Time zone
GMT +09:00
No time difference
Currency
Japanese Yen
1PLN = 39.96JPY
Official languages
Japanese
Top things to do in Shimotakai
Klook's choice
Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(552) • 9K+ booked
PLN 440.09
Nagano Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine & Sake Culture Experience Day Tour (Departing from Nagano)
English guided
Free cancellation
(89) • 1K+ booked
PLN 367.89
Nagano Winter Private Tour with a local guide (from November to May)
Private tour
English guided
Private group
(27) • 500+ booked
PLN 531.79
Klook's choice
Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano day tour
Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
(264) • 3K+ booked
From
PLN 545.55
Nagano Snow Monkey Park Small Group Tour
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
New Activity
From
PLN 289.05
Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park & Zenko-ji Temple Day Tour with Local Lunch
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
PLN 469.25
From
PLN 900.95
Klook's choice
Nagano Snow Monkey Park Full-Day Private Guided Tour
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
(10)
PLN 1,564.09
Tokyo | Nagano Departure: Jigokudani Monkey Park Snow Monkey Hot Spring, Beef Sukiyaki | Togakushi Shrine Secret, Zenkoji Nakamise-dori | Limited-time Iiyama Snow Hut, Beef Sukiyaki
English guided
Free cancellation
(3) • 200+ booked
PLN 520.89
Winter Nagano Day Trip | Zenko-ji Temple & Iiyama Snow Hut & Nozawa Onsen Village (Departing from Nagano)
English guided
Free cancellation
(14) • 200+ booked
PLN 472.99
Nozawa | Togari Ski Resort Mandarin and English Ski Instructor (Includes Photography)
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(6) • 50+ booked
From
PLN 1,196.55
Klook's choice
Nagano Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Full-Day Discovery with Soba Lunch
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
PLN 300.35
Top attractions in Shimotakai
Nature park
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Welcome to Jigokudani Monkey Park Shimotakai, a magical haven where nature and wildlife come together in perfect harmony. Nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, this enchanting park is renowned for its wild Japanese macaques, affectionately known as snow monkeys. These fascinating creatures have captivated the hearts of visitors from around the world as they soak in the natural hot springs, a sight unique to this part of the globe. Set against the stunning backdrop of Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park, the park is located in the serene forests of the Jigokudani valley, also known as 'Hell's Valley' due to its steaming hot springs and rugged terrain. Here, you can witness the playful antics and heartwarming family interactions of these delightful animals, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Yamanouchi's landscape. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or an animal lover, Jigokudani Monkey Park offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
Ski resort
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous winter destinations! With great ski runs for both beginners and advanced skiers, you'll find lots to explore on the slopes at Nozawa Ski Resort.
Start your adventure by gliding down powdery slopes that suit every skill level, from beginner-friendly trails to thrilling advanced runs. After an exciting day on the mountain, relax in one of the village’s 13 free public hot springs and relieve your stress. Then, walk through the traditional streets lined with wooden inns, cozy cafés, and local shops where you can taste delicious Japanese treats.
Don’t miss the Dosojin Fire Festival in January, where the whole village lights up with energy and tradition! Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and winter white landscapes, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort gives you that satisfying blend of thrill and relaxation. So, pack your winter gear and book your Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort tour on Klook!
