Snow Monkeys and Obuse Private Sake and Miso Brewery Experience

Nagano, Japan
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Duration6h - 8h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover the serene countryside of northern Nagano on this private full-day tour, blending wildlife encounters, art, and culinary experiences. Start with a visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to see the famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. Next, wander through the historic town of Obuse, known for its Edo-period charm and the Hokusai Museum. Conclude your day at a local miso brewery, where you'll delve into Nagano's fermented food culture with a guided tasting experience. This tailored tour promises an authentic taste of Japanese culture, ideal for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

- Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Nagano
- Visit Jigokudani to see snow monkeys in their natural habitat
- Explore the charming streets of Obuse and visit art galleries
- Enjoy a tasting session at a local miso brewery, sampling various miso types

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Parking Fees
  • Admission is paid on-site, so you get the best price without extra online fees.Snow monkey Admission fee (800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children, free for children under 6 years old)

What to expect

  1. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
    2h · Admission ticket not included
    Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park offers a rare opportunity to observe wild Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. To reach the viewing area, visitors enjoy a scenic 30–40-minute walk through the peaceful forest.

    As the monkeys are wild, their behavior changes naturally with the seasons:

    Winter (Dec–Mar): The Iconic Snowy Baths
    During freezing temperatures, the troop gathers around steaming hot springs to stay warm, creating the world-famous "snow monkey" scene.

    Spring (Apr–May): Fresh Greenery & Newborns
    Bathing becomes less frequent as weather warms, but adorable newborn babies appear from late April through May.

    Summer (Jun–Aug): Active Troop Life
    Young monkeys splash into the water to play and hunt for treats, while adults groom in the lush shade.

    Autumn (Sep–Nov): Harvest & Mating Season
    Monkeys forage deep in the mountains, so park appearances can be unpredictable and bathing is rare.
    *Admission fee required: Adults: 800 yen, Children (6–17): 400 yen. (Under 6: free)
  2. Obuse-machi
    2h
    Once you move to the historic town of Obuse, the experience shifts toward human artistry and heritage.

    Masterpiece Art: You will visit the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, who spent his final years here. You can admire his vibrant brush paintings and massive festival floats.

    Architectural Charm: The town is famous for its "Chestnut Alley" and well-preserved Edo-period buildings. Strolling here offers a calm, authentic atmosphere far removed from the busy city crowds.

    Culinary Traditions: To round out the cultural experience, you’ll visit a traditional miso brewery. Here, you’ll learn the secrets of Japanese fermentation and enjoy a guided tasting of authentic Shinsu miso, a staple of the local diet.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Hotel / Station pick-up is available in the following areas:

- Nagano City
- Yamanouchi (Snow Monkey area)
- Myoko
- Iiyama

*Please provide your exact hotel name or preferred pick-up location at the time of booking or no later than the day before the tour.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
28,400.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Omotenashi Travel Nagano · Booked through Viator
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From
28,400.00 JPY per person
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