Discover Nagano: Zenko-ji, Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park Guided Tour

About this experience

Discover Nagano Day Tour from Tokyo This guided day tour takes you from Tokyo to explore Nagano's most celebrated attractions in one comprehensive experience. You'll visit the ancient Zenko-ji Temple, sample sake at a traditional brewery, and observe Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs at Snow Monkey Park. The tour combines spiritual heritage, local flavours, and wildlife encounters with expert commentary from your English-speaking guide. Starting at Nagano Station, you'll spend the morning exploring Zenko-ji's temple grounds and corridors before moving to the nearby Yoshinoya Brewery for sake tasting. After a traditional lunch featuring Nagano specialities, you'll travel to the mountain foothills where Japanese macaques soak in steaming onsens throughout the year. The tour includes all transport, entries, and meals for a seamless day exploring Nagano's cultural and natural highlights. What is Included English-speaking guide Entrance to Zenko-ji Temple Sake tasting at Yoshinoya Brewery Traditional lunch with local specialities Entry to Snow Monkey Park All transport between locations Winter shuttle service from Hakuba (seasonal) Good to Know The tour runs for approximately 8 hours, departing Nagano Station at 9:35am and returning by 5:35pm. Meeting point is at Nagano Station, with optional pickup available from Hakuba during winter months. The experience involves walking on forest trails and temple steps, so moderate fitness is required and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring warm clothing, especially in winter. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted inside venues. Vegetarian meal options are available when requested in advance. Japanese macaques are present year-round, though winter offers the best viewing opportunities when they bathe in the hot springs. For those planning to explore more of Japan's cultural heritage, consider a Tokyo temple tour to discover the capital's spiritual sites. If you're interested in traditional crafts and local experiences, a Tokyo sake tasting experience offers similar insights into Japanese brewing traditions right in the city.

Highlights

• Experience Nagano’s highlights with a guided tour of Zenko-ji Temple, Yoshinoya Brewery, and the Snow Monkey Park – perfect for culture and nature lovers
• Discover Zenko-ji Temple, a Buddhist site renowned for its ancient architecture and images of the Amida Buddha statue, a symbol of Japan’s spirituality
• Sample traditional sake at Yoshinoya Brewery, known for its artisanal brewing techniques, and enjoy a lunch featuring Nagano’s seasonal delicacies
• Explore Snow Monkey Park's scenic trails with lush forests and mountain views, and watch macaques relaxing in the natural hot spring waters
• Fun Fact: Zenko-ji Temple conceals a Buddha statue shown only once every six years
• It's Japan's best-kept secret.

What is included

• Zenko-ji Temple tour Yoshinoya Brewery sake tasting Snow Monkey Park tour Expert English-speaking guide Transportation to and between all attractions Hakuba shuttle service (winter only) Lunch

Not included

• Zenko-ji Temple inner sanctuary access Bullet train tickets Additional food, snacks & drinks Accommodation

Before you go

Dress warmly, especially during winter months Arrive on time to ensure a smooth start Flash photography and tripods are not allowed inside the venues Vegetarian meal options are available upon request This tour is not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 23 hours before the start of your experience. Within 23 hours of the start, the booking cannot be cancelled.