Review: 1 Day Snow Monkey & Snow Fun Tour, Shiga Highlands

If you’re thinking about seeing those cute snow monkeys in Japan, and getting a bit of winter action at the same time, the ‘1 Day Tour Snow Monkeys Snow Fun in Shiga Highlands’ might be just the ticket. You know, it’s almost an easy and amazing way to see some great animal behavior, have some fun in the snow, and make some cool memories. Anyway, in this review, I will walk you through what this day-trip tour involves, the good and the not-so-good stuff, plus some recommendations to help you make the best choice for your trip.

What’s the Big Deal About this Tour?

This tour, it’s basically a full-day thing. Actually, it bundles together a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where the famous snow monkeys hang out, and time for some winter games in the Shiga Highlands. It seems like these kinds of tours typically leave from places like Nagano Station. Very often, these also include things such as lunch and transportation, so you don’t really need to stress about the small stuff. It’s almost a really awesome option if you’re short on time but you’re hoping to experience the famous snow monkeys and a touch of that famed Japanese powder snow. A few years ago, I talked to some travelers that went to Nagano, and I found it amazing that almost everyone had great memories from seeing the snow monkeys, because, to be honest, what could be more cool than seeing monkeys hanging out in hot springs?

The Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park

The highlight for many, myself included, would be seeing the snow monkeys in their hot spring hangout. The monkeys, known formally as Japanese macaques, get a lot of attention for chilling out in these hot springs, mostly when it’s extremely cold. Typically, the sight is unique, adorable, and also surprisingly touching. This area isn’t that large, so don’t imagine some sprawling resort. A bit, it’s a natural park. While seeing the monkeys might be interesting, that also usually means walking along a forest trail that could take around 30 minutes, give or take, depending on how speedy you move, very often on some fairly icy paths.

When you actually get there, it’s a viewing experience. You know, expect lots of cameras and crowds. So, to actually make the most out of your visit, arrive ready to take pictures quickly. And be patient, in a way. That said, remember that it’s nature. If the temperature is comfortable for them, they won’t typically go in the water. If it does happens that the monkeys decide they do not want to be there, it’s kind of tough luck.

Snow Fun in Shiga Highlands

Alright, following your hangout with the monkeys, this tour usually includes time for snow activities up in Shiga Highlands. That is actually one of the largest ski areas. Seemingly, the “snow fun” part is often aimed at families, but anyway adults can find joy in it. Think sledding, snowball fights, or just messing around in the snow, so pretty standard fun stuff.

In my experience, these tours very often don’t offer structured lessons or fancy equipment. However, it does give you a great chance to just enjoy the winter air and those gorgeous snow scenes. Also, if you’re really hoping for a real ski or snowboarding adventure, this part may just give you a taste.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Alright, let’s chat about what you might expect to be covered in the tour deal and what you’ll want to sort out for yourself.

What’s Usually Included:

Transportation: Getting from Nagano Station to both the Snow Monkey Park and the Shiga Highlands area, so everything is typically managed.
Entrance Fees: Usually, your admission to the Snow Monkey Park is covered.
Lunch: Some tours provide lunch.
A Guide: A guide will follow you that makes communication easy.

What’s Often Not Included:

Snow Gear: If you would like proper ski gear, assume you’ll have to bring your own, or potentially rent it separately.
Activities in Shiga Highlands: Often, sledding and the like might cost you some money at the place, anyway it depends on what the tour mentions.
Drinks and Snacks: Keep in mind you might want extra refreshments, specifically if you’re quite active in the snow.

Make it a point to carefully read all the small print on your tour details so that, like your preferences, you can budget, pack properly, and show up totally ready. Or better yet, give them a call. A few minutes on the phone may save you the headache when it is too late to do anything about it.

Pros and Cons from Personal Experience

To start, no tour fits every single traveler just right. Here is a balanced look from personal experience:

The Good Stuff:

Convenience: Seriously, having transport and everything set for you takes out so much planning tension, actually ideal if you aren’t that into planning.
Time-Saving: Alright, everything is coordinated, you visit a couple locations in just one day. That, like your ability to visit both of these key points is awesome if you have limited time.
Good for First-Timers: If it is your first time going around the area, a guided tour could be rather helpful for learning stuff regarding the monkeys and that local scene.

Watch Out For:

Crowds: The Snow Monkey Park does gets quite crowded. Like I mentioned above, be mentally prepared to experience a viewing experience that involves patience and working your way in to grab photos.
Limited Time: Everything seems a bit quick when they compress activities into a day. So, your experience in each place could seem somewhat brief if, in a way, you love taking things a little more slow.
Weather Dependent: Plans could shift a bit if the weather conditions turn dicey, particularly affecting what you get to do up in Shiga Highlands.

Tips for a Great Tour Day

Want to go from, “yeah, it was okay”, to “that day was amazing?” Here is how.

Dress Warm: Seriously, layers, waterproof stuff, decent snow boots – prepare yourself for cool temps and potentially a whole lot of snow.
Bring a Good Camera: Do not count on phone cameras only; a decent camera works much better, even though it might seem difficult.
Pack Snacks and Water: Bringing snacks and water could be useful, because the day can seem quite lengthy between lunch and any potential dinner plans.
Be Mindful of the Monkeys: Don’t feed or touch the monkeys. You know, admire them, although at a respectable distance.
Check the Weather: Watch the conditions that week so you could adequately dress for any eventual change.

Other Snow Monkey Tours Options To Consider

OK, that said, the Snow Monkey and Snow Fun tour may not check everyones boxes so here are some other options you may find:

Combined Zenko-ji Temple and Snow Monkey Tour: You know, this one could give you a shot at culture, as you visit the beautiful Zenko-ji Temple ahead of hitting the Snow Monkey Park. It’s almost great if you’re looking to throw in some spiritual reflection with your animal encounter.
Private Snow Monkey Tours: You know, for a more luxurious or specialized experience, think about booking a private tour. They allow you to tailor the schedule and give you additional personalized attention, which is nice in order to totally customize everything as you want.
Overnight Tours: Extend that visit by going for an overnight tour. Also, they often include traditional ryokan stays and a possibility to get a taste of onsen culture. Also, sometimes those night and morning monkey viewings when all the daytime crowds tend to die down? Seriously, that’s the cherry on top.

Alright, I guess that wraps it up. Getting to know that tour and considering these guidelines should greatly enable your choice and preparations.