — no rushing, plenty of time for photos, and we could enjoy the beautiful winter scenery at our own pace. Rana also made sure we were comfortable during the walk and helped us take great pictures. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Japan who wants a premium, well-organized, and memorable snow monkey experience. Thank you, Rana, for an amazing day! ❄️🐒
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X2496kodavide
Feb 26, 2026
An amazing experience with Mr. Rana 100% recommended - Snow Monkey Park VIP Tour – An Unforgettable Experience The Snow Monkey Park VIP Tour was truly one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, comfortable, and stress-free. The VIP experience made the entire journey smooth and enjoyable. Our guide RANA was knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly passionate about the area and the famous Japanese macaques. They shared fascinating insights about the monkeys’ behavior, the history of the park, and the surrounding region, which made the experience much more meaningful than just visiting on our own. Seeing the snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs up close was absolutely magical. Watching them interact, play, and soak in the steaming onsen against the beautiful winter scenery felt like something out of a documentary. The VIP tour also allowed us to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Transportation was comfortable, and the small group size made it feel personal and exclusive. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, making it worth the investment. I highly recommend the Snow Monkey Park VIP Tour to anyone visiting Japan—especially if you want a premium, memorable, and well-organized experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborah_s
Jan 4, 2026
Mother daughter trip to see snow monkeys - Outstanding day with mother and daughter trip felt perfectly safe with our wonderful guide. He even returned to our hotel because we forgot our phone charger in the vehicle. Thank you so much.
Review provided by Viator
Emily_s
Jan 23, 2026
Riddled with red flags - Our driver, Rana, was 25 minutes late to pick us up, and when he came, the car seat he assured me he had was missing parts. He told me not to worry because the ride wasn’t bumpy. About an hour into our long drive, our driver started to doze off at the wheel. After multiple check ins (and him denying his veering and snoring), we made the decision to leave immediately. We are of course so disappointed we couldn’t go to see the snow monkeys, but most concerned about a tour guide with zero concern for safety, poor preparation, and limited skills. It’s unclear if he was a scammer or just completely unprofessional, but either way, we left at a rest stop, a full refund was initiated, and we are glad to be safe.
Review provided by Viator
From $700 (Per Vehicle)
up to 15 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).