Zenkoji Temple: Ultimate Guide to Nagano's Sacred Wonders

Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenkoji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan - followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's then time to head to the Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous h...

• Zenko-ji Temple
• Nishimon Yoshinoya
• Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including to and from the monkey park along a 1.6km (1 mile), unsealed forest trail. Please sure your footwear is appropriate and you are dressed accordingly for the season. The trail includes 2 different staircases, and therefore is not wheelchair accessible., Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time. There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park., This tour uses different forms of transport. Tours can be conducted by microbus or a large bus depending on the season and size of the group., From mid-December until early-April the trail and park are likely to be affected by snow and ice. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable shoes/boots and warm clothing. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons (metal spikes that attach underneath your shoes/boots) can also be purchased. From mid-December until early-March please wear suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C)., During the winter it is common to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring however from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath., There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park, arrive late or leave early. While this is unlikely, it is possible and is outside of our control., *Winter only* Guests in Hakuba can join this tour using our shuttle service from / to Hakuba Tokyu Hotel in Wadano and Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. This service is only available from mid December until end of March and may not be available every day between those dates. We apologize that bookings from / to Hakuba cannot be accepted outside of these dates. When using this shuttle service please note that your guide will join and depart the tour at Nagano Station., *Winter only* This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nagano Station by 17:30 (and by 19:00 for guests joining from Hakuba in winter). However, due to weather and road conditions in winter we cannot guarantee the end time. For guests booking shinkansen tickets to travel to Tokyo after the tour in winter, we ask that you do not book any service earlier than the 17:56 Kagayaki (reservation only) or our recommendation of the 18:23 Hakutaka. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations we also recommend doing so for times of 18:00 or later., This tour includes lunch at one of Nagano's outstanding restaurants. Please note that the restaurant may change their menu from time-to-time. Please let us know of any food allergies in advance so we can arrange accordingly., This tour includes ‘sake’ tasting. You must be a minimum of 20 years of age to consume alcohol in Japan., Infants (0-5) are free of charge. An infant lunch is not included and the order will be made directly to the restaurant according to your needs., Train schedule from Tokyo station to Nagano station| Tokyo: 07:20 –> Nagano: 08:43 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Tokyo: 07:24 –> Nagano: 09:14 by Asama| Tokyo: 07:52 –> Nagano: 09:30 by Hakutaka, Train schedule from Nagano station to Tokyo station| Nagano: 17:55 –> Tokyo: 19:20 by Kagayaki (reservation required*)| Nagano: 18:22 –> Tokyo: 20:00 by Hakutaka, Please note, there may be possible changes in the itinerary/included experiences due to local events, weather, restaurant availability, or other unforeseeable factors., Please note that it is the responsibility of each guest to secure their own way back to their specific hotel after being dropped off at one of the four possible drop off points in Hakuba during the winter period, as our large bus cannot drop off at individual accommodations.

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

Discover two of the top attractions on a day trip in Nagano, Zenko-ji Temple and Snow Monkey Park. Watch the monkeys playing and then finish the day with a delicious lunch, and sake tasting.

Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City. On this tour, yo...

• Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Obuse-machi
• Zenko-ji Temple

• Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

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

Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights....

• Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Obuse-machi
• Masuichi Ichimura Sake Brewery
• Obuse-machi
• Zenko-ji Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, If traveling from Tokyo station, take the 6:52 AM or 7:20 AM Shinkansen to arrive on time., There is a possibility that the monkeys may not appear as they are wild animals. While sightings are generally reliable during much of the year, there are times — particularly in certain seasons — when they may not come to the park due to weather, food availability, or other natural factors. Please understand that we do not offer refunds if no monkeys are present during your visit. Our team will still provide a comfortable vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-structured itinerary to make your visit meaningful. Even without the monkeys, the walk to the park offers beautiful forest scenery and a memorable nature experience — each season has its own charm., Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay., On-time departure policy: Tours depart on time. We can wait up to 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After that, late arrivals are treated as a no-show (no refund/reschedule)., Please note that due to potential traffic jams, there may be slight delays, making the tour last more extra hours. Guests are advised not to schedule train departures immediately after the tour and to allow sufficient time for boarding., During winter, please be prepared for below-freezing temperatures and icy, slippery conditions at Snow Monkey Park by wearing non-slip footwear or bringing cleats for added safety., Flexible Ending (8:45 AM departures only): Optional Zenkoji Temple Visit After Obuse, guests who choose to visit Zenkoji Temple will be dropped off there first for free time. Guests who prefer to return directly to Nagano Station may do so instead. After dropping off guests at Nagano Station, the guide will return to Zenkoji Temple to pick up the remaining guests and bring them back to Nagano Station. This option is not available on 9:35 AM departures., Peak winter days: If parking is extremely limited, the Snow Monkey Park visit may be done on your own. We’ll share a clear meet-up point, stay in touch via WhatsApp, and provide ticket money in advance (receipt requested)., o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more., Please note: The tour starts at 8:45 AM. If we visit Obuse first (based on monkey activity), lunch will be around 11:00 AM, and we’ll go to the Snow Monkey Park in the early afternoon., This tour is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues due to the walking required, particularly the 1.6-kilometer trail to the Snow Monkey Park. It is also not recommended for those who prefer minimal physical activity or are uncomfortable with extended outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions. Please note that wheelchairs and strollers are not accessible, and child seats are not prepared for this tour., Strollers are not accessible

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

Join a sake tasting & sake factory tour in Nagano. Try a range of sake, amazake, enjoy small dishes (like pickles & Nagano miso), & explore the streets of Nagano & the Zenkoji Temple area.

