Experience Highlights
- Travel by Shinkansen to Nagano to encounter Japan’s famous snow monkeys
- Observe wild macaques socialising and bathing in steaming natural hot springs
- Wander Obuse’s historic streets, once home to renowned Edo-period artist Hokusai
- Duration: Full day
- Type: Private Experience
Kelsey
Travel Specialist
Journey from Tokyo to Nagano aboard the iconic Shinkansen bullet train, where Japan’s rural landscapes unfold at speed, and see the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Yaen Koen.
Your experience begins in Jigokudani Yaen Koen – the perfect start to your day, as you get to see the country’s famed snow monkeys. Jigokudani literally means “hell’s valley” due to the steam and boiling water that bubble out of small crevices in the frozen ground. It is in these hot spring baths where the resident Japanese Macaques like to soak, particularly so in the colder months. Their playful interactions offer a fascinating glimpse into their social world.
Afterwards, continue to the town of Obuse and stroll its preserved streets lined with traditional houses and artisan shops to understand its rich cultural heritage. Obuse is celebrated for its sweet chestnuts. And, as the home of Hokusai, the legendary Edo-period painter and printmaker whose works defined an era, you should consider an optional visit to the Hokusai Museum while here.
This full-day experience combines natural wonder with cultural discovery, giving you a privileged insight into one of Japan’s lesser-visited and attractive regions.
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