Park
Shiga Kogen
Located in the picturesque Nagano Prefecture highlands, Shiga Kogen is a group of 18 ski resorts where you can enjoy the biggest ski playground in Japan. With one lift pass, you can access all 48 lifts, gondolas, and ropeways across 18 resorts. Shiga Kogen is split into two main areas, meeting at a lively hub near the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki bus stop. Head south for a scenic climb up Mount Yokote at 2305 meters, where ski slopes and relaxing hot springs dot the route to the peak. Now, the northern area leads you to Oku Shiga Kogen, surrounded by towering 2000-meter peaks, offering a vast expanse for snow enthusiasts to play around. Also, the Higashidateyama Resort was the exciting stage for the slalom and giant slalom events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Tourist attraction
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is a charming hot spring village in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. There's a ton to do here in the winter! The village is famous for its Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, which has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Japan. During the ski season, the resort has amazing snow and slopes for both beginners and expert riders. Another cool thing about Nozawa Onsen is its many hot springs or onsens. After a fun day on the slopes, you can relax in a warm and authentic Japanese bath. The local food in Nozawa Onsen is also a treat. Don't miss out on famous Oyaki buns, pickled Nozawana greens, Shinshu Soba noodles, and hot nabe (hot pot) to warm you up in the winter. With awesome skiing, relaxing hot springs, and tasty food, Nozawa Onsen is a must-visit place. It’s easy to get to and just one hour's drive from Iiyama Station, making it perfect for a winter trip.
Transport in Shimotakai
PLN 875.89
Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata
Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(92) • 1K+ booked
PLN 1,707.65
Retail: PLN 1,886.95
Nagano to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
PLN 195.45
Tokyo to Iiyama - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
PLN 206.49
Iiyama to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
PLN 206.49
Hotels in Shimotakai
From
PLN 410.95
From
PLN 583.36
From
PLN 1,053.01
From
PLN 289.41
From
PLN 2,113.67
From
PLN 390
PLN 400.53
From
PLN 265.9
From
PLN 1,477.83
From
PLN 292.87
Rekishi-No-Yado Kanaguya
Instant confirmation
From
PLN 1,245.89
From
PLN 842.74
From
PLN 420.03
Reviews of Shimotakai activities
Qiang *
2026-07-07 23:49:24
This pass is very convenient and has great value to ride JR pass. We just got our pass tocket from Tokyo station and booked seats to Itoigawa and Nagano for the 1st day to get familiar withbJR train and ticket system. We also reserved the ticket between Tokyo and Osaka on the 2nd and last day, which is the main purpose of this pass. Then, we used this pass to travel between Osaka and Kyoto for 2 days, where we ride every half hour express HARUKA
Klook User
2026-10-10 21:18:57
Carp did a great job being a guide for this day tour I went on. She is interactive and knowledgeable. However, at the beginning it was a bit of a shaky start regarding of the free admission to the monkey park of the tour when we were advised that it wasn't included and there were few people queried it. But Carp was professional handling it, contacted the head office and 100% confirmed this tour includes free admission to the park. Other than that the tour went pretty well. For those who want to take part of this tour, bring your own lunch or snacks before the tour due to tight schedule and you can eat it on the bus. Be prepared to do lots of walking but you will enjoy it in the end.
John **********
2026-05-28 13:44:31
We had a brilliant time on the tour. Taketo was a fantastic tour guide who was knowledgeable, engaging and spoke great English. He really made the day for us. The monkey park and vineyard were highlights of the day although all the locations we visited were stunning. I would absolutely recommend this tour to any other visitors!
Klook User
2026-10-22 08:58:55
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An absolutely amazing experience with Snow Monkey Resorts! 🐒❄️
We had such a fantastic time, thanks to our awesome tour guide, Hishiro, and our wonderful driver, Asaki (apologies if I’ve spelt your names incorrectly! 😊).
Hishiro was such a cool, friendly and knowledgeable guide who made the whole experience even more enjoyable. He was also incredibly thoughtful, knowing we’d had a big day the day before trekking through the Cedar Woods 😂🌲 It was those little things that really made us feel looked after.
A huge shout-out to Asaki as well! He was an excellent driver, so polite, professional and friendly, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.
These two really made our day extra special, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team! ❤️
If you’re thinking of booking a tour with Snow Monkey Resorts, I highly recommend them! 🙌 Hopefully, you’re lucky enough to get Hishiro and Asaki too — they were absolutely awesome! Thank you both for such a memorable experience! 🇯🇵
Klook User
2026-06-18 04:26:35
It was a long drive, but totally worth it to see the snow monkeys. Our driver Atif was very accommodating. Overall it was an excellent experience. Just know that you're in for about 8hrs in the car and 2-3hrs of activity.
