Traditional Japanese Woodblock Print Ukiyo-e in Asakusa

Traditional Japanese Woodblock Print Ukiyo-e in Asakusa

Travel to Japan's Nagano Prefecture on this 12-hour private guided trip from Tokyo. Ride the fast Shinkansen (bullet) train, visit the 1,400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, and see snow monkeys soaking in the hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Meet your guide at 7am at your Tokyo accommodations. Together with your travel companions (a maximum of six people) take the bullet train to Nagano Prefecture. The train leaves at 7:50am and takes about two hours. 

Upon arrival at Nagano Station, take a walk around Zenkoji Temple. This temple has about 1,400 years of history and was built before Buddhism came to Japan, making it is a non-denominational place of worship. After exploring Zenkoji, visit the shopping street right in front, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local cuisine (at own expense).

Afterward, visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, the highlight of the tour. Nagano is renowned as having some of the best hot spring spots in Japan, however, in the past, this one was feared by local people because of its powerful geyser and given the name Jigokudani, meaning "Hell Valley." The local wild snow monkeys do not seem to be afraid, however. Each winter they gather at the hot spring with their families. From a respectful distance, have fun taking memorable photos of snow monkeys soaking in the hot spring.

At the conclusion of the tour, your guide accompanies you back to Tokyo Station.