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Activity Nagano, Japan

Private Snow Monkey & Frozen Waterfall — Nagano Winter Tour

5.0 (one review) 11 h 20 min Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Snow Monkey & Frozen Waterfall — Nagano Winter Tour

About this activity

Experience Nagano’s top winter highlights in one private guided tour: the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani and the frozen Yonako Falls. This unique adventure combines wildlife, snowshoeing, and dramatic winter scenery for an unforgettable day in Japan.

Enjoy private transport with pick-up available from major resort areas including Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, and Shiga Kogen. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and hassle-free winter experience.

Perfect for those interested in photography, nature, culture, and hidden winter destinations. Recommended for up to 4 guests, with options for larger groups by coordinating additional guides.

If you want a premium Nagano winter tour beyond standard sightseeing, this Snow Monkey and frozen waterfall experience offers a memorable and meaningful journey.

Day Trips Hiking Tours Winter Sports Extreme Sports Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Snowmobiling

At a glance

Duration
11 h 20 min
Confirmation
Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–8
Guide
English
Operated by
Mountain Leader Hama

Ages: Adults (10–70 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: 6th Gen Subaru Forester Hybrid (up to 4 passengers). If your group has more than 5 people, an additional guide vehicle will be arranged for the remaining participants.
  • Included: Snowshoes, Trekking poles, Snow boots
  • Included: Guide fee (UIMLA / JMGA Certified guides)
  • Included: Snowcat ride
  • Included: Hot coffee, Tea, chai or hot chocolate (Hot water is available)

Not included

  • Not included: Warm clothes
  • Not included: Lunch (You will be able to buy something to eat at 7-Eleven on the way)
  • Not included: Gloves
  • Not included: Admission fees: Snow Monkey Park

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    1 min Admission not included

    Meet-up in front of Tokyu REI Hotel

  2. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

    1 h 20 min Admission not included

    Visit the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and watch wild Japanese macaques relax, play, and sometimes bathe in natural hot springs. You’ll walk through a peaceful forest trail to reach the viewing area and enjoy close-up photo opportunities of these unique winter-loving monkeys. This is one of Japan’s most memorable nature encounters.

  3. Stop 3

    10 min Admission not included

    Bathroom breaks and a vehicle transfer may be necessary due to parking limitations in the snowcat area.

  4. Yonako Daibakufu

    4 h 35 min

    For just three months each year, this natural monument transforms into a mesmerizing frozen masterpiece. We will venture close to the towering icefalls, experiencing their breathtaking beauty while the guide ensures safety in case of unexpected ice falls.

    This trip includes an exploration of two sacred waterfalls, revered as objects of worship. Please note that the guide may adjust the itinerary based on weather, trail conditions, and participants' abilities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

    This remote wonder is accessible by snowcat, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the trailhead. Without snowcat transportation, reaching the falls requires a physically demanding 4-5 hour snow hike one way.

  5. Stop 5

    10 min Admission not included

    Bathroom breaks and a vehicle transfer may be necessary.

  6. Stop 6

    1 min Admission not included

    End of the trip

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • Nagano Linden Plaza Hotel
  • Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi
  • Hotel Select Inn Nagano
  • Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
  • Hotel New Nagano Next
  • Dormy Inn Nagano
  • Nagano Central Hotel
  • APA HOTEL Nagano
  • Aoba Hotel
  • Mielparque Nagano Hotel
  • Hotel New Yama
  • Hotel Nagano Avenue

and 17 more pickup points

Itinerary

7:00 — Meet at Nagano Station (in front of Tokyu Nagano REI Hotel)

or at hotels located within a 50 km radius of Nagano Station

(Examples: Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, Shiga Kogen, etc.)

8:15 — Arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park parking area

8:30 — Walk along the forest trail to the snow monkey viewing area (approx. 30 min)

9:00 — Observe wild Japanese macaques relaxing in their natural hot spring environment

9:20 — Depart and walk back to the parking area (approx. 30 min)

10:30 — Stop at 7-Eleven for snacks and a restroom break

Please purchase lunch here before heading into the mountains.

❄️ Snowcat & Snowshoe Experience

11:45 — Arrive at Yukkurando

12:00 — Depart Yukkurando for the snowcat base

12:25 — Board the snowcat

13:05 — Arrive at the snowcat drop-off point

13:15 — Begin snowshoe hike

14:05 — Arrive at Nekodake Mountain Hut / Visit Fudo-ji Okunoin

14:20 — Photo time at the frozen Yonako Falls

14:50 — Depart the waterfall area

15:20 — Arrive at the former mine plateau (geology & history briefing)

16:10 — Return to the snowcat point

16:15 — Snowcat departure

17:00 — Snowcat drop-off at Yukkurando

17:20 — Tour concludes at Yukkurando

Return

Approx. 18:20 — Arrival back at Nagano Station

(Actual return time may vary depending on weather and road conditions.)

⚠ Important Notes

Please purchase lunch and snacks during the 7-Eleven stop.

Restroom access becomes limited after entering the snow activity area.

Schedule may be adjusted based on snow and safety conditions.

Vehicle Information

Standard transport: Subaru Forester Hybrid (6th Gen) — max capacity: 4 passengers

For groups of 5 or more, an additional guide and support vehicle will be arranged.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel You get back
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • 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

Traveller ratings

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Private Snow Monkey & Frozen Waterfall — Nagano Winter Tour

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