Tour Overview
The only place in the world where you can see monkeys bathing in hot springs is in Nagano! These monkey hot springs are now beloved worldwide, and you can join Funba on this adventure. In winter, you can even witness the monkeys soaking in the hot springs against the backdrop of snow. In winter, visit Kusatsu Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort voted number one in Japan for 21 consecutive years. Stroll freely through the misty hot springs, admire the culture of Kusatsu Onsen's renowned "yumomi (stirring the spring water)" (a traditional hot spring), and enjoy the soothing effects of the hot springs. Alternatively, visit Kusatsu Ski Resort, ski, sled, build snowmen, or soak in the outdoor hot springs nestled in the mountains.
On the second day of your trip, visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to witness the playful sights of Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs up close. Enjoy a 2-day, 1-night itinerary exploring Gunma and Nagano's popular destinations for a fulfilling experience!
Togakushi Shrine Okusha: Togakushi Shrine is the collective name for Hokosha, Nakasha, and Okusha, located at the foot of Mount Togakushi. A sacred site for mountain worship and asceticism since ancient times, reaching Togakushi Shrine requires traversing the approximately 2km-long Togakushi Kodo Trail. The approach is lined with 400-year-old giant cedars, making it one of Japan's most renowned power spots. The shrine comprises five shrines: Okusha, Kuzuryusha, Nakasha, Hinomikosha, and Hokosha, each enshrining a unique deity. A visit to Togakushi Shrine is a must-see for those seeking a change of mood or a boost in fortune.
The main shrine hall is nestled among centuries-old cedars. Hokosha is said to have been founded in 1058. Climbing over 200 stone steps, you'll find the main shrine hall. The pillars and main beams of the main hall are carved with dragons and other designs, making them a truly remarkable sight. (Please note: Due to the difficulty of navigating the shrine during winter, the approach to the temple is closed due to snowfall. This tour will not be continued until Okusha closes for the winter.)
Iiyama Snow Village
In winter, Iiyama is blanketed in snow, and the round igloos stand like fairytale cottages. Step inside the igloos to take photos and check in, surrounded by the white snow, for a truly magical experience! During the day, you can enjoy the thrill of snow play: building snowmen, sledding, banana boat rides, and even snowmobiles. At dusk, the lights come on, transforming the entire igloo village into a romantic snowscape, making your winter trip unforgettable and special! During the day, you can enjoy the thrill of snow play: building snowmen, sledding, banana boat rides, and even snowmobiles. At dusk, the lights come on, transforming the entire igloo village into a romantic snowscape, making your winter trip truly unforgettable and special!
Travel Notes
1. When participating in this package, please check in at the meeting point on your own. Please present your reservation confirmation upon check-in.
2. A Chinese-speaking staff member will accompany you on the tour.
3. Due to traffic congestion, your visit to each attraction may be shortened, or the order of the itinerary or return arrival time may be changed due to force majeure. Even if your arrival time is delayed and you incur additional expenses such as accommodation, meals, or taxi fares, the company and related parties will not be responsible. Thank you for your understanding.
4. Please adhere to the meeting and boarding times at each stop and stay with your fellow passengers. Please note that guests who do not follow instructions may be asked to leave the tour mid-trip and return to their destination independently. No refunds will be given in these circumstances. All seats on the bus are reserved and cannot be reserved by guests. Furthermore, you cannot leave the tour at your own discretion.
5. In winter (November to March), temperatures at Jigokudani Monkey Park often drop below 0°C, sometimes dipping as low as -10°C. Snow can accumulate up to 40 to 50 centimeters each night, and even exceed a meter during the coldest months of January and February. Therefore, please be sure to take precautions against the cold weather. In addition to the cold weather, the snow can be slippery, so please wear warm winter clothing, a windproof jacket, gloves, and shoes with good traction.
※From the bus stop to Jigokudani Monkey Park, you must walk approximately 1.6 kilometers one way, a 30-minute walk. Please bring rain gear (a raincoat is more convenient than an umbrella) in case of sudden downpours in the mountains.
6. To allow visitors to observe Japanese macaques up close in their natural environment, the grounds of Jigokudani Monkey Park are largely preserved to their original topography, with numerous slopes, drops, and steps. Therefore, wheelchairs are not accessible. Furthermore, the trail leading to the park is not paved with wooden planks or tiles, and the surface is muddy and bumpy, making it inaccessible to wheelchairs.
7. For your safety, please refrain from getting too close to the macaques when taking selfies.
8. Japanese macaques typically inhabit the forest and only come to the park to forage during the day. However, as the animals' habits vary depending on natural conditions, you may not see Japanese macaques at times. Please understand.
9. Jigokudani Monkey Park is open year-round, with winter hours (November to March) from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, we ask for your understanding that temporary closures may occur due to natural disasters, weather conditions, and the monkeys' daily routines.
Cancellation Clauses
Cancellations made 12 days prior to the start of the trip will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made 11-8 days (including the 8th day) prior to the start of the trip will incur a 20% handling fee.
Cancellations made 2-7 days (including the 7th day) prior to the start of the trip will incur a 30% handling fee.
Cancellations made 1 day prior to the start of the trip will incur a 50% handling fee.
Cancellations made on the start date of the trip will not receive a refund.
If the event is affected by force majeure (e.g., typhoon warnings, heavy rain alerts, etc.), the organizer will determine whether to cancel the event. You may choose to receive a full refund or reschedule your event.
Rescheduling requests due to personal reasons will be deemed a cancellation and will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy above.
If you cancel your participation during the event due to reasons not attributable to the organizer, no refund will be given.
