Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake
5.0 / 5 · 9 traveler reviews
Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.
Your experience
Stop 1
Starting with pickups from multiple locations, the tour begins at 08:40 from the Akakura Hot Spring Sightseeing Information Center, followed by the Shin-Akakura bus stop, and Hotel Madarao. From there, travel towards the Snow Monkey Park. Upon arrival around 10:30, your guide will lead you along the scenic forest trail into Jigokudani—aptly named ‘Hell’s Valley’ due to its steamy volcanic activity.
Stop 2
After exiting the park, enjoy a delicious winter hotpot lunch made from fresh, local ingredients; Expect a satisfying meal that showcases the flavors of Nagano. For those who wish to try local wines, sake, and beer, you can order and pay directly at the counter to enjoy the spirits of Nagano.
Stop 3
Well-fed, you’ll continue to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered religious sites, dating back to 642. Your guide will provide insights into the temple’s history and legends before allowing you some free time to explore the surrounding district, where you can browse quaint shops and sample local delicacies. At approximately 16:45, rejoin your group and board the bus for the return trip to Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen, with drop-offs at the same locations in reverse order, arriving back by 19:05.
What’s included
- Round-trip transportation from Myoko Kogen & Madarao Kogen.
- English-speaking guide
- Guided sake tasting
- Lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
- Entry to the Snow Monkey Park
Meeting and pickup
Please wait in the hotel lounge area on the 2nd floor at 09:15. The hotel’s main entrance is located on the 2nd floor (the external entrance requires a walk up a ramp or stairs)—upon entering, walk directly across the lobby to reach the lounge area overlooking the ski slopes.
Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time.
The next meet up point is the Akakura Kanko Resort Bus stop at 08:50. Many local buses operate from the bus stop, so be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're boarding the correct bus to join the tour.
The meetup point is right outside of the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:40.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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