What To Do around the Snow Monkey Park
Nestled in the mountains of northern Nagano prefecture, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has become world famous for its unique inhabitants. While watching Japanese macaques soak in the hot springs is a great experience, it is not the only place worth visiting in the area. From historic onsen towns and charming rural villages to cultural experiences in Nagano City, the region offers the visitor many ways to spend a memorable day.
What To Do around the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Shibu Onsen: Step into the Past and Soak your Cares Away
Within walking distance of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the traditional hot spring town of Shibu Onsen. With its narrow cobblestone streets and historic wooden ryokans, Shibu Onsen looks like it has been frozen in time. Guests staying in any of the ryokans receive a special key which allows access to the nine public baths lining the historic streets. Strolling through the streets from bath to bath wearing yukata and wooden geta sandals is the signature experience of Shibu Onsen.
Ryokans sell a prayer tower that can be carried from bath to bath and stamped at each one. Visiting all nine of the public baths is said to bring good fortune, and wash away all of your troubles. The baths share the same source as the Snow Monkey Park, so after watching the monkeys soak their cares away, be sure to do the same yourself. Shibu onsen can be accessed from Nagano City via the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka station.
Obuse: Art, Chestnuts, and Rural Charm
About 30 minutes from the Snow Monkey Park, the small town of Obuse offers a different but equally compelling experience. This charming and walkable town is known for its traditional architecture, a thriving arts scene and being the chestnut capital of Japan. The ukiyo-e master, Katsushika Hokusai spent his final years in Obuse. It is said that he did his finest work in the charming setting. His work is preserved in the Hokusai Museum where you can see 2 wooden festival floats which have panels painted by the master himself. The museum also displays works from the other famous ukiyo-e masters.
Obuse’s fame as a chestnut town means that you will find countless ways to enjoy this local specialty. From candied chestnuts and chestnut ice cream to chestnut rice and the elaborate and immensely popular “Mont Blanc” desserts. There are many shops selling chestnut treats throughout the town. The town is easily explored in a couple of hours. But food lovers could easily spend the day sampling not only the chestnuts but also visiting local sake breweries. Obuse can be accessed from Nagano Station via the Nagano Dentetsu Line.
Nagano City: Japanese Culture in the Prefectural Capital
The prefectural capital, Nagano City, is easily accessible from the Snow Monkey Park and offers cultural experiences that are unavailable anywhere else in the region. One of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan, Zenkoji temple lies in the heart of Nagano City. People have been making the pilgrimage to Zenkoji for over 1,400 years. The temple’s main hall is a national treasure and houses the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan. Visitors can participate in the unique “Okaidan Meguri” experience where they navigate a pitch-black hall and search for the “key to paradise” that hangs from the wall. The atmospheric approach to the temple lined with shops and restaurants adds to the pilgrimage feel.
After visiting Zenkoji, why not try a unique Samurai Experience. Dress in a traditional kimono and hakama, choose your weapon and prepare to learn how to use a katana like a samurai. The class, taught by a trained sword master, covers the basics from drawing and sheathing the katana to learning how to attack an opponent. This class offers an authentic and fun experience for children and adults alike.
You could also partake in a traditional tea ceremony. Visit a traditional teahouse and have a trained tea ceremony practitioner guide you through this ancient custom. The experience starts with an explanation about the principles behind the tea ceremony. Enjoy a traditional sweet before you taste the tea to balance out the bitterness of the matcha. The tea master will guide you through the tea ceremony where you will make the tea following the same motions and rituals followed by practitioners for centuries.
Don’t just visit – Experience Nagano City!
Nagano Experience offers many other experiences as well. Enjoy a sake tasting in a former brewery, learn traditional Japanese crafts and games or take a walking or e-bike tour around Nagano City. There are many ways to enjoy your time around the Snow Monkey Park.
Walking Tour 
Sake Tasting 
eBike Tour
NAGANO EXPERIENCE
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