The Ultimate Winter Tour

When visiting Hakuba for the first time, one of the most unforgettable experiences is the snow monkey tour! This day tour offers an enchanting blend of nature, history and culture, taking you through picturesque landscapes, historic towns and ancient temples that provide a comprehensive look at Nagano's rich heritage and natural beauty. 

The tour's highlight is undoubtedly the visit to the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. Opened in 1962, the park is renowned for its population of 200 wild Japanese macques, commonly known as snow monkeys. These monkeys have become famous for their unique behaviour of soaking in the natural hot spring to keep warm during the harsh winter months. 

Seeing them in their natural habitat is a rare and captivating experience ~ the sight of snow-covered surrounds with monkeys leisurely bathing in steaming hot springs creates a magical scene straight from a postcard! The 40-minute hike to the hot spring area is equally rewarding, where you can immerse yourself into the tranquil atmosphere of the forest. 

After bidding farewell to the snow monkeys, the tour continues to the charming town of Obuse. This historic town is known for its cultural significance and is home to the famous Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai, that can be seen throughout the town. 

Obuse is also famous for the Masuichi Sake Brewery, where you can learn about the traditional process of sake brewing and enjoy a tasting of this classic Japanese rice wine. While in Obuse, you will enjoy a culinary delight, featuring a traditional Japanese set course meal. 

The final stop of this tour is Nagano City, home to the famous Zenkoji Temple. With a history spanning over 1,400 years, Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan's most significant and oldest temples ~ a designated national treasure. It houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th century, making it a vital pilgrimage for Buddhists. Fun fact, the temple on the 10 yen coin is Zenkoji which makes for a simple keepsake of your visit. 

Walking through the temple grounds, you can feel a deep spiritual significance and the streets surrounding the temple are equally enchanting. The streets are lined with lantern-lit shops, tiered roofed stalls, souvenir shops, small eateries and art galleries ~ offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese life and provides plenty of opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs and local crafts. 

The snow monkey tour from Hakuba is more than just a visit to see Japan's famous snow monkeys. It is a journey through the heart of Japanese culture, history and natural beauty. From the hot springs of Jigokudani to the historic charm of Obuse and the spiritual depth of Zenkoji Temple, this tour encapsulates the essence of Japan in one unforgettable day - and is one not to be missed! Simply add the tour to your Powder Holidays Hakuba package.