Itinerary
Snow Monkeys, Samurai Castles & Niseko Powder
7 days · 15 stops · ¥180,000–¥280,000
Sat, Feb 6 – Fri, Feb 12
Four days discovering Nagano's winter wonders — snow monkeys, Matsumoto Castle, and hidden temples — then three days of world-class powder skiing in Niseko with winter festivals and onsen to warm the soul.
Days
快速踊り子, CC BY-SA 4.0
Zenkoji Temple
Nagano
Schedule
Day 01 of 07Land at HND · Sat, Feb 6 · from JFK · 2 travelers
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Snow · 1 night
Sat, Feb 6 → Sun, Feb 7 · 2 guests
14:00
EXPLORE
善光寺
Stay ~1h 15m
Zenkoji-shita Station (Nagano Dentetsu line)
Arrive before 4pm to explore the 7th-century temple and its hidden Buddha statue — the main hall closes at 16:00 sharp.
~1h 4m by car
16:19
EXPLORE
地獄谷野猿公苑
Stay ~2h 30m
Yudanaka Station (Nagano Dentetsu/Nagaden Line, via limited express "Yukemuri"/"Snowmonkey" from Nagano Station, ~45 min)
A wildlife park in the Yokoyu River valley (850m altitude) inside Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park, Yamanouchi, Nagano, where wild Japanese macaques descend from the surrounding forest to bathe in a natural steaming hot spring pool built for them. Established in 1964, it lets visitors observe the monkeys up close with no fences or barriers separating people and animals.
~53 min by car
19:42
EXPLORE
信越トレイル
Stay ~1h 30m
⚠ likely closed by then — usually closes ~6:00 PM; double-check before going
Shiyakusho-Mae Station
Scenic hiking route that stretches through the beautiful landscapes of the Japanese Alps, offering breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and rivers. Free to enter.
Getting around
🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →01 / 07
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥19,000–¥34,000 / person / day
¥265,000–¥475,000 total for 2 travellers
💴 Carry ~¥9,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 14 travel legs, 6 hotel nights and 1 ticketed event. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
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Get Around
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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