Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Private Tour (Nagano, Myoko, Madarao)

Niigata Prefecture , Japan

Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Private Tour (Nagano, Myoko, Madarao)

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(6 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The departure location is selectable from Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen.

Starting with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park. Get up close and watch as the Snow Monkeys relax in the naturally occurring hot springs of Jigokudani. Thanks to the tour's early morning start you will see the Monkeys as exclusively as it gets!

Following this, we will commute to Shibu Onsen town. The first place to stop is Tamamura Honten, a sake & beer brewery established in 1805 attached to a traditional art gallery.

After that, our guide will offer you insight into the historic Onsen village. This village was once frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsen in town.

This section is a walking tour, but if you would prefer to relax in an Onsen, you may do so for just ¥800!

Finally, during the green season, we visit Kokugonji, a serene and beautifully maintained temple nestled in rural Nakano and founded in 825.

Available options

Full-size Van (Up to 9 pax)

Hi-Ace Grand Cabin<br/>Pickup included

Subcompact Wagon (up to 3 pax)

Daihatsu Wake<br/>Pickup included

Commuter Van (up to 13 pax)

Hi-Ace Commuter : No luggage Space<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Guided walk in Shibu Onsen

In-person guide is also the driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The journey to the park involves a scenic 2km walk along an unpaved forest trail, surrounded by majestic cedar trees, offering a true immersion into Japan’s pristine nature.

The park itself is relatively compact; one hour is usually more than enough to see everything. However, please remember these are wild animals. You may encounter monkeys on the trail before even reaching the park entrance. We strongly recommend heading straight into the park first to see the main hot spring area. If you spend too much time with monkeys outside the gates, your time inside may be cut short.

For a unique experience, look across the river from the park to the historic inn. In winter, you can often see monkeys and overnight guests sharing the outdoor bath! This facility also offers day-trip bathing for ¥1,500. If your timing is perfect, you might even find yourself soaking in the hot spring alongside a curious snow monkey. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

[CLOSED on Sunday and New Year Holidays]
Sake & Beer brewery. The ground floor is a shop area, 2nd floor is a traditional art gallery. During winter, you may freely visit it instead of the guided walk in Shibu Onsen.

With over 1,350 years of history, Shibu Onsen is one of Nagano's oldest hot spring towns. Traditional wooden ryokans and stone-paved streets create a nostalgic atmosphere, complete with retro game parlors, shrines, and temples hidden around every corner. Keep an eye out-a local troop of wild monkeys also lives here, and you might see them scurrying across the rooftops!

The town is famous for its nine communal onsens (Soto-yu). It is a local tradition to collect stamps from all nine onsens on a special "Tenugui" towel; completing the set is said to grant a wish. While these onsens are locked for overnight guests, visitors can experience the main onsen, O-yu, by purchasing a ticket for ¥800.

The charm of Shibu Onsen lies in its maze-like back alleys, where it is easy to lose your way. On our tour, our expert guide will lead you through these secret paths, through the ultimate route, meticulously designed to showcase the very best of Shibu Onsen’s historic charm without getting lost.

What's not included

Monkey Park Entry Tickets

Lunch

Guideded walk in the Monkey Park

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

It is not allowed to bring Luggage during the tour

Travel time is included to the total duration of the product.

Rain gears are needed to be arranged by paricipants.

In the event of damages (vomiting etc.) which require the vehicle to be out of service for a duration and are caused by your party, a fee of up to ¥30,000 may be incurred.

Most shops in Shibu Onsen are closed on Wednesdays

Tamamura Honten (the brewery) is closed on Sundays

Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking for 2km to/from the Monkey Park

About Niigata Prefecture

Niigata Prefecture, located on the northwest coast of Honshu, is renowned for its high-quality rice, fresh seafood, and stunning natural landscapes. With its long coastline along the Sea of Japan, hot springs, and the famous Echigo-Yuzawa ski resort, Niigata offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Sado Island

Sado Island, located off the coast of Niigata, is known for its rich history, gold mines, and traditional performing arts. It offers stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences.

Nature/Historical/Cultural 1-3 days Moderate to Expensive

Echigo-Yuzawa

Echigo-Yuzawa is a popular ski resort area known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It also offers hot springs and scenic beauty.

Adventure/Relaxation 1-2 days Moderate to Expensive

Niigata City Aquarium

The Niigata City Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction featuring a variety of marine life, including dolphins, penguins, and fish native to the Sea of Japan.

Nature/Education 2-3 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Noppe

A traditional Niigata dish made with grated daikon radish, fish, and other ingredients, served with a dipping sauce.

Dish Contains fish and seafood

Hegisoba

A local noodle dish made with flat soba noodles, grilled fish, and vegetables, served with a savory sauce.

Dish Contains fish and seafood

Koshihikari Rice

Niigata is famous for its high-quality Koshihikari rice, known for its sweet and sticky texture.

Staple Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain Biking Onsen (Hot Springs) Yoga Meditation Scenic Train Rides

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer mild weather, beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, and are ideal for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Niigata is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and verified tour operators.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Niigata Airport • 15 km from Niigata City

By train

Niigata Station

By bus

Niigata Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Niigata, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bandai City Furuichi Minamichito

Day trips

Sado Island

1.5 hours by ferry • 1-3 days

Sado Island offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. It's known for its gold mines, taiko drumming performances, and scenic hiking trails.

Echigo-Yuzawa

1 hour by train • 1-2 days

Echigo-Yuzawa is a popular ski resort area known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It also offers hot springs and scenic beauty.

Nagaoka

30 minutes by train • 1 day

Nagaoka is a city known for its historical sites, including the Nagaoka Castle and the Nagaoka Park, which hosts the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in August.

Festivals

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival • Early August Sanno Festival • Mid-August Niigata Matsuri • July

Pro tips

Visit Niigata during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for stunning scenery and pleasant weather.
Try local specialties like Noppe, Hegisoba, and Koshihikari rice for an authentic Niigata culinary experience.
Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
Consider renting a car for exploring rural areas and scenic spots at your own pace.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for the culture.