Time zone
GMT +09:00
No time difference
Currency
Japanese Yen
1EUR = 176.76JPY
Official languages
Japanese
Top things to do in Shimotakai
Nagano Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine & Sake Culture Experience Day Tour (Departing from Nagano)
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(90) • 1K+ booked
€ 68.35
Klook's choice
Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(552) • 9K+ booked
€ 114.40
Klook's choice
Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano day tour
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
(267) • 3K+ booked
€ 123.35
Nagano Winter Private Tour with a local guide (from November to May)
Private tour
English guided
Private group
(27) • 500+ booked
€ 138.25
Jigokudani Snow Monkey + Togakushi Shrine/Iiyama Snow Huts | Nagano/Matsumoto
English guided
Free cancellation
New Activity
€ 102.55
Nagano Snow Monkey Park Small Group Tour
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
New Activity
From
€ 84.59
Winter Nagano Day Trip | Zenko-ji Temple & Iiyama Snow Hut & Nozawa Onsen Village (Departing from Nagano)
English guided
Free cancellation
(14) • 200+ booked
€ 136.65
Klook's choice
Nagano Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Full-Day Discovery with Soba Lunch
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(2)
€ 78.09
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
€ 135.40
Rhythm Hakuba Ski/Snowboard Gear & Wear Rental
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
€ 95.79
Klook's choice
Nagano Snow Monkey Park Full-Day Private Guided Tour
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
(10) • 50+ booked
€ 406.65
Nozawa | Togari Ski Resort Mandarin and English Ski Instructor (Includes Photography)
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(6) • 50+ booked
From
€ 297.55
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 is a fantastic destination in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan, known for its great skiing and charming hot spring village. With incredible ski runs for both beginners and advanced skiers, you'll find plenty to explore on the slopes at Nozawa Ski Resort. After a fun day on the slopes, you can relax in one of the many hot springs in Nozawa Onsen Village—a perfect way to soothe your muscles. But that's not all! A visit in mid-January means you can enjoy the Dosojin Fire Festival, an exciting event that highlights Nozawa's rich culture and history. Everything here is within walking distance, making it easy to explore the traditional Japanese village streets. With its incredible snow, vibrant culture, and soothing hot springs, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is an exciting winter getaway that you won't forget.
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
€ 99.15
Tokyo Car Rental with Driver to Nearby Ski Resorts - Hakuba/Karuizawa/Niigata
Instant confirmation
(92) • 1K+ booked
€ 13.35
€ 14.15
Nagano to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
€ 44.25
Iiyama to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
€ 46.70
Tokyo to Iiyama - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
€ 46.70
Hotels in Shimotakai
From
€ 94.81
From
€ 130.95
From
€ 481.08
From
€ 246.03
From
€ 190.59
From
€ 69.81
From
€ 379.35
From
€ 100.88
From
€ 159.04
From
€ 88.98
€ 90.81
From
€ 121.64
From
€ 304.83
€ 307.91
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
Lior ******
2026-11-05 12:20:29
It was a lovely time!! Although I only got to see a few monkeys, the rest of the trip was just as fun and beautiful. The spots we went to were really nice and our guide Carp San was a delight! It is a pretty physically demanding tour, so keep that in mind and come prepared for a lot of walking!
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! 🇯🇵
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
2026-10-28 10:17:54
What a great day and super guide, Ryu. The rain and cold air did not stop us from enjoying the tour. Ryu was kind and knowledgeable from the start. He helped us navigate the train tickets, bus fare and entrance fees. The snow monkeys showed up in full force and we had infinite photo opportunities. After a delicious lunch we took the bus to a local onsen and warmed our feet in the hot spring water. The train then took us back to
Jonas **
2026-11-04 08:51:50
Umut was very friendly and a great tour guide ! Definitely recommend if you want a nice tour to the snow monkeys 🙊 👍
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.
Ngo *******
2026-10-30 09:53:15
You do need know a little of the Japanese language to be able to communicate with staff. They are kind and friendly. The room was spacious. Classic styling and comfortable. We had a good view of misty mountains. The location was not too bad from the train and bus terminal. A bit hill-y. Nearest 7-Eleven is the closest for sending luggage though.
Shimotakai at a glance
Quick facts about Shimotakai
General info
What to know before visiting Shimotakai
What to do in Shimotakai all year
Shimotakai is best known for guided Tours and Outdoor & sports activities, with occasional Cable cars showing up in bookings. Klook booking data shows demand peaks in January and February, when visitors chase winter scenery and organised tours; March stays busy while April to May calm down. The top booking categories mean most travellers come for active, guided experiences and outdoor adventures. Decide whether you want festival crowds or quieter trails — choose peak months for atmosphere or quieter months for space — Klook booking data supports that rhythm.
Best months to visit Shimotakai
January and February are the busiest months: Klook booking data classifies them as Peak demand, while May and several other months fall well below a typical month. Prices drift across the year, hitting a local low in April and a high in June; some quiet months also bring lower typical prices, but the priciest month diverges from the absolute busiest months. For lower prices and smaller crowds, consider April or the very quiet months; for peak-season atmosphere pick January or February.
| Month | Demand Level | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak demand | PHP 7,730 |
| February | Peak demand | PHP 7,136 |
| March | Peak demand | PHP 6,601 |
| April | About average | PHP 6,541 |
| May | Very quiet | |
| July | Very quiet | PHP 6,838 |
| September | Quieter than usual | PHP 9,395 |
| October | Very quiet | PHP 8,563 |
| November | Very quiet | PHP 8,266 |
| December | About average | PHP 7,968 |
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 base yourself in Shimotakai
Klook booking data shows Kijimadaira as the most affordable district, typically around PHP 11,715 per night, while Nozawaonsen sits at the priciest end, typically around PHP 15,164 per night. The gap between them is roughly 23%, according to Klook bookings. Cheaper districts tend to suit travellers prioritising budget and flexibility, while pricier districts often suit those after a more premium stay or convenience at main sights. Use these typical nightly prices on Klook to choose the comfort level that fits your trip.
Tips for travellers from the Philippines
Most travellers book in advance: Klook booking data shows people typically lock experiences in about 10 days ahead, with the earliest planners booking around 23 days out. That means you can stay flexible and still find options a few days before travel, but in January and February (the peak months) it pays to plan earlier. Last-minute bookers can still manage with about 3 days lead time on many options. Book on Klook to secure guided tours and outdoor activities popular in peak periods while keeping the option to adjust plans if your dates shift.
FAQs about Shimotakai
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