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Top things to do in Shimotakai

Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park, Togakushi Shrine, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Culture Experience Day Tour (Departing from Nagano)
Autumn deal
Tours • From Nagano

Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park, Togakushi Shrine, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Culture Experience Day Tour (Departing from Nagano)

English guided
Free cancellation
★ 4.8 (87) • 1K+ booked
£ 70.39
30 off
Sale
Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch
Autumn deal
Tours • From Tokyo

Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (552) • 9K+ booked
£ 87.59
20 off
Sale
Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano day tour
Klook's choice
Tours • From Nagano

Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano day tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (262) • 3K+ booked
From £ 104.00
Nagano Winter Private Tour with a local guide (from November to May)
Tours • From Myoko, Matsumoto, Shimotakai, Nagano, Kitaadumi

Nagano Winter Private Tour with a local guide (from November to May)

Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (27) • 500+ booked
£ 101.75
Winter Nagano Day Trip | Zenko-ji Temple & Iiyama Snow Hut & Nozawa Onsen Village (Departing from Nagano)
Tours • From Nagano

Winter Nagano Day Trip | Zenko-ji Temple & Iiyama Snow Hut & Nozawa Onsen Village (Departing from Nagano)

English guided
Free cancellation
★ 4.6 (14) • 200+ booked
£ 100.55
50 off
Sale
Nagano Snow Monkey Park Small Group Tour with Guide
Tours • From Nagano

Nagano Snow Monkey Park Small Group Tour with Guide

English guided
Free cancellation
New Activity
£ 47.89
Nagano Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen 1-Day Tour (with Soba Lunch)
Klook's choice
Tours • From Nagano, Shimotakai, Iiyama

Nagano Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen 1-Day Tour (with Soba Lunch)

English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
£ 57.45
40 off
Sale
Ski Lessons in Nozawa Onsen
Outdoor & sports activities • Shimotakai

Ski Lessons in Nozawa Onsen

English guided
Morning departure
3-5 hrs
Private group
Free cancellation
★ 5.0 (3)
£ 373.45
Nozawa | Togari Ski Resort Chinese and English ski instructor
Autumn deal
Outdoor & sports activities • Shimotakai

Nozawa | Togari Ski Resort Chinese and English ski instructor

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (6) • 50+ booked
From £ 228.90
15 off
Sale
Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine Private Day Tour from Nagano
Tours • From Nagano, Myoko, Joetsu, Kitaadumi, Shimotakai

Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine Private Day Tour from Nagano

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
50+ booked
£ 134.05
Nagano Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen Cultural Tour
Klook's choice
Tours • From Shimotakai

Nagano Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen Cultural Tour

Book now for today
English guided
Afternoon departure
Free cancellation
★ 4.9 (46) • 600+ booked
£ 47.39

Top attractions in Shimotakai

Nature park
5.0/5(5K+ reviews)

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
4.5/5(104K+ reviews)

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
5.0/5(3K+ reviews)

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
4.5/5(104K+ reviews)

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.
JR Hokuriku Arch Pass
Rail passes • From Tokyo

JR Hokuriku Arch Pass

Book now for tomorrow
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (2,120) • 60K+ booked
£ 170.95
Freebies
Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata
Car charters • From Tokyo

Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (92) • 1K+ booked
£ 326.69
£ 360.99
Nagano to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Nagano

Nagano to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
£ 37.39
Iiyama to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Iiyama

Iiyama to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
£ 39.49
Tokyo to Iiyama - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Tokyo

Tokyo to Iiyama - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
£ 39.49

Hotels in Shimotakai

Hotel Hoshikawakan
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Hoshikawakan

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (96)
From £ 72.79
Nozawa Grand Hotel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Nozawa Grand Hotel

Instant confirmation
From £ 114.26
20 off
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 3.9 (183)
From £ 111.92
20 off
Koishiya Ryokan
Hotels • Shimotakai

Koishiya Ryokan

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (149)
From £ 51.58
20 off
Hotel Housei
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Housei

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (237)
From £ 74.27
20 off
Shibu Onsen KOKUYA
Hotels • Shimotakai

Shibu Onsen KOKUYA

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (127)
From £ 369.65
20 off
Yorozuya
Hotels • Shimotakai

Yorozuya

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (68)
From £ 273.68
Hotel Yudanaka
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Yudanaka

Instant confirmation
★ 3.7 (52)
From £ 85.44
£ 92.92
20 off
Hotel Takimoto
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Takimoto

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (23)
From £ 72.88
20 off
Shibu Hotel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Shibu Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (230)
From £ 219.51
20 off
Snow Monkey Lodge - Hostel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Snow Monkey Lodge - Hostel

Instant confirmation
From £ 59.39
Aburaya Tosen
Hotels • Shimotakai

Aburaya Tosen

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (224)
From £ 126.34

Reviews of Shimotakai activities

Charles **********
2026-03-13 13:07:58
Fantastic 5.0
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
Fantastic 5.0
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
Fantastic 5.0
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 🌸💕
Shalee *******
2026-03-02 08:55:08
Fantastic 5.0
this was a fantastic trio of villages to visit, especially in winter. Gokayama is quiet and otherworldly! The paper washi making was super fun, our guide and driver were consistent and reliable, the car itself was comfy, and the scenery between places was absolutely breathtaking. definitely worth paying the money to get to experience the immense beauty of this region without the hassle of driving or getting around via other methods.
Jacqueline ***
2026-03-04 23:19:47
Fantastic 5.0
Fantastic afternoon tour. The monkeys did not disappoint, we were there for the afternoon. feeding time so we were very fortunate to see so many of them running around and through the crowds without hesitation. Our guide Rosella was brilliant! She was organised, accommodating and so funny! Her knowledge of the local areas and the monkey park was substantial - no question went unanswered. would absolutely recommend you take this tour with Rosella.
Dinah ******
2026-02-16 09:29:50
Fantastic 5.0
Our tour was on a Monday and we had Dave as our guide. The tour itself was great. We started the tour at monkey park. I do wish we had the option to arrive there earlier to beat the crowd, and enjoy walk to the park. But if you’re patient enough, you can get a good spot to see the monkeys in the hot springs. Before heading to the shrine, we stopped for lunch and let Dave picked. So glad he picked, it was delicious soba. Then we arrived at shrine. The walk along the tree lines felt ethereal and majestic, especially with the snow. Now about our tour guide, Dave really made the whole day super enjoyable. He arrived promptly and warmly. Dave was a wonderful tour guide. He lives locally, and pointed out fun local spots. At each location, he was very patient with us. Went above and beyond when taking our photos. Loved this tour.

Quick facts about Shimotakai

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1GBP = 208.87JPY

  • Official languages

FAQs about Shimotakai

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