Established in 1964, Nagano's world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. With no barriers between you and the monkeys (don't worry, they are very calm) this is a unique opportunity to observe these curious creatures in close proximity as the walk about you, wrestle with each other, endlessly groom, and of course, soak in their favourite hot spring! Your guide will introduce you to everything that makes them so unique and famous while giving you plenty of time to explore for yourself. Please note that estimated time at the monkey park includes walking in and out along the forest trail - 1.6km each way / 25 minutes each way in summer, slightly longer in winter. We endeavour to give our guests 1 hour in the park to observe the monkeys.

Following your visit to the monkeys, your guide will accompany you to lunch at a nearby restuarant. This tour uses either 'Enza Cafe' located within walking distance of the park or nearby 'Japanese Dining GOEN'. Both restaurants serve a mixed Japanese / Western menu and are popular with both local residents and visitors.

After lunch you'll jump back on the tour bus and head for your afternoon of 'hanami' (flower-viewing). We monitor the condition of the blossoms across various spots in Nagano - some are famouss while others are very local but all are very beautiful - and select the best location for each tour on the day. For that reason it is typically not possible to advice which location we will visit in advance of a tour, but rest assured, we choose the best spot for you to enjoy the beautiful blossoms, to wander freely and capture those precious photographs. You should have at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the cherry blossom spot we select for your tour.