Jigokudani Monkey Park – Wild Snow Monkey Park
Famous for its Japanese macaques that bathe in hot springs, Jigokudani Monkey Park is a beloved spot for international tourists, known as the "Snow Monkeys." With about 160 monkeys in one troop, many descend from the mountains daily in winter to enjoy the baths. Join HIS's accommodation bus tour this winter to see these adorable monkeys!
Important Guidelines for Observing the Monkeys:
Access: The park is located in an area inaccessible by car; expect a 30–40 minute walk after disembarking. Unpaved paths are unsuitable for wheelchairs, carts, or strollers.
Footwear: Wear rubber or snow boots, as icy areas can be slippery. (Avoid leather shoes, sneakers, and high heels.)
Clothing: Dress appropriately for winter weather, as heavy snowfall and blizzards are common.
Terrain: The park has slopes and steps; wheelchairs, carts, and strollers cannot be used.
Photography: Maintain a safe distance and do not bring cameras too close. Drones and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Behavior: Do not touch or scare the monkeys and avoid feeding them.
Alcohol: Entry is prohibited for those who have been drinking. Please refrain from drinking during breakfast or on the bus.
Lunch featuring the Famous “Toge no Kamameshi” from Suwa Taisha, one of Japan's Oldest Shrines
Suwa Taisha Shrine
Suwa Taisha Shrine consists of four shrines surrounding Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. Known as the Ichinomiya of Shinano Province, it holds the highest rank of Shinto shrines in Japan (Shoichii). It is the head shrine among the approximately 10,000 Suwa shrines nationwide and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. During the tour, we will visit the upper shrine (Kamisha Honmiya) at the foot of the sacred mountain.
Freshly Made "Toge no Kamameshi" Lunch
Enjoy a warm serving of Toge no Kamameshi, a local specialty. The manufacturing facility for this famous station bento is adjacent to the site, ensuring you savor the unique flavors that can only be experienced in Suwa. The meal includes kamameshi, wild vegetable soba, and pickles.
Note: Soba can be substituted with udon. Please specify in the request section if you prefer udon.
Discover the Mystical Beauty of Winter Lake Suwa Amidst Rich Nature and Deep History
Tateshina Park: Panoramic Views of Lake Suwa
At 934 meters above sea level, Tateshina Park offers stunning views of Lake Suwa and the Alps, famous as a "sacred site" in a popular anime.
Lake Suwa Cruise
Enjoy a scenic 25-minute cruise around Lake Suwa, with stops at Hatsushima Island and the lower Suwa pier. On clear days, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Note: The Suwako Star Mine operates primarily, but the Suwan may also run based on reservations and weather.
Natural Phenomenon: Lake Suwa's "Omiwatari"
If conditions allow, observe the rare "Mikage" phenomenon, where cracks in the ice form mounds of up to 1.8 m. This symbolizes the path of the male deity, Takeminakata, to the female deity, Yasakatome. (Note: Warmer winters mean fewer freezing events.)
Winter Sight: Swans at Lake Suwa
From mid-January, see swans resting on the frozen lake, set against the Yatsugatake mountains, with the possibility of Mount Fuji in the background on clear days.
Shopping at "St. Cousair Hill," home to the St. Cousair Main Store and Kuze Fuku Main Store
The main stores of the St. Cousair and Kuze Fuku brands are surrounded by grapevines in a trellis style and a spacious green garden. Connected by a central pathway, the shops offer a variety of products, including St. Cousair's wines, ciders, jams, and pasta sauces made on this hill, along with Kuze Fuku's popular side dishes and a selection of gourmet items curated by buyers from various regions. Visitors can enjoy a blend of Japanese and Western food culture while shopping, and wine tastings from the adjacent winery are also available.
Free Day-Use Bath at Shōhō, a Hot Spring in the Serene Utsukushigahara Onsen Area of Matsumoto, Shinshu
Exclusive for Guests: Enjoy free "day-use" at Utsukushigahara Onsen Shōhō!
Hotel Shōhō is located on a hill in Matsumoto City, offering stunning views of the Northern Alps and the historic Matsumoto Castle town from all rooms. Utsukushigahara Onsen has been a popular hot spring destination since the Edo period, originally established as a retreat for the lord of Matsumoto Castle. Guests can enjoy five types of baths: outdoor baths, private baths, large communal baths, jacuzzi, and foot baths.
[Free Day-Use Onsen Information]
Available Hours: 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM (Not available from 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM)
Free round-trip bus shuttle service available (limited capacity).
Stay at Matsumoto City Hotel Buena Vista
A city hotel named "Subarashii Keikan (Amazing View)" just a 7-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, offers stunning views of the majestic Northern Alps. It features a variety of restaurants and bars serving Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, making it a landmark in Matsumoto City.
Dining: Breakfast is served as a buffet.
Rooms: Twin or semi-double (single) options available.
Hotel Buena Vista
Address: 1-2-1 Honjo, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone: 0263-37-0111
Official Website: buena-vista.co.jp
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Information about tour operator
Name: H.I.S. Co.,Ltd.
Address: Kamiyacho Trust Tower 5F 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6905, JAPAN
Registration number: No.724 by Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Information about tour
Place of departure and destination: from NAGOYA to NAGANO
Number of days of travel: 2 Days
Means of transportation: BUS
Name of bus company: Ginga Kotsu Co., Ltd
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Minimum number of passengers to operate: 20 Peoples
Number of GUIDE:1
Please, read and understand the terms and conditions of our travel packages at the following link: https://www.his-j.com/company/yakkan/boshu_j_2009.pdf
Please, read and understand the terms and conditions about this product at the following link: https://www.his-j.com/company/yakkan
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