Shinshu Snow Monkey, Onsen & Powder Snow
A winter route starting from Nagano to see the snow monkeys, staying in Shibu Onsen and Nozawa, and ending with skiing in Hakuba.
This winter-only route connects Zenko-ji, the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Obuse, the public baths of Nozawa, and the Hakuba ski resorts. Hot springs and skiing each take up half the trip, so even non-skiers can enjoy the onsen and hot spring streets. It can be completed via public transportation, though it requires multiple transfers in Iiyama and Nagano. It is perfect for couples, friends, and beginner skiers who love snowy landscapes. Book accommodations early during peak season; Hakuba can be replaced by staying only in Nozawa.
January to February is the best time for snow monkeys. The Nozawa Dosojin Fire Festival takes place on January 15.
Day by day
Day 1 · Zenko-ji Temple Approach
Nagano（Zenkō-ji、Nagano Prefectural Art Museum）
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano (approx. 90 minutes), then take a bus or walk to Zenko-ji (approx. 25 minutes).
Stay: Zenkō-ji Approach
Day 2 · Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Shibu Onsen
Yamanouchi（Jigokudani Monkey Park、Shibu & Yudanaka Onsen）
Take a bus from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park stop (approx. 45 minutes), then walk along the forest trail (approx. 30 minutes).
The forest trail can be snowy and icy; wear non-slip shoes and allow plenty of time for walking.
Stay: Shibu Onsen
Day 3 · Obuse to Nozawa Onsen
Nagano（Obuse & Hokusai-kan、Gansho-in Temple）
Take the Nagano Dentetsu to Obuse, travel via Nagano by Shinkansen to Iiyama, and transfer to a bus to Nozawa (approx. 25 minutes).
Stay: Nozawa Onsen
Day 4 · Nozawa Skiing & Public Baths
Spend the day in the village, walking or taking the short village shuttle to the ski resort gondola.
The public baths (sotoyu) are maintained by locals; bring your own towel and respect the rules.
Stay: Nozawa Onsen
Day 5 · Transfer to Hakuba Happo
Take a bus to Iiyama, the Shinkansen to Nagano, and then a limited express bus to Hakuba (approx. 3 hours total).
Buses during the ski season require reservations. Allow extra time for delays in heavy snow.
Stay: Happo-One Village
Day 6 · Happo-one Skiing & Departure
Hakuba（Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort）
Walk to the gondola for a half-day of skiing, then take an afternoon bus to Nagano (approx. 1 hour) or Tokyo (approx. 4 hours).