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3-DAYS ONSEN AND MONKEYS
Tokyo Departure
Trips Highlights
- Relax at Japan's famed onsen
- Sleep at a Charming Japanese inn
- Encounter curious snow monkeys
- Explore Obuse's garden houses
- Indulge in traditional cuisine
Itinerary in details:
| Day 01 | Tokyo 東京– Shibu Onsen 涉溫泉鄉 |
Today is a self-guided day.
Depart from Tokyo Station for Nagano via the Hokuriku bullet train, which can reach speeds of up to 260 kph. Upon arriving at Nagano Station, transfer to the limited express train that will run to Yudanaka Station 湯田中站, where a complimentary shuttle bus is provided by the night’s ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inn, available between 15:00 and 18:00.
Kokuya is a traditional Japanese-style hotel (ryokan) with a 400-year history. Its present owner is the 16th generation to run the place. The ryokan has six different, 100% natural hot springs, which are rich in health-giving minerals that benefit your muscles, joints, and skin.
The ryokan is located on the Shibu Onsen 涉溫泉鄉 “spa street,” which has nine public onsen open for use. Take note of the local people strolling down the street in yukata (light robes) as they head for a soak in one of these hot spring baths.
Dinner tonight will be a kaiseki, or Japanese traditional meal, comprised of nine or more dishes. The meal is made up of seasonal dishes using only the freshest of local Nagano ingredients.
Overnight in Shibu Onsen 涉溫泉鄉
Distance and journey time (approximation):
JR Tokyo Station to Yudanaka Station: 2.5 h
| Day 02 | Shibu Onsen 涉溫泉鄉 |
Today is a self-guided day.
Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:
This morning, visit the Jigokudani Park 地獄谷野猿公苑, home to the famous Snow Monkeys. Jigokudani literally means “hell’s valley” due to the steam and boiling water that bubble out of small crevices in the frozen ground. It is in these hot spring baths where the resident Japanese Macaques like to soak. Going to the park from the nearest bus stops and parking lot can only be done on foot, which requires around half an hour of trekking. Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended (and warm clothes especially during the colder months).
The monkeys live in large social groups, and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions. Accustomed to humans, they can be observed from very close and almost completely ignore their human guests. Although the monkeys live in the area all year round, they are particularly numerous during the colder months (December – April) while less likely to be spotted in Autumn.
In the afternoon, it’s recommended to visit the nearby charming town of Obuse 小布施, a small town that features a number of traditional houses and stores. Over 100 houses in the town participate in an ‘Open Garden’ event. If this sign sits in front of a house, it means guests can freely enter the property and enjoy the gardens. A great way to get some insight into Japanese houses.
Obuse 小布施is also the home of Hokusai, the famous ukiyo-e (woodblock) painter during the Edo period, and Masuichi-Ichimura, the local sake brewery that produces high quality sake from locally produced rice.
Note: Transportation to/from Jigokudani can only be arranged on spot (at own expense)
Another amazing dinner will be served at the ryokan.
Overnight in Shibu Onsen
Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kokuya Ryokan to Jigokudani parking lot: 10 min (taxi)
Jigokudani parking lot to monkey park: 30 min approx (on foot)
Yudanaka Station to Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop or Kanbayashi Onsen-guchi: 9-15 min (bus)
Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop / Kanbayashi Onsen-guchi to monkey park: 30-35 min (on foot)
Yudanaka Station to Obuse Station: 45 min
| Day 03 | Shibu Onsen 涉溫泉鄉 – Tokyo/Kanzawa 東京/金澤 |
The rest of the day is free at leisure until the scheduled departure from Shibu Onsen.
Notes:
- The Jigokudani Monkey Park might close due to extreme weather conditions and the operating hours might change without prior notice.
- Hokusai Museum is closed on December 31.
- For safety reasons, some public transport may stop operating in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
- Please inform us with any special dietary requirements and/or physical conditions that you may have
Have a nice holidays!
Remarks :
Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned itinerary. However, due to weather conditions and reasons beyond our control, changes to the itinerary might occur, for which the company accepts no responsibility.
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