Time zone
GMT +09:00
No time difference
Currency
Japanese Yen
1AUD = 110.37JPY
Official languages
Japanese
Top things to do in Shimotakai
Spring deal
Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park, Togakushi Shrine, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Culture Experience Day Tour (Departing from Nagano)
English guided
Free cancellation
$ 133.20
Spring deal
Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
$ 164.15
Winter Nagano Day Trip | Zenko-ji Temple & Iiyama Snow Hut & Nozawa Onsen Village (Departing from Nagano)
English guided
Free cancellation
$ 195.99
Togakushi Shrine & Snow Monkeys Full-Day Mountain Tour
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
$ 158.65
Nagano Winter Private Tour with a local guide (from November to May)
Private tour
English guided
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
$ 192.55
Rhythm Hakuba Ski/Snowboard Gear & Wear Rental
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
Private group
Free cancellation
$ 139.45
Klook's choice
Nagano Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen Cultural Tour
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Afternoon departure
Free cancellation
$ 89.70
Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine Private Day Tour from Nagano
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
$ 253.70
Snow Monkey and Shiga Kogen Roman Museum Trip with Lunch Buffet
English guided
Free cancellation
$ 185.75
Spring deal
Nozawa | Togari Ski Resort Chinese and English ski instructor
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
$ 450.55
Klook's choice
Nagano Snow Monkey Park Full-Day Private Guided Tour
Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
$ 566.29
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
JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
Instant confirmation
$ 317.15
Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
$ 618.29
$ 683.19
Nagano to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
$ 70.79
Iiyama to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
$ 74.75
Tokyo to Iiyama - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
$ 74.75
Hotels in Shimotakai
Nozawa Grand Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
$ 214.59
20 off
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
$ 210.15
20 off
Hotel Housei
Instant confirmation
From
$ 132.02
$ 143.77
20 off
Snow Monkey Lodge - Hostel
Instant confirmation
From
$ 113.64
Club Wyndham Shirakabaso Shigakogen
Instant confirmation
From
$ 162.93
$ 164.56
Wafu No Yado MASUYA
Instant confirmation
From
$ 239.71
20 off
Shibu Onsen KOKUYA
Instant confirmation
From
$ 502.98
20 off
Shibu Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
$ 407.50
$ 437.21
20 off
Koishiya Ryokan
Instant confirmation
From
$ 87.09
20 off
Kumanoyu Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
$ 233.58
20 off
Shimaya
Instant confirmation
From
$ 225.21
20 off
Hotel Yudanaka
Instant confirmation
From
$ 142.54
20 off
Reviews of Shimotakai activities
Law ********
2026-02-13 06:13:36
Coach: This class was my first day ever snowboarding. Coach Henry from Taiwan provided attentive and meticulous care, giving me a great experience. Because I always used my left foot as my lead foot when waterskiing, I also used my left foot when I first started snowboarding. Later, the coach noticed that my right foot was more fluid when doing the movements, and encouraged and suggested that I try learning with my right foot. In the end, I really discovered that my right foot was actually my lead foot. Thank you to the coach for understanding my needs and constantly caring about my needs!
Rhea *****
2026-02-03 07:41:24
We went in peak winter (end of January 2026) and this place was lovely. Very quaint and pretty boutique hotel. Owners are very sweet and accommodating. Their in-house onsen and public bath is also very good. They even provide free shuttle service to the snow monkey park and Yudanaka station which makes travel super convenient. I loved this place and will definitely visit again given its proximity to Tokyo.
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.
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 用戶
2026-02-20 04:40:36
I had a very pleasant conversation with Mr. Ge from Shanghai. He's been in Japan for 25 years and is familiar with tourist attractions. Originally, our third day was just going to be spent shopping in Shibuya in downtown Tokyo, but after talking with him, we learned that the Harry Potter museum in Nerima Ward could be explored in 4 hours. We immediately changed our itinerary, which really added to the memories of our trip. We've been to Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, and the Harry Potter museum. I really recommend a trip to the Harry Potter museum. It's more relaxing than amusement parks where you're constantly waiting in line for rides. The immersive experience throughout the entire area is great, with so much to see and rich content. The surrounding commercial area selling merchandise is also very interesting, unlike the single area at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
Charles **********
2026-03-13 13:07:58
The trip was super nice. It still pushed through even though we're only 5 in the group. The pacing just feels right for both the snow monkey and the shrines. Helen, our tour guide, was also very accommodating and friendly.
Klook User
2026-03-15 02:06:06
We loved this tour! It was fun but also easy and stress free having Dillon as our guide, and transportation via bus to all sites. Dillon had an incredible wealth of knowledge about all things Snow Monkeys, Sake, and Zenkoji Temple. We enjoyed this experience and is a highlight of our trip! Be mindful the walk to see the monkeys is long but worth it, and if you do the dark passage at the temple, it takes up a bit of your free time that you may otherwise prefer to use for exploring shops and food options.
ArlizKatrina *****
2026-02-27 12:19:14
It was a wonderful tour with a lovely tour guide, Hana, same name with sakura. I am glad I booked this daytrip. It was informative and well executed tour despite of a long ride in the bus. First, we stopped by to have a sumptuous beef sukiyaki lunch. Then proceeded to hiking for 40minutes to see cute snow monkeys bathing in hot spring. Please bring cleats or anti slip gear for shoes, to avoid accidents during hiking. So thankful, all of us were mindful of the given time thus we we’re able to complete the itinerary. The last stop was the Kamakura Snow Dome Village. So glad to experience my first snow in Nagano. Truly memorable and magical experience. Arigathanks 🌸💕
Chua **********
2026-02-12 08:52:18
was initially only looking forward to the Nagano Snow Monkeys portion of the trip but the visit to the shrine was enjoyable too! took many photos.. and loved the walk with surrounding snow. The guide prepared crampons for all of us so the walk was very lovely!
Shimotakai at a glance
Quick facts about Shimotakai
General info
What to know before visiting Shimotakai
Shimotakai County at a glance
Shimotakai County draws most bookings for tours, outdoor and sports activities, with cable car rides showing up among niche options. Demand has a clear seasonal pulse, with a strong winter peak and much quieter months in early summer.
Best times to visit and price notes
Klook booking data show demand peaks around February and falls to its lowest around June. Prices across the year vary: past bookings suggest April is typically the cheapest month while June can be the priciest, so price and demand do not move perfectly together. If you want lower prices and smaller crowds, aim for April or the quiet early-summer months; for the lively, peak-season atmosphere go in February.
Tips for travellers from Australia
Most travellers from Australia typically book around 12 days in advance, with bookings commonly made up to about 20 days ahead and some last-minute options available roughly 4 days before. If you’re planning a short trip, there’s flexibility to book on Klook a week or two out, but for travel in February consider securing popular tours earlier to avoid disappointment.
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?