Snow Monkey Park and Miso Production Tour Bullet Train from Tokyo

Tokyo , Japan

Snow Monkey Park and Miso Production Tour Bullet Train from Tokyo

Active

(26 reviews)

12h

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This 1-day tour from Tokyo led by an English-speaking National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter visits a miso brewery to watch the miso production process in Nagano Prefecture, Japan’s leading miso-producing region; and Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is famous as a place where Japanese macaques soak in hot springs during the cold season. Miso is a traditional food in Japan which has been sustaining the dietary life of the Japanese since ancient times. To watch how miso is made, a historical brewery established about 300 years ago. Obuse, a beautiful town famous for chestnuts. Feel free to stroll around the town and try some local food. Jigokudani Monkey Park is where the behavior of Japanese macaques can be seen up close in every season. As they soak in hot springs characteristic of winter, these Japanese macaques are also called snow monkeys. Enjoy the delightful sight of playful young monkeys and adorable newborns in spring and summer.

Available options

Round Trip from Tokyo

What's included

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter

Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets round trip from Tokyo

Monkey park admission fee

Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour

Detailed itinerary

Please make your own way to Tokyo Station. Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen (ordinary car reserved seating) and head to Nagano. There is no accompanying National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter while on board the Shinkansen.

Please meet the guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign at Nagano Station Concourse (2nd floor) in front of the Nagano City Tourist Information Center by 9:50 AM. The tour will depart at 10:00 AM towards the first destination.

See the manufacturing process of miso, the
indispensable ingredient of miso soup and is said to
be synonymous with washoku (Japanese cuisine),
which has been designated as an intangible cultural
property. After the tour, experience Japan’s food
culture by sampling some miso soup and amazake.

Enjoy your stroll around Obuse. Obuse is the town where renowned ukiyo-e artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his twilight years. It is
also famous for chestnuts. Relish the beautiful
traditional townscape while strolling around, check
out some shops featuring chestnut products, and
take some time for lunch (meal charges not
included in the tour).

Stop 5

Here, you can get to see wild Japanese monkeys
up close amidst scenery that changes with the
season. Delight in the adorable sight of cute baby
monkeys during their birth season in spring, young
monkeys full of life playing in the summer, or wild
monkeys taking a comfortable soak in the hot
springs in winter.

Depart from Nagano Station on the Shinkansen train (ordinary car, reserved seating) to Tokyo. There is no accompanying National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter while on board the Shinkansen.

What's not included

Guide (during train ride between Tokyo and Nagano)

Lunch

Fees other than those listed in Includes

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

26 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please go to Tokyo City i and pick up the tickets on your own. Pick-up at Tokyo City i is possible starting from 3 days before the tour departure date until the day prior to departure. However, pick-up is not available on the day of booking and the day after booking (business days only)

Tokyo City i (Tourist Information Center) Address: B1F KITTE JP Tower, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Open Hours: 9:00 - 19:00. Facility may be closed without notice due to sudden changes. For more details, please check the website. Pick-up is not available at Tokyo City i outside of open hours. Tickets cannot be issued or changed at Tokyo City i

Tickets and the final itinerary may be picked up at Tokyo City i. The designated Shinkansen may not be changed at the pick-up location

The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations

Seats on the bus may not be designated

Depending on the number of participants, a sedan or taxi van may be used instead

This is a hard walking tour covering about 50 minutes of walking each way between the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum and Jigokudani Monkey Park

As Jigokudani Monkey Park is situated 850 meters above sea level, temperatures are cooler than on the plain, so please participate wearing warm clothing. Also, the walking path may be frozen and slippery if there is snow in winter. Please wear winter boots or other non-slip footwear. If it is determined by the accompanying guide that cold weather measures, etc. are insufficient, customers may be recommended to rent equipment from a rental shop near Jigokudani Monkey Park. In such cases, expenses must be shouldered by customers

Observe the Japanese macaques’ way of life and behavior that vary by the season

The sight of Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs can be seen until around March. While it may also not be seen depending on the weather or time, etc., refunds will not be issued for this reason

As monkeys are wild animals, their behavior can be unpredictable, and they cannot be fed or touched. The park may be suddenly closed due to weather or seasonal conditions, Japanese macaques’ behavior, or other reason.　Please note there may also be a sudden tour cancellation. Thank you for your understanding. A full refund will be issued if the tour is canceled

Please note that we are unable to provide special support for those with trouble walking, or small children

The Shinkansen schedule may vary slightly due to unforeseen conditions

No refunds will be issued even if the Shinkansen tickets are not used. In such cases, please use public transportation to the destination on your own

If you must cancel your tour after receiving the Shinkansen tickets, please send the tickets back to: Address: 2-3-14 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.)

Changes may not be made to the scheduled Shinkansen. Customers who miss the designated Shinkansen may board a later departing Shinkansen in the non-reserved car section only (same day only)

Customers will carry their own baggage. Please be aware that there is not much space on board the Shinkansen

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

There is also a tour operating round-trip from Nagano

2025 Update: The tour now includes a miso production tour and Obuse town visit instead of Zenkoji Temple, offering a more diverse cultural experience

Meeting point

[Ticket Pickup] Please pick up your tickets at Tokyo City i at B1F KITTE JP Tower between 3 days before and THE DAY BEFORE your tour departure. [On the Day of the Tour] Board the designated Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and head to Nagano on your own. Check your voucher for more details!

Important notes

[Prior to Tour Departure]
• Please go to Tokyo City i and pick up the tickets on your own by the day prior to tour departure. Pick-up at Tokyo City i is possible starting from 3 days before the tour departure date until the day prior to departure.

• Tickets and the final itinerary must be picked up at Tokyo City i. Please check the ticket and final itinerary for the exact train numbers and departure times

• Tokyo City i: B1 KITTE JP Tower, Open Hours: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
You can refer to below link for specific directions:
https://en.tokyocity-i.jp/about/access/

*Facility may be closed without notice due to sudden changes. For more details, please check the website.
*Pick-up is not available at Tokyo City i outside of open hours.
*We will not be held responsible if the customer is late for the Shinkansen as a result of not being able to conduct pick-up during open hours.
*Tickets cannot be issued or changed at Tokyo City i.

• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can either ask the representative from JTB Sunrise Tour or call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.