Tours

Private Snow Monkey & Frozen Waterfall — Nagano Winter Tour

Nagano, Japanby Mountain Leader Hama

11.3 hours
Private tour
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Guide: English

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Overview

Experience Nagano’s top winter highlights in one private guided tour: the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani and the frozen Yonako Falls. This unique adventure combines wildlife, snowshoeing, and dramatic winter scenery for an unforgettable day in Japan. Enjoy private transport with pick-up available from major resort areas including Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, and Shiga Kogen. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and hassle-free winter experience. Perfect for those interested in photography, nature, culture, and hidden winter destinations. Recommended for up to 4 guests, with options for larger groups by coordinating additional guides. If you want a premium Nagano winter tour beyond standard sightseeing, this Snow Monkey and frozen waterfall experience offers a memorable and meaningful journey.

What's included

6th Gen Subaru Forester Hybrid (up to 4 passengers). If your group has more than 5 people, an additional guide vehicle will be arranged for the remaining participants.
Snowshoes, Trekking poles, Snow boots
Guide fee (UIMLA / JMGA Certified guides)
Snowcat ride
Hot coffee, Tea, chai or hot chocolate (Hot water is available)

Warm clothes
Lunch (You will be able to buy something to eat at 7-Eleven on the way)
Gloves
Snow Monkey Park

Itinerary

1
Stop 1
1 min
Meet-up in front of Tokyu REI Hotel
2
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
1.3 hours
Visit the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and watch wild Japanese macaques relax, play, and sometimes bathe in natural hot springs. You’ll walk through a peaceful forest trail to reach the viewing area and enjoy close-up photo opportunities of these unique winter-loving monkeys. This is one of Japan’s most memorable nature encounters.
3
Stop 3
10 min
Bathroom breaks and a vehicle transfer may be necessary due to parking limitations in the snowcat area.
4
Yonako Daibakufu
4.6 hours
For just three months each year, this natural monument transforms into a mesmerizing frozen masterpiece. We will venture close to the towering icefalls, experiencing their breathtaking beauty while the guide ensures safety in case of unexpected ice falls. This trip includes an exploration of two sacred waterfalls, revered as objects of worship. Please note that the guide may adjust the itinerary based on weather, trail conditions, and participants' abilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This remote wonder is accessible by snowcat, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the trailhead. Without snowcat transportation, reaching the falls requires a physically demanding 4-5 hour snow hike one way.
5
Stop 5
10 min
Bathroom breaks and a vehicle transfer may be necessary.
6
Stop 6
1 min
End of the trip

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary 7:00 — Meet at Nagano Station (in front of Tokyu Nagano REI Hotel) or at hotels located within a 50 km radius of Nagano Station (Examples: Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, Shiga Kogen, etc.) 8:15 — Arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park parking area 8:30 — Walk along the forest trail to the snow monkey viewing area (approx. 30 min) 9:00 — Observe wild Japanese macaques relaxing in their natural hot spring environment 9:20 — Depart and walk back to the parking area (approx. 30 min) 10:30 — Stop at 7-Eleven for snacks and a restroom break Please purchase lunch here before heading into the mountains. ❄️ Snowcat & Snowshoe Experience 11:45 — Arrive at Yukkurando 12:00 — Depart Yukkurando for the snowcat base 12:25 — Board the snowcat 13:05 — Arrive at the snowcat drop-off point 13:15 — Begin snowshoe hike 14:05 — Arrive at Nekodake Mountain Hut / Visit Fudo-ji Okunoin 14:20 — Photo time at the frozen Yonako Falls 14:50 — Depart the waterfall area 15:20 — Arrive at the former mine plateau (geology & history briefing) 16:10 — Return to the snowcat point 16:15 — Snowcat departure 17:00 — Snowcat drop-off at Yukkurando 17:20 — Tour concludes at Yukkurando Return Approx. 18:20 — Arrival back at Nagano Station (Actual return time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.) ⚠ Important Notes Please purchase lunch and snacks during the 7-Eleven stop. Restroom access becomes limited after entering the snow activity area. Schedule may be adjusted based on snow and safety conditions. Vehicle Information Standard transport: Subaru Forester Hybrid (6th Gen) — max capacity: 4 passengers For groups of 5 or more, an additional guide and support vehicle will be arranged.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
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

Cancellation policy

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

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Nagano, Japan

4 hours

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