1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival Join From Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal
ID: GYG753373-1216108
Category:
Country: Ecuador
Duration:
10:30 hours
Description
This tour combines a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park and an evening exploration of the time limited Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival, It's the perfect way to enjoy Nagano's highlights.
Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, and evening exploration of the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival.
You will arrive at the entrance of Snow Monkey Park in the afternoon. Guide will lead you to the trail entrance and then along the forest trail into the park. Home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known naturally to bathe in hot springs, there are no barriers separating you from the wild monkeys, making this a unique and memorable experience. In the deep snow of winter, the monkeys like nothing more than a long, warming soak in the hot spring. Your guide will introduce these truly curious creatures and provide you time to enjoy the unique experience of observing them in close proximity.
After observing the Snow Monkeys in their natural habitat, Walking back out along the forest trail, you will then be transported back to Nagano City. As the evening takes hold, your guide will walk you to the temple precinct, where you will first enjoy a warming ‘sake’ tasting before heading to an early-dinner.
You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your meal and get warm before heading to the nearby temple, where you guide will introduce you to the near-1400 year history of Zenko-ji before allowing you time to explore for yourself and enjoy the temple’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.
Your guide will lead you along the ‘Omotesando’ (Pilgrims Road) and ‘Nakamise’ (shopping street) toward the temple. Cluttered with countless ‘kiri-e’ paper lanterns this is a beautiful stroll and builds anticipation for the temple and surrounding historic precinct. ‘Shukubo’ (traditional temple lodgings) in the streets around the temple also come to light, as their courtyards exhibit light installations – an Instagramers delight!
This enjoyable tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart! Including an early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this tour brings warmth and light into the midst of winter.
Highlights
- See the world-famous hot spring-bathing Snow Monkeys in their winter playground
- Try some of Nagano’s best sake with a guided tasting, followed by early dinner
- Explore Zenko-ji at night, awash with light installations and paper lanterns
- Including pickup in both Hakuba and Nagano and led by an English-speaking guide
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-Please wear suitable shoes for the walking trail and suitable clothing for temperatures potentially below 0°C (and as low as -10°C). In winter, the trail leading to the park and park itself are likely to be affected by snow and ice. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable shoes/boots and warm clothing. If required, rental boots are available close to the monkey park and crampons can also be purchased.
-There are a few days in the year that the monkeys might not come down to the park. In such case we will provide an alternative activity.
-Due to time constraints and in order to time our arrival for the evening illumination, this tour does not include lunch. Please make sure to have an early lunch or bring something to snack on during the day. There will also be an opportunity to buy a snack and / or drinks after exiting the monkey park and re-boarding the tour bus.
Please wait inside the bus terminal and be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. Please be waiting before the meetup time as the tour will depart by 11:05.
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.
