Best Winter Activities — Our Top 4

1.1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,020 reviews · from $151Our pick

Travel from Nagano to Zenko-ji Temple, a local sake tasting, and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. English-speaking guides such as Tom, Kieran, Nadine, and Endo help explain each stop. Lunch is included, but plan for a steep, icy forest walk to the monkeys, especially in winter.

“We were lucky to have Tom as our guide. He is extremely knowledgeable not only about Japanese history but also gave an excellent summary of sake production and the different types as well as the snow monkeys and Nagano attractions. Tom was also very generous with recommendations for other areas in Japan. The tour was an excellent combination of the temple tour and snow monkey forest. Fantastic lunch included. Plenty of time to see the Zenkoji temple as well as the monkeys. Thanks Tom”

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2.Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 833 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $135Best value

Join an English-speaking guide such as Dylan, Brent, Tom, or Hiroshi for a full day of Nagano highlights. Visit Zenkoji Temple, taste local sake, enjoy a generous Japanese lunch, and walk the forest trail to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

“The trip was incredible! Totally worth the trek out to Nagano from Tokyo. Guides were very informative and accommodating. Would absolutely recommend!”

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3.Private Tour Snow Monkey Park & Zenko-ji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 184 reviews · 1 day

Travel from Tokyo to Nagano in a private Toyota Vellfire, Crown, or Land Cruiser with an English-speaking driver such as Waqas or Bilal. See snow monkeys at Jigokudani, visit Zenko-ji Temple, Matsushiro Castle Ruins, Shibu Onsen, and Obuse, with time to adjust the plan.

“The tour was excellent and very well organized, with amazing highlights at the Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple. Our driver, Sajawal Rana, was punctual, very kind, and extremely helpful, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.”

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4.Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews

Travel from your Tokyo hotel to Jigokudani Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in a private vehicle for up to six people. English-speaking drivers such as Ali, Raza, Sunny, and Fahad tailor the day around your interests, with optional stops in Obuse, Shibu Onsen, Yamanochi, and Matsushiro.

“Mirza was great—knowledgeable and personable. A very pleasant experience.”

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