[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point & destination: Tokyo & Nagano
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered vehicles
Bus company name: Hayashi Transportation/Hakuba Transportation's のいづれか
Meals included: Breakfast: 0 times; Lunch: as per plan; Dinner: 0 times.
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 6
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Tokyo Sales Office of Guthrotech Co., Ltd.
Address: 〒163-1309 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-2181
Travel Association Name: National Travel Association (Osaka Prefecture Branch) - Regular Member; All-Trip Travel (Osaka Prefecture Travel Association) - Regular Member; JATA Cooperation Member
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Pregnant women, Epilepsy, Asthma, Acrophobia
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Depending on the number of participants on the day, a driver-guide car may be used. Please cooperate with the staff throughout the trip. (With a car, you will enjoy a more flexible itinerary pace; driving will be the primary focus, and the commentary will be relatively brief.)
Trip schedules may be adjusted due to force majeure events such as traffic, weather, and crowds. In case of delays or partial changes to the itinerary, we regret that we cannot provide a refund or compensation. We appreciate your understanding of the uncertainties of travel.
Traffic congestion may occur during holidays and peak periods. The driver/guide will adjust the itinerary flexibly according to the situation. Please be prepared. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
All itineraries are estimated arrival times. Traffic conditions are beyond our control, so please avoid scheduling activities on the evening of the trip. We apologize for any delays or other issues.
Bus seats are subject to on-site allocation and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
The meeting time for Option 1.2 is 7:50, and the meeting time for Option 3 is 9:50.
Regarding the vehicle model used on the day, the fleet will arrange it based on the number of participants and fleet vehicle allocation factors. Specified vehicle models are not supported. For groups of 14 or fewer, a driver will be arranged to act as the team leader; for groups of 14 or more, a separate team leader will be arranged.
For a comfortable visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park, it's recommended to allocate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration includes the walk along the trail from the entrance to the park (which takes about 30-40 minutes each way) and sufficient time to observe the wild snow monkeys as they interact and bathe in the hot springs.
While direct entry tickets to Jigokudani Monkey Park are often available for purchase on-site, it is highly recommended to secure your overall tour that includes Jigokudani Monkey Park through a reputable platform like KKday. Booking through KKday can provide benefits such as convenient bundled transportation and guided experiences, which streamline your visit and ensure a hassle-free day.
The entrance fee for Jigokudani Monkey Park grants you access to the main park area, including the trails and the hot spring where the wild Japanese macaques reside and bathe. This fee primarily supports the park's operational costs, the maintenance of the facilities, and the conservation efforts for the monkeys and their unique habitat.
Visitors to Jigokudani Monkey Park can witness the extraordinary sight of wild snow monkeys freely bathing in natural hot springs, especially captivating in the snowy winter months. This offers a rare, close-up encounter with these fascinating creatures in their natural environment, providing a truly memorable and heartwarming wildlife observation experience. The park also features information panels detailing their behavior and ecology.
To reach Jigokudani Monkey Park from Tokyo, the most common route involves taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station. From Nagano, you would transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station, then take a local bus or taxi to the park's trailhead. Alternatively, many organized tours departing from Tokyo offer direct bus transportation, providing a convenient and stress-free way to visit.
The most suitable time of year to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park for optimal snow monkey viewing is typically during the winter months, from late December to early March. During this period, the surrounding landscape is often covered in snow, creating the iconic scene of the wild monkeys soaking in the hot springs to keep warm.
Visiting Togakushi Shrine offers a journey into a tranquil, sacred realm. Key highlights include walking through the magnificent avenue of towering cedar trees that leads to the Okusha (Upper Shrine), creating a spiritual and mysterious ambiance. You can also explore other distinct shrines like Chusha and Hoko-sha, each set within ancient forests, providing opportunities for peaceful reflection and experiencing Japan's rich natural and cultural heritage.
During its special limited-time winter offering, the Iiyama Snow House provides a variety of engaging snow activities for visitors. These can include playful activities like building snowmen and sledding, as well as more thrilling experiences such as snow banana boat rides and snowmobiling. It's designed to create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere, allowing guests to fully embrace the fun of a snow country.