Winter · Jigokudani Monkey Park and Obuse, Nagano
Snow Monkey Sunrise and Obuse Chestnut Workshop Private Tour, Nagano
Leave your Nagano hotel before sunrise and reach the snow monkeys while the park is still empty, then shape your own chestnut sweets in a workshop in Obuse. Private van for up to six.
Private · your group only◆8 hours◆Up to 6 guests◆Pickup included
Road-day snapshot
Monkey park first, at opening, while the light is soft and the path is quiet. Obuse and the workshop follow once the crowds arrive at the park.
The experience
A private journey, thoughtfully paced
Most visitors reach Jigokudani at the same time as everyone else. This tour leaves your Nagano hotel before sunrise so you are on the forest path as the park opens, with the hot spring almost to yourselves and the soft morning light photographers want. They are wild animals, so bathing can never be promised, but arriving first gives you the best chance.
When the buses start to arrive you leave for Obuse, the small town famous across Japan for chestnuts. At a local workshop you shape traditional kuri-kinton sweets by hand and taste them fresh, then walk the streets where the artist Hokusai spent his last years.
Our price covers the private van, fuel, tolls, parking and your guide. Park admission, the workshop fee and anything you eat or buy are paid by you on the day.
Choose with confidence
Is this the right journey for your group?
Excellent fit if
- Photographers who want the monkeys without crowds
- Guests already staying in Nagano or Yudanaka
- Families who enjoy a hands-on food workshop
Consider another option if
- You are staying in Tokyo (see our Tokyo departure instead)
- You cannot walk 1.6 km each way on a forest path
- You do not want a 05:30 start
Said plainly
The monkeys are wild; bathing and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The path is uneven and icy in winter. Park admission (about JPY 800 per adult) and the workshop fee are paid by you on the day; we confirm the current workshop fee when you book.
Your day
Suggested itinerary
Times are approximate. Your driver-guide adjusts the order for traffic, weather, opening hours and the best light.
Nagano hotel pickup
A pre-dawn start so you are on the forest path as the park opens.
Jigokudani Monkey Park at opening
The hot spring almost to yourselves; your guide shows the best spots to watch and photograph.
Coffee in Yudanaka
A pause in the onsen town below the park. At your own expense.
Obuse chestnut workshop
Shape traditional kuri-kinton sweets by hand and taste them fresh. Workshop fee paid on the day.
Obuse town walk
Chestnut Lane and the streets where the artist Hokusai spent his final years.
Return to your hotel
Drop-off in Nagano or Yudanaka, about eight hours after pickup.
What is covered
What you see is what you pay
Ours — included
- Private van for your group only
- Private driver-guide (English, Urdu, Hindi or Punjabi)
- Nagano or Yudanaka hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Yours — paid on the day
- Snow Monkey Park admission, paid at the gate (about JPY 800 per adult)
- Chestnut workshop fee, paid at the workshop
- Lunch and anything you choose to buy
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Good to know
Before you book
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Pickup
Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Nagano city or Yudanaka. This tour starts in Nagano, not Tokyo.
Group and vehicle
Private for up to 6 guests. Enter adults, children, infants and child seats separately at booking.
Dietary and mobility needs
Halal, vegetarian, allergy, walking or other practical requests go in your booking notes and are planned before the day.
Questions
Frequently asked
Does this tour start in Tokyo?
No, it starts at your Nagano city or Yudanaka hotel at 05:30. Staying in Tokyo? Book our Snow Monkeys from Tokyo day tour instead.
What is not in the price?
Park admission (about JPY 800 per adult), the chestnut workshop fee, and food or drink; you pay those on the day. The price covers the van, fuel, tolls, parking and your guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for an automatic full refund to the original payment method. Within 24 hours, contact us directly so we can help.
Somewhere else in mind?
Any destination in Japan
If this route is not exactly what you need, tell us the destination, dates and group. We confirm the plan and the exact price before any payment is taken.
Plan a custom journeyYour private Japan day
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From¥72,000
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