Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (2~13 Apr) - Image 2

Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (2~13 Apr) - Image 3

Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (2~13 Apr) - Image 4

Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (2~13 Apr) - Image 5

Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (2~13 Apr) - Image 6

A single Snow Monkeys resting its eyes in the onsen

Snow Monkeys bathing in and around the onsen

A snowy image of the foot bath onsen in Shibu Onsen

Wild Monkeys resting on a porch in Shibu Onsen

Tour Description

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Start the day off by visiting the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park. Renowned the world over, there is nothing quite like seeing the Snow Monkeys and their otherwordly environment in person. Plumes of steam shoot out of the ground and jagged cliff edges line the walkway to the park, creating an experience to last a lifetime. As winter comes to an end and temperatures slowly rise, this is the last chance to see the Snow Monkeys bathe in the hot springs this year!

Shibu Onsen

In modern times, the village has maintained this traditional feeling, becoming a popular tourist destination for Japanese visitors from other parts of the country who are looking for an onsen escape! It is not uncommon to see locals and visitors walking the streets in traditional clothing such as kimono and geta (wooden sandals). As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, some hundreds of years old, you might just get to see some more wild monkeys as they wander through town looking for food to scavenge.

Takada Castle

Takada Castle is rated as being within the top 3 places in all of Japan to view cherry blossoms at night, owing to its 4,000 sakura trees and spectacular illumination.

Explore the grounds of Takada Castle in wonder as you immerse yourself in the cherry blossoms that fill the entire area. With over 4,000 Sakura trees, no matter where you look you’ll be met with the incredible pale pink of the trees’ fleeting full bloom, and the lighting that accompanies them. The waters of the moat are placid with a mirror-like reflection of the trees, lightly agitated only by the sprinklers dotted around the water.

At the castle, there are also many food stalls to choose from, ranging from curry bread to yakisoba to dango!

Additional information

Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Illumination Tour (2~13 Apr)

Festival Shibu Onsen Snow Monkey Special Event

¥15,900 (Adult) / ¥7,900 (Child)

Tour Date: Wed, 1st Apr ~ Sun, 13th Apr 2025
Duration: Up to 8.5 hours
Minimum (Total number of a tour group): 2 Adults
Destination: Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen and Takada Castle
Pickup Location:
13:00 Nozawa Onsen Chuo Bus Terminal
13:20 Iiyama Station (Shinkansen arriving from Tokyo at 13:02)
Drop off Location:
20:00 Joetsu Myoko Station East Exit (Shinkansen departing for Tokyo at 20:12)
20:50 Iiyama Station
21:10 Nozawa Onsen Chuo Bus Terminal
Myoko Kogen Station
Includes: Transfers, Monkey Park entry tickets and an English-speaking driver guide.
Excluding: Meals
Cancellation/Amendment Fees:
– After the booking is confirmed: ¥500 per person
– 3 to 2 business days prior: 30% of the total price
– 1 business day prior: 50% of the total price
– Tour day: 100% of the total price

Time	Schedule
13:00 13:20	Depart from Nozawa Onsen Depart from Iiyama Station (Shinkansen arriving from Tokyo at 13:02)
13:50	Arrive at Kambayashi Parking - Walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park (30 mins)
14:20	Arrive at Jigokudani Monkey Park - Free time (50 mins)
15:10	Depart from Jigokudani Monkey Park - Walk to Kambayashi Parking Lot (30 mins)
15:40	Depart Kambayashi to Shibu Onsen (10 mins)
15:50	Arrive at Shibu Onsen Village - 50 mins Guided walk Tour (Points of Interest)
16:40	Depart from Shibu Onsen - Transfer to Takada Castle (1 hour)
17:40	Arrive at Takada Castle - 30 mins guided walk tour followed by 1.5 hours free time
19:40	Depart from Takada Castle
20:00 20:50 21:10	Arrive at Joetsu Myoko Station (Shinkansen departing for Tokyo at 20:12) Arrive at Iiyama Station Arrive at Nozawa Onsen

Tour Description

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Shibu Onsen

Following the Snow Monkey Park, we offer you an exclusive look into the historic Onsen Village of Shibu. This village was frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike; all looking to recharge and heal wearied or battle-damaged bodies. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in all the Onsens in town.

In modern times, the village has maintained this traditional feeling, becoming a popular tourist destination for Japanese visitors from other parts of the country who are looking for an onsen escape! It is not uncommon to see locals and visitors walking the streets in traditional clothing such as kimono and geta (wooden sandals). As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, some hundreds of years old, you might just get to see some more wild monkeys as they wander through town looking for food to scavenge.

Takada Castle

Takada Castle is rated as being within the top 3 places in all of Japan to view cherry blossoms at night, owing to its 4,000 sakura trees and spectacular illumination.

Explore the grounds of Takada Castle in wonder as you immerse yourself in the cherry blossoms that fill the entire area. With over 4,000 Sakura trees, no matter where you look you'll be met with the incredible pale pink of the trees' fleeting full bloom, and the lighting that accompanies them. The waters of the moat are placid with a mirror-like reflection of the trees, lightly agitated only by the sprinklers dotted around the water.

At the castle, there are also many food stalls to choose from, ranging from curry bread to yakisoba to dango!