Local Tours
1. Explore Wild Snow Monkey Park
Wild Snow Monkey Park, or “Jigokudani Yaen-Koen” in Japanese is the park known for wild monkeys bathing in the hot springs.
It is located in Nagano prefecture, the central part of Honshu. It is one of the popular sightseeing spots in Japan among tourists.
Since the foundation in 1964, Wild Snow Monkey Park, or “Jigokudani Yaen-koen” in Japanese has been popularly known as the place where we can see the wild monkey`s biology nearby. In 1970, a photograph of bathing monkeys was appeared on the front page of “LIFE” magazine in the U.S. , and was reported by the world media. In addition to that, during the period of Nagano Olympic in 1998, a lot of athletes, Olympic games staff, news media, and tourists visited Wild Monkey Snow Park, so that is why Wild Snow Monkey Park has been popular and known to people all over the world. If you are lucky, you maybe see other animals such as Japanese serow while walking a mountain trail.
Note:
(1) It takes about 3 hours from Tokyo to Wild Snow Monkey Park. (We use Shinkansen and bus.)
(2) Snow boots or non-slip shoes are recommended, as the mountain trail and walking path may be covered with snow or frozen and slippery during winter.
(3) Please wear warm/winter clothes and take sufficient measures against the cold.
(4) Please DO NOT bring heavy baggage, as you will walk a mountain trail for about 40 minutes.
2. Himeji Castle
The castle was constructed 400 years ago by one of the powerful feudal lords. It is Japan’s most impressive and well-preserved samurai castle. It is a national treasure and was designated as Japan’s first world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993. The beautiful white buildings nicknamed as White Heron Castle has survived earthquakes and even the Second World War since its construction in the beginning of the 17th century. Through a full renovation it was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, towers, walled alleyways and other buildings were very well designed to trick with enemies though luckily it has never been tested with a real battle. Its main tower is 92m above the sea level and you can observe it from almost everywhere in the city. Its structure is very unique to have 5 layers looking from outside but having 7 floors inside. The main tower is accompanied by 3 sub towers which is also unique.
Admission fee is Yen 1,000. If you add 50 yen, you can enter Kokoen, a beautiful Japanese garden located just next to the castle. From Toyo it takes 3 hours to reach Himeji by bullet train. You can return in a day. From Himeji station to the castle is just 15 minutes walking distance.
3. Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan, and is one of the twelve remaining original Tenshu (the keep) in Japan. It was built in the sixteenth century. It has also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior. The castle is painted with black lacquer. The reason for using black lacquer is to protect the castle from fire.
The black-colored Tenshu impresses us with the strength of its castle.
The Northern Alps can be seen from the castle tower. The color of the mountain landscape changes with the changing of the seasons. So, you can always see beautiful and wonderful scenery from the keep. You will stroll around Matsumoto city, and also enjoy lunch in a Japanese style restaurant in the city during the tour.
It is located in Matsumoto city, Nagano prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by train. (About 2 hours and 37 minutes) It takes about 5 minutes’ walk from Matsumoto station to Matsumoto castle.
Admission fee: Adult 700 JPY (About 4.8 USD; 1USD=145JPY)
Recommended Tour Plans
Please feel free to combine two or more itineraries from the following destinations.