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Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake

8h–10h5.0 / 5 · 9 reviews on Viator / Tripadvisor
Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake
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Myoko and Madarao Day Tour Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji and Sake

About this experience

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.

What to expect

  1. Stop 1 · 4h

    Starting with pickups from multiple locations, the tour begins at 08:40 from the Akakura Hot Spring Sightseeing Information Center, followed by the Shin-Akakura bus stop, and Hotel Madarao. From there, travel towards the Snow Monkey Park. Upon arrival around 10:30, your guide will lead you along the scenic forest trail into Jigokudani—aptly named ‘Hell’s Valley’ due to its steamy volcanic activity.

  2. Stop 2 · 1h

    After exiting the park, enjoy a delicious winter hotpot lunch made from fresh, local ingredients; Expect a satisfying meal that showcases the flavors of Nagano. For those who wish to try local wines, sake, and beer, you can order and pay directly at the counter to enjoy the spirits of Nagano.

  3. Stop 3 · 4h

    Well-fed, you’ll continue to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered religious sites, dating back to 642. Your guide will provide insights into the temple’s history and legends before allowing you some free time to explore the surrounding district, where you can browse quaint shops and sample local delicacies. At approximately 16:45, rejoin your group and board the bus for the return trip to Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen, with drop-offs at the same locations in reverse order, arriving back by 19:05.

What’s included

  • Round-trip transportation from Myoko Kogen & Madarao Kogen.
  • English-speaking guide
  • Guided sake tasting
  • Lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
  • Entry to the Snow Monkey Park

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

From Akakura Sightseeing Cntr

Meetup location: The meetup is at the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center at 08:40 Look for a guide holding a Snow Monkey Resort sign Starting point: Akakura Onsen, 585-1 Akakura, Myoko, Niigata 949-2111, Japan

From Hotel Madarao Kogen

Meetup location: Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. Starting point: Madarao Kogen Hotel, 11492-321 Iiyama, Nagano 389-2257, Japan

Join from Hotel Tangram Madarao

Meeting Point 09:15: Please wait in the hotel lounge area on the 2nd floor at 09:15. The hotel’s main entrance is located on the 2nd floor. Starting point: Hotel Tangram, 3575-8 Furumi, Shinano, Kamiminochi District, Nagano 389-1302, Japan

From Akakura Kanko Resort Bus

Meetup location: Meet up at Akakura Kanko Resort Bus Stop at 08:50. Make sure to look for a guide holding a Snow Monkey Resorts Sign Starting point: 216 Tagiri, Myoko, Niigata 949-2102, Japan

Meeting & pickup

  • Please wait in the hotel lounge area on the 2nd floor at 09:15. The hotel’s main entrance is located on the 2nd floor (the external entrance requires a walk up a ramp or stairs)—upon entering, walk directly across the lobby to reach the lounge area overlooking the ski slopes.
  • Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time.
  • The next meet up point is the Akakura Kanko Resort Bus stop at 08:50. Many local buses operate from the bus stop, so be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're boarding the correct bus to join the tour.
  • The meetup point is right outside of the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:40.

End point

  • Please wait in the hotel lounge area on the 2nd floor at 09:15. The hotel’s main entrance is located on the 2nd floor (the external entrance requires a walk up a ramp or stairs)—upon entering, walk directly across the lobby to reach the lounge area overlooking the ski slopes.
  • Please wait at the Hotel Madarao bus stop to be collected by your guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag at 09:30. The tour cannot wait and will need to depart shortly after the listed meet up time.
  • The next meet up point is the Akakura Kanko Resort Bus stop at 08:50. Many local buses operate from the bus stop, so be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and confirm that you're boarding the correct bus to join the tour.
  • The meetup point is right outside of the Akakura Onsen Sightseeing Information Center. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:40.

Before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.