Yamanouchi Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)

Life’s checklist - Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park

One of my life’s checklist done!! ❤️ “Jigokudani Yaen-koen (altitude 850 meters) is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River sourced from Shiga-Kogen of the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park in northern part of Nagano prefecture” Now that’s ✅, oh my gosh was this place hard to get to. 4hours each way from Tokyo is no joke seriously - train Shinkansen train train bus - it was tedious! So don’t be like me and take a day tour la 🇯🇵 Once you are there, you also need to be cardio-fit in order to actually reach the park. The hilly climb from the bus stop and then 1.6km trek from the bus stop to the entrance of the park is just the beginning - you really need to want to go there 🫢 But once there, those monkeys are super cute la. 🙈 the big ones, the furry ones, the little ones - to be amongst them while they ignore you and carry on with their lives is surreal. Once in a lifetime worth! 🍀 Of course they are called snow monkeys coz visitors love to visit during winter when the snow falls on the furry coats but since I’m here during autumn why not make it an autumn monkey trip right? 🤣

Getting There - Nagano Attractions - Snow Monkeys 🙉

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Japanese Macaques, more popularly known as the Snow Monkeys, inhabits this park located in the forests of the Jigokudani valley in Yamanouchi. The monkeys love to gather around this man-made onsen pool and it is really interesting to watch them interact and socialize with each other while soaking in the warm pools. The best time to visit this place is during winter months, when the whole place will be covered in snow. The walk to the onsen pool is quite a long but very scenic one. It was very enjoyable walking through the forest trees all covered in snow and the scenic river landscape. #momentssg #nyedestinations #japan

Monkey Paradise in Winter, Tokyo

If I could only recommend one place to visit during Winter in Tokyo area, the Jigokudani Money Park will be my choice without a doubt! Located to the nearest city, Tokyo, the monkey park is easily accessible via public transport, and the exact bus/train information can be found easily online. I will highly recommend to plan your trip early in advance so as to not miss any schedule! Once reaching the entrance, there will be a 20mins walk before reaching the park where the snow monkeys live. This 20mins walk is one of the most enjoyable, easy hike because of how beautiful the whole place is when covered with snow. And once you reach the monkey park, that’s where the real fun begins! You will be able to look at the natural habitat and behavior of these snow monkeys, and because nothing is caged, these cute ones may even come running next to you! Just be careful not to do anything that may irritate them. The park although is opened all year round, but I will HIGHLY recommend to visit during the winter season as these place looks the absolute best in snow. One extra tip for those photographers. Make sure to bring a tele zoom lens so you can take photos of the monkey close up! It makes me feel like a Natgeo photographer for a moment! 😂 #unforgettableexperiences #momentssg #japan #tokyojapan #hiking #nationalpark #unforgettableexperiences

Nagano Prefecture, near the Alps Mountains in central Japan, has a superb view. There are many hot spring hotels and hotels in the hot springs and Yudanaka Onsen Township, a 50-minute drive from Nagano City. This time, a Japanese-style hot spring hotel on the river is simply overwhelming. Expected sticks, the entrance is the torrential water and the snow-capped mountains, the back door of the hotel is directly opposite the hot spring street. In the evening, climb the hill, breathe the fresh and natural cold air to enjoy the snow, eat the hot spring dishes at night and soak a soup, praise! The hotel also has a free Yudanaka station pick-up service and a car to Noji Park. Luggage can also be stored directly at the cafe next to the station. Next time I want to see a cherry blossom!

Shibu Onsen

#familytrips2024 Our family trip to Shinu Onsen was magical. Nestled in the serene Japanese Alps, the tranquil hot springs provided a perfect escape. We soaked in the rejuvenating waters while admiring the picturesque snowy landscape. Traditional ryokan hospitality made our stay memorable, with delicious kaiseki meals and tatami mat rooms adding an authentic touch. Strolling through the quaint village and enjoying the natural beauty was truly refreshing. For our next adventure, we're heading to Kyoto. The city’s rich cultural heritage, from the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, promises an immersive experience. We're excited to explore the historic streets of Gion, visit traditional tea houses, and witness the vibrant festivals that bring Kyoto's history to life.

Hot spring area in Nagano

Name 📝: Shibu Onsen Area Address 📍:PCMJ+P7 Yamanochi, Nagano, Japan Nearest stations: Bus 🚌: Shibu Onsen (right to the place) Train 🚊: Yudanaka (10 minute walk) Famous for✨: having dozens and dozens of hot spring hotels (both for day trip and for overnight) for whole body or just feet - with beautiful views and bird chirping that make the whole environment relaxing Tourist spots nearby 👀: 🛍️ the streets surrounding the hot spring places have a wide range of shops and food stalls ⛩️ Amagawa Shrine (15 minute walk) an important local shrine #nagano #Yudanaka #japan

trip of ski in Nagano

Ryuoo Ski Park

Experience the ultimate skiing at Hakuba • Ryuoo Ski Park is located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and is one of the most popular ski resorts among both Japanese and international tourists. • The highlight of this place is the breathtaking view from the mountain peak at 1,930 meters above sea level. • There are a variety of ski slopes for all levels of difficulty, including beginners, intermediate players, and experts. • In addition, there are other activities to enjoy such as snowmobiling, tubing, and viewing the scenery from the aerial gondola.

Explore one of Japan's three major hot spring towns: Gero Onsen, a retro Japanese-style hotel -Sanjoko recently went to one of Japan's most famous hot springs: Gero Onsen, it and Kusatsu Onsen, Ama Hot Springs is listed as the Hometown of Three Hot Springs in Japan. - There are more than 90 hot spring hotels in the area of Xilu Hot Springs. From the mountains to the waterfront, each has its own style. It happened that the [Shuiming Hall] we stayed in was one of the most famous ones, and it has been more than 80 years old. Japanese courtyards, zephyr architecture and decoration have only become a part of the Japanese style. : There are 3 hot spring baths in the Shuming Hall. The open-air hot springs in the hot springs are the contrast between the warmth and the hot springs. 2 Looking at the big bathing place can look at the entire scenery of Gero City; 3 in the independent bathing place can enjoy a very private hot spring time. : There is still a stage in the hotel. If you are lucky, you can watch a traditional performance. Room: - Back to the room, I also like it very much. And the room, more special, this room type is very large, not only has two rooms, but also a hot spring that can be soaked in the room. -A cup of tea and a dessert, feel the leisure time of Japan with a feeling of relaxation. -Last picture: above is the map of the hotel, below is the hotel's internal map [Shuiming Hall] Address: 509-2206 Gyoda 1268, Gero, Gifu Prefecture

The second stop of the Japanese Spring Festival holiday

The amazing retreat at a ryokan

Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku is a four star traditional Japanese ryokan located in the Yamanouchi area of Nagano, Japan. The ryokan is situated in a peaceful forested area, just meters away from the pathway to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park that I posted about separately. The hotel offers an authentic Japanese experience with its traditional tatami rooms, hot spring baths, and Japanese-style meals. Booking a personal ryokan for 1,500JPY for 45mins was definitely one of the highlights of the stay, as well as the opportunity to dress in a traditional yukata (robe) for the meals and of course the food which includes a 10 dish dinner course. The traditional Japanese rooms allow you to experience tatami floors with futon beds, and paper sliding doors. There is also a small outdoor garden where you can observe the koi fish. The hotel also has a swimming pool although I have not visited it myself. This is a great choice for anyone looking for an authentic Japanese experience which was top class.