Snow Monkey & Zenko-ji Temple Customizable Private Tour
ID: GYG1180686-1810067
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
10:00 hours
Description
Escape Tokyo for a day of ancient mysticism, samurai legends, and the world-famous Snow Monkeys. Travel in a private vehicle with a driver and explore the "Roof of Japan" at your own pace.
Begin your journey with a pickup from your Tokyo hotel. As you leave the city skyline behind, watch the landscape transform into the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps.
Arrive at Zenko-ji Temple, a non-denominational sanctuary that has welcomed pilgrims for 1,400 years. Your driver will guide you through the temple town’s "Nakamise" street, where you can sample Oyaki (savory stuffed dumplings) and local apple treats. Don't miss the "search for the key to paradise" in the temple's unique underground passage.
Head into the highlands to Togakushi. Here, history and nature collide. Walk the iconic cedar-lined path to the shrines—a scene that feels like a Studio Ghibli movie come to life. If you're feeling adventurous, ask your driver to stop at the Ninja Trick Mansion, located right across from the shrine entrance.
Continue to Jigokudani Monkey Park. A scenic 25-minute forest walk leads you to the valley where wild macaques spend their days relaxing in steaming thermal waters. It is the only place in the world where you can observe this unique behavior up close without barriers.
Relax in your reclining leather seat as your driver navigates the mountain passes back to Tokyo. With the flexibility of a private tour, you can stop at a scenic viewpoint or a traditional soba noodle house for an early dinner before returning to your hotel.
Highlights
- Explore the Zenko-ji Temple, a Buddhist pilgrimage site from the 7th century
- Walk through a path of 400-year-old cedars leading to mountain shrines
- Witness the Japanese Macaques of Jigokudani soaking in natural hot springs
- Enjoy door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Tokyo in a premium van
- Customize your itinerary and visit a historic sake brewery or a Ninja village
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Duration: 12–13 hours
Comfortable walking shoes are essential (especially for the Snow Monkey forest trail)
From December to March, the monkey park trail can be icy; boots are recommended
This tour involves walking and is not fully wheelchair accessible
INCLUDED
- Private transportation by premium air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Tokyo 23 Wards)
- Fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees
- Bottled water
NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities
- Enterance fees
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
