Inter-Resort Private Transfer (from/to Hakuba) & Snow Monkey Tour

Nagano , Japan

Inter-Resort Private Transfer (from/to Hakuba) & Snow Monkey Tour

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(2 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Maximise Your Travel: Premium Snow Monkey & Hakuba Transfer Tour
Make Your Travel Day Productive!

Turn your transit into a premium sightseeing adventure. Whether you are heading to or from Hakuba, we offer seamless connections to Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao, and Nagano Station.

Why waste a whole day sitting on a train or bus? Our "Transfer + Private Tour" combines our most popular sightseeing experiences with comfortable, point-to-point transportation. Typically, travellers spend two separate days on a tour and a transfer. With this efficient package, you do it all in one. We pick you up, show you the best of Nagano, and drop you off directly at your next destination. Save time, travel in comfort, and maximise your holiday!

Available options

Full-size Van (~9 pax)

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Guided service by English speaking driver guide

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

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

Umbrella / Rainwear

Lunch

Monkey Park Entry Tickets (Adult)

Monkey Park Entry Ticket (Child)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Rain gear is 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 4km to/from the Monkey Park + 3 km Shibu Onsen Guided Walk

About Nagano

Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. The city is a gateway to some of Japan's most famous hot springs and ancient temples.

Top Attractions

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nagano's spiritual heritage.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a famous attraction, known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Nature Half day to full day ¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children)

Nagano Olympic Museum

This museum commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. It features exhibits on the history of the Olympics, the events held in Nagano, and the athletes who participated.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥500 (adults) or ¥200 (children)

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a complex of three shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess of archery. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Religious Half day Free (donations appreciated)

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, known for its extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Adventure Full day or overnight ¥4,000 - ¥6,000 (lift tickets)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a staple of Nagano's cuisine. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces.

Dish Vegetarian (if no meat or fish toppings are added)

Oyaki

Oyaki are dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular snack in Nagano and are often served with meals.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Sake

Nagano is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice. The region has numerous sake breweries, offering a variety of flavors and styles.

Drink Contains alcohol

Onsen Ryori

Onsen Ryori is a type of cuisine served in hot spring resorts. It typically consists of dishes made with local ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and tofu, cooked in the hot spring water.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Hot air ballooning Hot spring bathing Temple visiting Shopping

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city hosts numerous winter festivals and events. Expect heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

-2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) 28°F to 41°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nagano is a generally safe destination for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take precautions to protect their belongings and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxis and tour services.

Getting there

By air

Nagano Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
Chubu Centrair International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from the city center

By train

Nagano Station

By bus

Nagano Station Bus Terminal, Zenko-ji Temple Bus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The city bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Nagano, covering most areas of the city and connecting to major attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Nagano Togakushi Shiga Kogen

Day trips

Shiga Kogen

50 km (31 miles) from Nagano • Full day or overnight

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Togakushi

20 km (12 miles) from Nagano • Half day

Togakushi is a rural area known for its ancient shrines, soba noodles, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

60 km (37 miles) from Nagano • Half day to full day

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for observing wild Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. The park is especially famous for the monkeys' unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Festivals

Nagano Winter Festival • February Nagano Summer Festival • August Togakushi Fire Festival • February 3rd

Pro tips

Visit Zenko-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's serene atmosphere.
Try Togakushi's famous soba noodles at a local restaurant, such as Soba Koenji or Soba Nagano.
Take a day trip to Shiga Kogen for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season.
Experience the Nagano Winter Festival in February for a unique and memorable cultural event.
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in winter to see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.