1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s renowned winter wonderland, the 1-Day Winter Tour from Nozawa Onsen offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and culture. Guests can expect to witness the playful antics of snow monkeys, explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, and savor the distinct flavors of local sake – all while enjoying the convenience of comfortable transportation and a delectable Japanese lunch. This tour promises an unforgettable winter adventure, leaving visitors eager to uncover more of Nozawa Onsen’s enchanting offerings.

Good To Know

• A 1-day winter tour from Nozawa Onsen that features visits to the Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and a sake tasting experience.
• Includes comfortable transportation, guided tours, and a Japanese-style lunch, concluding by 6 PM.
• Requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with a 1.6km (1 mile) walk on a snowy, unsealed trail.
• Strict guidelines for wildlife interaction at the Snow Monkey Park, including maintaining a distance from the monkeys.
• Consistently high customer satisfaction, with praise for the scenic walk, engaging temple tour, and authentic cultural experiences.

Tour Overview

The 1-Day Winter Tour from Nozawa Onsen takes visitors on a captivating journey through the region’s natural and cultural highlights.

This tour includes visits to the enchanting Snow Monkey Park, the historic Zenko-ji Temple, and a sake tasting experience. With 11 glowing reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, the tour promises an immersive and memorable day.

The tour concludes at Nozawa Onsen by 6 PM, though timings may vary due to weather or road conditions. Guests can expect comfortable transportation, guided tours, and a delectable Japanese lunch as part of the inclusive package.

Inclusions

The 1-Day Winter Tour from Nozawa Onsen includes comprehensive transportation from and to the starting point, as well as entry tickets to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Guests will enjoy a Japanese-style lunch at GOEN, with the menu potentially changing. The tour also provides a guided tour of Zenko-ji Temple and a sake tasting experience. While the core inclusions are covered, guests may need to pay for additional food, snacks, drinks, and optional access to the inner sanctuary of the temple.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Guests require a moderate level of physical fitness for this 1-Day Winter Tour from Nozawa Onsen.

The tour includes a 1.6km (1 mile) walk on an unsealed forest trail to reach the Snow Monkey Park.

Some key considerations:

1. The trail may be covered in snow and ice, requiring proper footwear.
2. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not suit mobility-impaired travelers.
3. Warm clothing is essential, especially from mid-December to early-April due to snow and ice.
4. Guests should be prepared for the physical demands of the walking portion of the tour.

Wildlife Interaction Guidelines

How must guests interact with the monkeys during the tour?

Guests must strictly follow the Snow Monkey Park rules. They aren’t allowed to touch, hold, feed, or bathe the monkeys. Guests must maintain a distance of 1 to 2 meters from the monkeys at all times.

The tour guide will explain these rules before entering the park. It’s important to respect the monkeys’ space and natural habitat.

While seeing the monkeys in their natural setting is a highlight, they may not always be present, especially during certain times of the year.

Customer Experiences

Consistently high satisfaction is reflected in the 11 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending this tour.

Common highlights include:

• The scenic walk to see the snow monkeys in their natural habitat
• The delicious sake tasting, providing an authentic cultural experience
• The engaging and informative guided tour of the historic Zenko-ji Temple
• The exceptional organization and punctuality of the tour, ensuring a seamless experience

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, tasty lunch, and unique experiences throughout the day.

Getting to Nozawa Onsen

To reach Nozawa Onsen, visitors have several convenient transportation options.

The town is easily accessible by train, with direct services from Tokyo Station taking around 2.5 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus from major cities like Nagano or Niigata, which takes around 1.5 hours.

Those driving can navigate the scenic mountain roads, though chains or snow tires may be required during winter months.

Once in Nozawa Onsen, the town’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by using the local shuttle bus system.

Getting to the starting point of the tour is hassle-free for all travelers.

What to Expect on the Tour

Once visitors have made their way to Nozawa Onsen, the 1-Day Winter Tour offers an immersive experience showcasing the region’s top attractions.

The tour includes:

1. A visit to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys in their natural habitat.
2. A guided tour of the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites.
3. A sake tasting where guests can sample local, artisanal Japanese rice wine.
4. A delicious Japanese lunch at the GOEN restaurant, with a menu that may vary.

Throughout the day, travelers will be transported to and from each destination, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Booking and Availability

How can travelers book the 1-Day Winter Tour from Nozawa Onsen?

The tour can be easily booked online through the tour provider’s website. Availability is limited, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak winter season from mid-December to early-April.

Tour dates are offered on select days throughout the winter months. Travelers can check the calendar on the website to find their preferred date.

Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation with meeting instructions and other important details. The tour can also be booked by contacting the provider directly via email or phone.

Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos of the Snow Monkeys?

Yes, guests can take photos of the snow monkeys, but they must maintain a distance of 1-2 meters and follow the park’s rules which prohibit touching, holding, feeding, or bathing with the monkeys.

What Is the Weather Typically Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour is typically cold and snowy, especially from mid-December to early-April. Proper footwear and warm clothing are essential to stay comfortable during the 1.6km (1 mile) walk on the unsealed forest trail to see the snow monkeys.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length?

While the tour typically concludes by 6 PM, the end time may vary due to weather or road conditions. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour length beyond the standard itinerary.

Can I Pick up the Tour From a Different Location?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer pick-up options from locations other than Nozawa Onsen. The tour package is designed as a complete day trip starting and ending in Nozawa Onsen to provide a seamless and convenient experience.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum or maximum group size. It’s a shared tour, so the group size can vary depending on demand. Group sizes are typically small to medium for a personalized experience.

The Sum Up

This 1-day winter tour from Nozawa Onsen provides an immersive cultural and natural experience. Guests can expect to see the playful snow monkeys, explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, and enjoy a sake tasting – all with the convenience of transportation and a delicious Japanese lunch. With its focus on customer satisfaction, this tour offers an unforgettable way to discover Japan’s winter wonderland.