Discover the spiritual side of Nagano on a guided tour of Zenkoji Temple. Enjoy a tasting of sake at a local brewery, savor the flavors of 'oyaki' dumplings, and take part in a tea experience.

• Zenko-ji Temple
• Patio Daimon

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

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

On this tour, spend a full-day in Nagano exploring the city and enjoying what this quaint town has to offer. Your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or Nagano Train Station at 8:45 AM. You will either take public transportation (train and bus) or private chartered vehicle a...

• Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Zenko-ji Temple

• Wheelchair accessible, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Children must be accompanied by an adult., A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Wheelchair accessible at most places (not including Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park), For this tour, if we provide train tickets: we will send train tickets to the guests’ hotel in Tokyo (the hotel which guests are staying at before their Nagano trip). Please provide: 1) Hotel Name in Tokyo, 2) Guest Name who booked the hotel, 3) Confirmation Number, and 4) Dates of Stay at the hotel in Tokyo., Snow Monkeys in warmer seasons: The snow starts to melt in March, and the snow monkeys may not bathe as often as they did in the winter to keep warm. Guests may see the snow monkeys taking a swim as the park staff gives them lunch, but unlike winter months, there are definitely days when the monkeys just do not feel like entering the bath. When it is warm and the sun is out, the monkeys tend to be more active and move around the area. The monkeys are more likely to be grooming in the warmer seasons. While Winter is not the only time to see snow monkeys, please note that they are wild animals and it is difficult to predict their behavior. You can still visit the Snow Monkey Park, but seeing the snow monkeys and watching them bathe is not always guaranteed., Guests must provide information (name, age) of each guest. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel., Age Requirement: Guests of all ages can attend this tour, but a booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 12 to 99. Child pricing applies to guests age 6 – 11. Young child pricing applies to guests age 1 – 5. In this private group tour, there must be at least one person that is 18 years or older., PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM: After your booking, you will receive a link to the Nagano Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Nagano Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before  your tour date., Once you’ve booked the Nagano Full Day Tour with Japan Awaits you’ll receive a form with a variety of itinerary options to suit your vehicle option and essential information to complete your booking., How far in advance should I book?Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund., Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 30 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled, Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today., Private Vehicle option: The tour guide and driver will pick up guests from hotels located within a 10km radius of Nagano Station., Public Transportation option: Please be aware that the tour will commence at Nagano station., Cancellation Policy:, Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the event, Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 21 days or less before the event, Cancellation fee of 25% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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 ...

• Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Zenko-ji Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including to and from the monkey park along a 1.6km (1 mile), unsealed forest trail. Please sure your footwear is approriate and you are dressed accordingly for the season., This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for mobility-impaired travels. Should you have any concerns about your ability to join the tour, please contact us to discuss prior to booking., Guests are required to follow the Snow Monkey Park rules at all times. Guests are not permitted to touch, hold, feed or bathe with the monkeys at any time., There are no barriers separating the monkeys from visitors to the park. Please ensure you keep a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between yourself and the monkeys. Your guide will explain the rules prior to entering the park., From mid-December until early-April the trail and park are likely to be affected by snow and ice. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable shoes/boots and warm clothing. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons (metal spikes that attach underneath your shoes/boots) can also be purchased. From mid-December until early-March please wear suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C)., During the winter it is common to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring however from spring up to autumn there will be times where the monkeys play or eat in the water, however please note that the monkeys are wild animals and there is no guarantee that there will be monkeys in the bath., There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park, arrive late or leave early. While this is unlikely, it is possible and outside of our control., This tour includes lunch at 'Japanese Dining GOEN', a popular local restaurant. On rare occasions it may not be possible to use this restaurant in which case we would switch to another, comparable location. Please note that the restaurant may change their menu from time-to-time and the tour lunch may different to images shown on this page., This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nozawa Onsen by 18:00. However, due to weather and road conditions in winter we cannot guarantee the end time., All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

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

Recommended Nagano Bus Day Trip: Visit Togakushi Shrine, a sacred site for energy, and the Snow Monkey Park; observe the sake-making process; enjoy hot pot in a dreamy snow hut; immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of Zenkoji Temple, a thousand-year-old temple; and admire the winter wonders. Bo...

Come to Nagano for a deeper sake experience — compare around 10 local sakes (seasonal selection may vary), taste 3 kinds of amazake(non alcohol), enjoy warm Nagano miso soup, and visit a historic old sake factory area. The brewery has over 300 years of history, and you’ll learn the differences betwe...

• Zenko-ji Temple

• Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Walking shoes are recommended, Minimum alcahol drinking age is 20 years. So we offer another drink for under 20, In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended., o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.

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