Explore Shimotakai
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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
₫ 2,422,580
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
₫ 2,897,866
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
₫ 3,592,669
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
₫ 3,502,028
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
₫ 3,460,828
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
₫ 1,648,013
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
₫ 1,977,616
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)
₫ 12,360,099
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 ₫ 7,879,564
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
₫ 4,614,437
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
₫ 1,631,533

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 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
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
₫ 5,768,046
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
₫ 11,245,266
₫ 12,426,020
Nagano to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Nagano

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

Instant confirmation
₫ 1,287,098
Iiyama to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Iiyama

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

Instant confirmation
₫ 1,359,611
Tokyo to Iiyama - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Train tickets • Tokyo

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

Instant confirmation
₫ 1,359,611

Hotels in Shimotakai

Hotel Hoshikawakan
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Hoshikawakan

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (96)
From ₫ 2,540,902
Nozawa Grand Hotel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Nozawa Grand Hotel

Instant confirmation
From ₫ 3,998,282
20 off
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 3.9 (183)
From ₫ 3,928,854
20 off
Koishiya Ryokan
Hotels • Shimotakai

Koishiya Ryokan

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (149)
From ₫ 1,800,700
20 off
Hotel Housei
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Housei

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (237)
From ₫ 2,548,373
20 off
Shibu Onsen KOKUYA
Hotels • Shimotakai

Shibu Onsen KOKUYA

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (127)
From ₫ 12,694,685
20 off
Yorozuya
Hotels • Shimotakai

Yorozuya

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (68)
From ₫ 9,757,507
Hotel Yudanaka
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Yudanaka

Instant confirmation
★ 3.7 (52)
From ₫ 2,982,401
₫ 3,243,553
20 off
Hotel Takimoto
Hotels • Shimotakai

Hotel Takimoto

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (23)
From ₫ 2,551,722
20 off
Shibu Hotel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Shibu Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (230)
From ₫ 7,632,823
20 off
Snow Monkey Lodge - Hostel
Hotels • Shimotakai

Snow Monkey Lodge - Hostel

Instant confirmation
From ₫ 2,089,507
Aburaya Tosen
Hotels • Shimotakai

Aburaya Tosen

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (224)
From ₫ 4,358,006

Reviews of Shimotakai activities

Law ********
2026-02-13 06:13:36
Fantastic 5.0
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!
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.

Shimotakai at a glance

When is the busiest time to visit Shimotakai?

Based on what travelers booked on Klook

Busier than usual Quieter than usual
+200%
+100%
Typical
-100%
Busiest +116%
Jan
+57%
Feb
+56%
Mar
-51%
Apr
-78%
May
-46%
Jul
-89% Quietest
Aug
-46%
Sep
-57%
Oct
-3%
Nov
+24%
Dec

Demand in Shimotakai County peaks in January (about 116% above a typical month) and is quietest in August (around 89% below a typical month), so travellers from Singapore should book early for January and expect easier availability and fewer crowds in August. Based on Klook historical booking data.

When is Shimotakai cheapest?

Find months that fit your budget.

$500
$400
$300
$200
$100
Avg $172 Cheapest $110 Priciest $421
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun

Activities are typically cheapest in March (around USD 110), roughly 74% below the priciest month in June, so visiting in March can mean lower activity costs — this also aligns with the quieter August demand window shown above. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.

How far ahead should you book?

Plan ahead so you don’t miss out

3 daysLast-minute
10 daysTypical
23 daysEarly

Most travellers book about 10 days ahead, which suggests moderate planning; during January’s peak you may still want to lock in bookings earlier. Based on Klook booking data, February 2026 – July 2026.

Quick facts about Shimotakai

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1JPY = 164.80VND

  • Official languages

What to know before visiting Shimotakai

Quick overview of Shimotakai County and what draws visitors

Shimotakai County attracts most bookings for Tours and Outdoor & sports activities, with a year that builds to a clear high point in January and then eases for long stretches. Demand data shows a strong winter peak and much lighter demand through late summer, so the county’s busiest periods concentrate early in the year while outdoor experiences remain a major draw.

Best times to visit based on demand and prices

Klook booking data shows January is the peak month for demand, while August is the quietest. Prices move differently across the year: Klook’s historical prices dip to a typical low in March and climb to a peak around June, so the months of lower demand (like August) are not always the cheapest, and the priciest month by past bookings can fall outside the busiest period. If you want smaller crowds and better value, consider March or the quieter late-summer months; if you want the peak-season atmosphere and the busiest choices, aim for January.

Tips for travellers from Singapore

Travellers from Singapore typically book about 10 days ahead, with many last-minute bookings possible within a few days, so you can be flexible when planning. For travel in January — the busiest month — consider firming up plans earlier (towards the earlier side of the typical booking window), while quieter months allow more spontaneous booking; use Klook to compare availability and lock in Tours or Outdoor activities when you’re ready.

FAQs about Shimotakai

When is the best 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 Singapore?

How much do activities in Shimotakai County typically cost?

What is Shimotakai County best known for on Klook?