Yeow ********
2026-06-29 14:54:11
Our guide Shinji is a friendly and professional operator. His knowledge of Shibu Onsen town was particularly impressive. His local knowledge gave us a good insights into the daily lives of people in Onsen town.
Joel **
2026-04-29 13:08:38
A beautiful Ryokan over 100 years old with tatami flooring and futons avaliable, including being very close to the snow monkeys, and a famous sushi restaurant called Kozushi run by an gentlemanly elderly man. A must try if ever in the area.
Shimotakai at a glance
Quick facts about Shimotakai
General info
What to know before visiting Shimotakai
What to do in Shimotakai year-round
Shimotakai is best known for guided Tours and Outdoor & sports activities, with a smaller share of Cable cars, according to Klook booking data. The year has a strong high season in February and January when demand surges, while summer months from May through October are much quieter. That makes the city a draw for organised sightseeing and active mountain experiences when crowds peak in late winter. For travellers choosing when to go, the key decision is whether you want festival-like atmosphere in peak months or calmer, more flexible travel in quieter months — pick atmosphere or pick flexibility. Based on Klook booking data.
Best months to visit Shimotakai
Demand on Klook peaks in February and is far below typical in June, with the historical booking index showing February as the busiest and June as the trough. Prices on Klook drift through the year: the dataset shows April as the cheapest month and June as the priciest, so crowd levels and prices diverge around early autumn and early winter. If you want lower prices and fewer people, aim for April and the very quiet shoulder months; for peak-season atmosphere choose January–February when demand is highest.
| Month | Demand Level | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak demand | AUD 190 |
| February | Peak demand | AUD 178 |
| March | Busier than usual | AUD 181 |
| April | Quieter than usual | AUD 157 |
| May | Very quiet | |
| June | Very quiet | AUD 535 |
| July | Very quiet | AUD 172 |
| August | Very quiet | AUD 169 |
| September | Very quiet | AUD 223 |
| October | Very quiet | AUD 226 |
| November | Quieter than usual | AUD 205 |
| December | Peak demand | AUD 209 |
Demand is bookings in that month compared with a typical month, from historical Klook booking data, grouped into the demand levels above; typical price is the median paid on Klook in that month; prices are shown with their currency code. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.
Where to stay in Shimotakai
Klook booking data shows Kijimadaira as the most affordable district with a typical nightly rate around AUD 294, while Nozawaonsen is the priciest at around AUD 381, a gap of roughly 23% between them. Kijimadaira suits travellers prioritising budget and flexibility, and is a good fit for those who plan to spend more time outdoors or on day activities. Nozawaonsen tends to suit travellers wanting a higher-end stay, perhaps with more on-site facilities or a focus on comfort and ambience. These figures and comparisons are based on Klook booking data.
Tips for travellers from Australia
Most Australian travellers book experiences about 12 days ahead on Klook, with the earliest planners booking around 20 days out, so a little planning helps secure your preferred dates. Because February is a peak month and June shows high prices, consider booking earlier for travel in those months; if you travel in quieter months you can be more flexible. Use Klook to compare options and lock in activities once your dates are set — the platform’s past booking patterns suggest it’s straightforward to find and confirm experiences before you go. Based on Klook booking data.
FAQs about Shimotakai
When is the best time to visit Shimotakai County?
When is the best time to visit Shimotakai County?
When is the cheapest time to visit Shimotakai County?
When is the cheapest time to visit Shimotakai County?
How far ahead should I book activities in Shimotakai County if I'm travelling from Australia?
How far ahead should I book activities in Shimotakai County if I'm travelling from Australia?
How much do activities in Shimotakai County typically cost on Klook?
How much do activities in Shimotakai County typically cost on Klook?
What is Shimotakai County best known for on Klook?
What is Shimotakai County best known for on Klook?