【Nagano Winter Hidden Gems 2-Day Tour】Iiyama Kamakura Village & Jigokudani Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine & Zenko-ji Temple | Stay at a Hot Spring Hotel in Shiga Kogen | Depart from Tokyo

－Itinerary－

・Iiyama Kamakura Village

Iiyama City in Nagano Prefecture is located at the border of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures. It is a famous heavy snowfall area in Japan, with annual snowfall often exceeding 2 meters. The Iiyama Kamakura Village is only open from late January to late February. In this village located in a heavy snow region, where snowfall can reach about 2 meters annually, local residents take advantage of the winter off-season to meticulously craft a spectacular cluster of igloos. There are 15 to 20 tall igloos neatly arranged in the village, making visitors feel as if they have stepped into a fairytale world.

When visiting the Kamakura Village, you can not only admire the beautiful igloo scenery, but we have also specially arranged for you to enjoy unique Japanese snacks inside an igloo and experience an igloo tour that is usually inaccessible—an opportunity not to be missed. During the day, the igloos are surrounded by a silver-white snowscape, with distant mountains reflecting off the snow, creating a pure and beautiful scene. In addition, the Kamakura Village offers many other activities, such as visiting mini igloos, praying at the Kamakura Shrine, and participating in the Kamakura Festival held every February. During the festival, there are fireworks displays and snow sculpture carvings, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the snow country atmosphere in this winter wonderland.

・Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park, also known as the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, is located in Nagano Prefecture and is a world-famous attraction that draws countless visitors to witness the unique sight of wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. These macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys, are famous for their ability to relax in steaming hot springs during the harsh winter. This behavior is unique in the world and has attracted visitors from all over the globe since the park opened in 1964. The name Jigokudani (Hell Valley) comes from its unique geographical environment; the area is filled with natural hot springs and surrounded by rugged mountains and towering cliffs, which look even more spectacular like a hellish landscape when covered in snow during winter.

There are about 150 monkeys here, often gathering in groups by the hot spring pool to play, swim, or simply enjoy a warm soak. To reach the Jigokudani Monkey Park, visitors need to walk along a mountain trail for about 25 minutes, enjoying the local natural scenery along the way. Since the road may be icy and slippery in winter, it is recommended to wear non-slip hiking shoes and pay attention to safety. The snow monkeys in the park are wild animals; please be sure to follow the rules and avoid feeding or touching them to ensure the safety of both you and the monkeys. Whether it is the snow-covered winter or the newborn monkeys in spring and summer, the scenery here and the behavior of the snow monkeys will make you feel the magic and charm of nature. This special attraction is not only a symbol of Nagano but also a must-visit destination in Japan.

・Togakushi Shrine

Deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, there is a mysterious sanctuary that seems isolated from the world: the 【Togakushi Shrine】, which has a history of over two thousand years. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, the air is fresh and tranquil, making you feel as if you have traveled through time and stepped into a spiritual realm upon entering.

The 'Chusha' (Middle Shrine) is the center of the entire Togakushi Shrine. The approach is surrounded by spectacular cedar trees, making one feel the solemn atmosphere the moment they step in. In front of the shrine hall stand the 'Three Cedar Trees,' which are said to be sacred trees with special spiritual energy; many people come here specifically to pray for inspiration and wisdom. The 'Okusha' (Upper Shrine) is about 2 kilometers from the entrance to the shrine hall, and the scenery along the way is spectacular. The first half up to the Zuishinmon Gate is a gentle slope, reachable in about 15 minutes; once you enter the cedar forest, the slope becomes steeper, and the final section consists of natural stones and stone steps, requiring another 20 to 25 minutes of walking. Although the whole path is not short, the scenery along the way is magnificent, making it a favorite for many photography enthusiasts and pilgrims seeking peace.

※Please note that some parts of the road to the Okusha may be closed depending on winter snowfall conditions.

・Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji is a famous Buddhist temple in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with a history of over 1,400 years. The main image, the 'Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai,' is considered one of the oldest Buddhist statues in Japan. The most eye-catching feature is the National Treasure Main Hall; this wooden structure not only embodies the magnificent style of traditional Japanese architecture but is also a center of religious faith. The 'Kaidan Meguri' (Underground Passage Pilgrimage) inside the temple is an experience not to be missed. Through a dark passage set under the main hall, believers grope in total darkness to find the 'Key to Paradise' connected to the main image. It is said that those who touch the key can form a bond with the main image, making the Kaidan Meguri a unique spiritual and physical practice.

There are also many shops and restaurants around Zenko-ji offering various Nagano specialties, such as soba noodles and oyaki (baked dumplings), allowing visitors to enjoy local delicacies after their pilgrimage and enrich their travel experience. Whether for history, religion, or culture, Zenko-ji is a must-visit tourist attraction.

－Hotel Introduction－

・Kidoike Onsen Hotel

The history of Kidoike Onsen Hotel dates back to the early Showa period, when it was founded by the first owner of the main building. Originally named 'Shiga Koya,' it was first established to provide a resting place for travelers passing through the Kusatsu Highway. Kidoike Onsen is famous for its pure natural hot spring water. The water here is not heated or diluted, but supplied directly from two sources—one high-temperature and one low-temperature—which are mixed to achieve a comfortable temperature. The spring quality is a simple thermal spring, with a smooth texture and abundant volume, and the slightly higher temperature makes it feel extra comfortable. All rooms at Kidoike Onsen Hotel provide Wi-Fi, and some rooms offer beautiful views of Kidoike Pond. From the room windows, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent four seasons of Shiga Kogen, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable time in the embrace of nature. All rooms are equipped with a restroom, toilet, TV, telephone, and tea set, providing you with a convenient stay.

※Room: Japanese-style room (tatami), with bathroom facilities

※Public Hot Spring Bath: Available

※Dinner: Japanese-style Kaiseki cuisine

※Breakfast: Japanese-style Kaiseki cuisine

※Wifi: Available