Snow Monkey Day Tour From Hakuba
Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Temple Tour
On this tour, see the adorable Japanese macaques taking a relaxing soak in hot springs at the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, and head on to Zenkoji Temple, a National Treasure in Nagano Prefecture visited by many worshippers. For lunch, savour a Japanese-style course meal in Obuse, a town known for the great works of Katsushika Hokusai, a famous ukiyo-e artist in the Edo Period.
Dates: Until 17 Mar 2017
Tour Code: BUS1J12902CCC /SMTO02
Tour Details
Tour Itinerary
Meet at Hakuba Tokyu Hotel or Hakuba Happo Information Center
10:00 – 12:00 Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park allows visitors to see Japanese macaques’ behaviour in a near-natural environment. This is the only place in the world with hot springs especially for wild monkeys. Enjoy seeing the amusing expressions of the monkeys up close as they warm themselves with a relaxing hot spring bath.
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch (Suzuhana, Obuse)
Japanese-style course menu: aperitif, appetizers, soup, main dish (fish or meat) and dessert.
15:00 – 16:00 Nagano Zenkoji Temple
With a 1,400-year history, Zenkoji Temple is a designated National Treasure. Participants are free to walk around and appreciate the temple, as well as to buy souvenirs and other items in the nearby shops.
17:30 Arrive at Hakuba
Tour ends upon arrival.
Remarks
*During the winter months (November to March), the temperature at the park is always below freezing, dropping to as low as -10. Having a 40 to 50 cm of snow overnight is common. The ground is often covered by over 1 m of snow in the coldest months, January and February. Full winter gear is necessary. As it gets very cold and slippery, please be sure to wear winter jackets and windbreakers, gloves, and trekking shoes or other shoes with good traction that are comfortable for walking.
*From the bus parking lot, it takes about 30 minutes on foot (1.6 km one-way) to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Also, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so please bring rain gear (preferably a rain coat rather than an umbrella).
*As the road to Jigokudani Monkey Park is unpaved, wheelchairs may not be used.
*When taking pictures, please keep your distance from the monkeys and do not use selfie sticks.
*The monkeys stay in the forest except during the day when they are fed. Depending on the monkeys’ behaviour, they may not be seen at the park.
*Lunch will be a Japanese-style course meal with your choice of fish or meat. (Only adult customers will be served an aperitif). Customers 3-11 years old must be booked at the Child rate, and will be served a Kids’ lunch menu. If the child requires the same amount of meal serving as that of an adult, please make a booking for the child at the Adult Rate. In this case, a request must be made. Reservations for a vegetarian lunch menu must be made in advance. Please inform us at the time of reservation.
*Please note that the amount of time spent at destinations may be shortened or the itinerary may be altered depending on road conditions and other unavoidable circumstances. Also, even if the return time is greatly delayed due to road conditions or other factors, no compensation will be provided for accommodation costs, meal costs, taxi costs, or any other expenses. Thank you for your understanding.
*Please bring a printed copy of your reservation confirmation sheet and present it at check-in.