[Group of 2 people] Two-day tour to Nagano Snow Country, Japan | Spirited Away filming location "Shibu Onsen Kanaguya" & Jigokudani Monkey Park & ​​Iiyama Kamakura Village & Zenkoji Temple & Snow Kiyotsu Gorge | Stay at Shibu Onsen Premium Hotel｜Departure from Shinjuku

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－Itinerary information－

・Gathering time: 7:45 at Shinjuku Chuo Building

・Meeting location: Shinjuku Chuo Building

・Departure time: Departs from Shinjuku at 8:00

・Return information: Arrive around Shinjuku Chuo Building around 19:00

－Itinerary introduction－

・Iiyama "Kamakura Village"

Iiyama City in Nagano Prefecture is located at the junction of Nagano Prefecture and Niigata Prefecture. It is a famous heavy snow zone in Japan. Every year, the local snow accumulation can reach up to 2 meters. Iiyama's "Snow House" is only open from late January to late February. This village in a snowy area has about 2 meters of snow every year. Therefore, local residents took advantage of the slack period in winter to carefully build a spectacular group of igloos. There are 15 to 20 tall snow houses arranged neatly in the Kamakura Village, which makes people feel like they are in a fairy tale world. When you come to the Kamakura Village, you can not only enjoy the beautiful igloo landscape, but also experience the igloo tour that is usually inaccessible. During the day, the igloo is surrounded by silver-white snow, and the mountains and snow in the distance complement each other, creating a pure beauty. In addition, there are many other activities in the Kamakura Village, such as visiting mini igloos, visiting the igloo shrine, and participating in the igloo festival held every February. During the Kamakura Festival, there will also be activities such as fireworks shows and snow statue carvings, allowing visitors to enjoy the snow country style in this winter paradise.

・Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park, also known as "Jigokudani Monkey Park", is located in Nagano Prefecture. It is a world-famous attraction that draws countless visitors to witness the unique sight of wild Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs. These macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys, are renowned for their ability to relax in steaming hot springs during the frigid winter months. This behavior is uniquely observable here and has attracted tourists from around the globe since the park opened in 1964. The name "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley) comes from its distinctive geographical features, with natural hot springs scattered throughout the area, surrounded by steep mountains and towering cliffs. Especially in winter, when covered in snow, it presents a spectacular sight reminiscent of hell. There are about 150 monkeys in the area, often gathering in groups by the hot spring pools to play, swim, or simply enjoy their warm soak. To reach the Jigokudani Monkey Park, visitors need to walk along a mountain path for approximately 25 minutes, during which they can enjoy the local natural scenery. As the path may be icy and slippery in winter, it's advisable to wear non-slip hiking shoes and take precautions for safety. The snow monkeys in the park are wild animals, so please be sure to follow the rules and avoid feeding or touching them to ensure both your safety and that of the monkeys. Whether blanketed in winter snow or featuring newborns in spring and summer, the scenery and the behavior of the snow monkeys will allow you to experience the wonder and charm of nature. This special attraction is not only a symbol of Nagano but also an essential destination not to be missed in Japan.

・Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel

Kiyotsu Gorge Canyon is known as one of the "three major canyons in Japan" and is famous for its steep cliff landscape. As the seasons change, the canyon will show different features. In recent years, Echigo-Tsumari Art Field has become a popular tourist attraction. There are several art installations of different styles in the approximately 750-meter-long tunnel, especially the decoration at the deepest part of the tunnel, which is decorated with pools. Visitors can take many enviable photos, and it is definitely a must-visit attraction for photography enthusiasts!

※Includes admission fee

・Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple is a famous Buddhist temple located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with a history of more than 1,400 years. The main deity, the "Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai Statue," is considered one of the oldest Buddha statues in Japan. The most striking feature is the national treasure, the main hall, which not only showcases the magnificent style of traditional Japanese architecture but also serves as a center of religious faith. The "Kaidan Pilgrimage" within the temple is an experience not to be missed. In a completely dark passage located beneath the main hall, worshippers feel their way in search of the "Key to Paradise" associated with the main deity. It is said that those who touch the key can establish a connection with the deity, making the Kaidan Pilgrimage a unique spiritual and physical practice. 

Surrounding Zenkoji Temple are numerous shops and restaurants offering various local specialties from Nagano, such as soba noodles and grilled buns (oyaki), allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine after their worship, enriching their travel experience. Whether for its history, religion, or culture, Zenkoji Temple is an essential sightseeing spot that should not be missed.

－Hotel introduction－

・Shinshu Shibu Onsen Kokuya

Kokuya in Shinshu Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring hotel located in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Shibu Onsen itself is famous for its traditional hot spring townscape and healing hot springs, with a history of more than 1,300 years, and Kokuya Ryokan is one of its representatives, with a history of more than 400 years. It provides the hospitality services of a traditional Japanese inn, allowing visitors to experience the rich Japanese culture and history while enjoying the natural scenery and hot spring healing.

Kokuya has 6 own hot springs with different styles, and tourists can experience a variety of different hot spring effects. The water quality and temperature of each bath are different. It is said to have health care effects on the skin, joints, etc., and is especially suitable for relaxing the body and mind.