As we venture into the Japanese Alps, we’re eager to uncover the secrets of Nagano on our private full-day tour. We’ll start by exploring Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered temples, and indulge in local flavors in charming Obuse Town. But that’s just the beginning – we’ll also encounter the famous Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and unwind in the natural hot springs of Shibu Onsen. With our expert guide and seamless transportation, we’re ready to dive into Nagano’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. What hidden gems will we discover along the way?
Just The Basics
• Explore Nagano’s hidden gems on a private full-day tour with an English-speaking guide.
• Visit Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered temples, and discover its ancient secrets.
• Indulge in local cuisine in charming Obuse Town and stroll along its traditional streets.
• Get up close and personal with snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park and relax in natural hot springs.
• Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation within Nagano City, for a hassle-free experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Discovering Nagano’s Hidden Gems
As we venture into Nagano’s lesser-known territories, we’ll uncover the region’s best-kept secrets, from ancient temples to natural wonders that will leave us awestruck.
We’ll explore the tranquil atmosphere of Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered temples, and discover its hidden chambers and mysterious artifacts.
Next, we’ll find ourselves in the midst of a winter wonderland at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where hot springs and snow-capped mountains create a surreal landscape.
And in Obuse Town, we’ll stroll through charming streets lined with traditional shops and cafes, savoring the local flavors and hospitality.
With each step, we’ll unravel the mysteries of Nagano, and our senses will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
Private Tour Inclusions and Fees
Our private tour’s inclusions and fees have been carefully crafted to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience in Nagano.
Our goal is to provide you with a hassle-free adventure, so we’ve taken care of the essentials.
Private tour with an English-speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels within Central Nagano only)
Transportation within Nagano City
Fuel surcharge
Please note that you’ll need to cover your own food and drinks, as well as the onsen fee (700 JPY per person) and entrance fees to Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
We’re confident that our carefully curated inclusions will make your Nagano experience truly unforgettable!
Meeting and Pickup Details
We’ll meet at Nagano Station, a convenient and central location, where our private tour guide will be waiting to greet us.
The station is easily accessible, making it the perfect spot to kick off our adventure.
We’ll be picked up from here and taken to our first destination, Zenkoji Temple.
After a fun-filled day of exploring, we’ll be dropped back off at Nagano Station, bringing our tour full circle.
Don’t worry about finding the meeting point – our guide will be easy to spot, and we’ll receive confirmation of the meetup details before the tour.
With our guide’s expertise and our excitement, we’re set for an unforgettable day in Nagano!
Important Tour Requirements
Before we embark on this incredible journey, it’s vital that we review the important tour requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
We want to make sure we’re all on the same page, so let’s go over the essentials.
A moderate physical fitness level is required, as we’ll be doing some walking.
We need a minimum of 2 adults per booking, and kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Don’t forget to bring your valid passport on the day of travel.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as we’ll be exploring temples and parks.
What to Expect on the Tour
On this full-day private tour, you’ll explore Nagano’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, exploring iconic temples, hot springs, and a snow monkey park. We’ll explore the historic Zenkoji Temple, indulge in local cuisine in Obuse Town, and marvel at the adorable snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. After a fun-filled day, we’ll relax in the natural hot springs of Shibu Onsen.
Time | Activity | Location |
---|---|---|
08:45 am | Hotel Pickup | Nagano City |
09:00 am | Visit Zenkoji Temple | Nagano City |
12:00 pm | Lunch in Obuse Town | Obuse Town |
02:00 pm | Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park | Yudanaka Onsen |
We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you!
Reviewing the Full-Day Experience
As we reflect on our full-day adventure, we’re struck by the sheer diversity of experiences that have woven together to create an unforgettable journey through Nagano’s hidden gems.
From the serene atmosphere of Zenkoji Temple to the playful antics of the snow monkeys at Jigokudani, each stop has left an indelible mark on our memories.
Personalized guidance: Our guide’s expert knowledge and adaptability made all the difference in navigating Nagano’s lesser-known attractions.
Cultural immersion: We felt like locals as we strolled through Obuse Town, indulging in its charming atmosphere and sampling local delicacies.
Breathtaking scenery: The scenic routes and natural wonders of Nagano left us awestruck and inspired.
Unforgettable encounters: Who can forget the adorable snow monkeys and their curious gazes?
Planning Your Nagano Adventure
We dive into planning our Nagano adventure, eager to customize our itinerary and make the most of our time in this Japanese gem.
First, we check the meeting point at Nagano Station, ensuring we arrive by 8:45 am.
We review the inclusions, noting that lunch and onsen fees are on us.
We also make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, as we’ll need them for the moderate physical activity ahead.
With a minimum of two adults per booking, we’re excited to share this experience with friends or family.
Finally, we double-check our passports and confirm our hotel pickup, if eligible.
With the details sorted, we’re ready to embark on an unforgettable Nagano adventure!
Tour Highlights and Memories
By the time we step into Zenkoji Temple, we’ll have already experienced the scenic beauty of Nagano, but this 7th-century temple’s unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere will leave us in awe.
As we explore the temple’s grounds, we’ll uncover its rich history and significance in Japanese Buddhism.
Our tour is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Watching snow monkeys soak in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park, a truly unique sight.
Strolling through Obuse Town, with its charming streets, local shops, and delicious food.
Soaking in the natural hot springs at Shibu Onsen, the perfect way to relax after a day of adventure.
Taking in the breathtaking views of Nagano’s picturesque countryside, a photographer’s dream come true.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Matsumoto Private One Day Tour From Nagano
- Explore Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park With a Knowledgeable Local Guide
- Azumino Full Day Cycling Tour
- Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Day Tour From Nagano
- Private Roundtrip Transport: To/From Snow Monkey Park
- Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour With Beef Sukiyaki Lunch From Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Luggage Storage Options Available During the Tour?
We’re wondering about luggage storage during the tour, and unfortunately, we can’t guarantee any storage options. We recommend packing light or asking our guide for assistance with temporary storage at certain stops.
Can I Bring My Pet With Me on the Private Tour?
Unfortunately, we can’t bring our furry friends along on this private tour, as pets aren’t allowed. We’ll need to make alternative arrangements for our pets’ care while we’re out exploring Nagano’s wonders.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options in Obuse Town?
We’re happy to report that Obuse Town offers some great vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options, including traditional Japanese cafes and modern bakeries, which our guide will be happy to recommend during our tour!
Can I Request a Specific Guide or Language for the Tour?
We can definitely try to accommodate your request! We’ll do our best to pair you with a guide who speaks your preferred language, but we can’t guarantee availability, so please let us know in advance.
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
We can definitely try to customize the tour to fit our interests! We’ll work with our guide to tailor the itinerary, swapping out activities or adding new ones to make the most of our time in Nagano.
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Final Words
We left Nagano with full hearts and minds, our senses satiated by the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
From Zenkoji Temple‘s ancient grandeur to Obuse Town’s charming streets, every moment was a discovery.
The mischievous Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park stole our hearts, while Shibu Onsen’s soothing hot springs rejuvenated our bodies.
This private tour was a true Nagano adventure, and we can’t wait to plan our next escape to this enchanting region.