Day 1 Train to Nagano – Yamanouchi

We gather again in the morning to make the trip back to Shinjuku station where we will board one of the famed Japanese bullet trains bound for Nagano. Arriving in Nagano, we switch tracks to Snow Monkey Express, a direct limited express train that will take us into the historic onsen (hot spring) resort area of Yamanouchi.

Day 2/3 Yamanouchi – Snow Monkeys

We will spend our mornings taking the trail to the entrance of the Snow Monkey valley on the edge of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. There we will be able to observe the famous Japanese snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) as they come out from their nighttime huddles to partake in the geothermic waters that run through the valley. A man-made onsen pool is located at the center of the valley and much of the interactions and play along with relaxation to warm themselves takes place here. Mid-morning we will hike back through the forest and partake in a lunch at a nearby café before returning again to the park for more photographic opportunities with the monkeys.

Day 4 Train to Tokyo/ Shibuya City

Saying good by to the old world onsen village of Yamanouchi, we retrace our train route back into Tokyo, this time taking it Shibuya City. Here we check in to our lodging before exploring the local parks through the evening or potentially braving the urban environment to visit the famed Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crosswalk. 

Day 5 Depart Tokyo for home

We say goodbye to the land of the rising sun as we make our way back to Haneda or Narita International for afternoon flights home.