Top Nagano Prefecture Winter Sports

Experience the best of Nagano winter in one unforgettable private tour—combining snowshoeing in the sacred forests of Togakushi and a visit to the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques relax in natural hot springs. This seasonal experience is available only for a limited winter period. Unlike standard shared tours, this is an exclusive private experience focused on comfort, safety, and flexibility. Your guide, Hama—an English-speaking UIMLA-certified mountain leader and registered nurse—provides professional guidance tailored to winter conditions. Travel in a new Subaru Forester Hybrid 4WD, ideal for snowy mountain roads, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. The standard capacity is up to 4 guests, but groups up to 8 can be arranged upon request, with an additional certified guide for safe pacing and support. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of limited time while enjoying a premium, safe, and meaningful experience in Japan’s winter wilderness. ❄️

You can enjoy to observe lovely wild monkeys bathing in an outdoor hot spring at Snow Monkey Park. Each monkey has different personality and it's quite fun to be able to watch them from very close. After the monkey park, we are visiting an old Shinto shrine called Togakushi shrine which has been one of the most important place for the mountain worship since ancient era. The shrine and precincts forest are all covered with thick snow during the winter season. However,by snowshoeing, it is the perfect opportunity to discover areas that are inaccessible any other time of the year. Frozen bodies of water and a heavy carpet of snow make otherwise untraversable terrain accessible. I will lead you to these undisturbed areas, so you can explore and appreciate the unspoiled nature around you. I'm a National Government licensed guide interpreter as well as licensed mountain trekking guide. Let's have a cup of coffee on the snow made table and chair :)

Walking along the 400-year-old lined cedar trees and walking on the frozen lake experience are special experiences that can only be found here. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where mountain ascetic have been practicing the mountain worship since ancient times. The experience of walking along a row of 400-year-old cedar trees and a frozen lake is a special experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where the trainees have practiced rigorously since ancient times, wearing snowshoes!

Discover the breathtaking winter landscapes of Norikura Highlands, including frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, and panoramic mountain views that few travelers ever get to see. This snowshoe tour is not just a hike – it’s an immersive winter adventure tailored by a local guide to match your pace and interests. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for a challenge or a family with children wanting a fun and safe activity, snowshoeing offers a memorable way to connect with nature. Guests often highlight the sense of peace in the quiet winter forest and the insider knowledge shared by the guide about the local environment and culture.

Experience Nagano’s top winter highlights in one private guided tour: the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani and the frozen Yonako Falls. This unique adventure combines wildlife, snowshoeing, and dramatic winter scenery for an unforgettable day in Japan. Enjoy private transport with pick-up available from major resort areas including Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, and Shiga Kogen. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and hassle-free winter experience. Perfect for those interested in photography, nature, culture, and hidden winter destinations. Recommended for up to 4 guests, with options for larger groups by coordinating additional guides. If you want a premium Nagano winter tour beyond standard sightseeing, this Snow Monkey and frozen waterfall experience offers a memorable and meaningful journey.

Explore the hidden winter wonderland of Kamikochi on a guided 7 km snowshoe hike. Follow local experts through quiet tunnels to the shimmering Taisho Pond and along the Azusa River to Tashiro Pond. With dramatic alpine views and no crowds, this is a once-in-a-season way to see Japan’s Northern Alps.

1-Day Ski Tour Package Itinerary 1. Departure: Nagano Station – 8:00 AM Meet your guide at Nagano Station for a hassle-free start. Board the comfortable shuttle to the slopes. 2. Arrival: Shiga Kogen Olympic Hotel – 9:30 AM Arrive at the ski resort and receive your ski pass 3. Preparations – 9:40 AM 4. Free Ski Time – 9:40 AM to 5:00 PM Enjoy a full day of skiing at your own pace on the snow. Take breaks as needed and savor the beautiful snow-covered scenery. Lunch is available at the Nagano Olympic Hotel or nearby facilities (not included). 5. Return: Depart from Shiga Kogen Olympic Hotel – 5:30 PM After an exhilarating day, board the shuttle back to Nagano Station. 6. Arrival: Nagano Station – 7:00 PM Conclude your tour with arrival at Nagano Station, wrapping up a memorable day on the slopes.

Snowmobile Adventure Itinerary: 8:40 AM – Meeting Point Pickup Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from the designated meeting point. 10:00 AM – Arrival at Sakae Snowmobile Location Reach the scenic Sakae region, surrounded by stunning snow-covered landscapes. 10:25 AM – Preparation Time Gear up and receive a brief introduction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 10:30 AM – Snowmobile Adventure Begins Embark on an exhilarating one-hour snowmobile ride through Sakae’s pristine trails. 12:00 PM – Snowmobiling Ends 12:15 PM – Onsen Experience Begins Relax and rejuvenate in a traditional onsen, soaking in the warm waters while surrounded by snow. 1:00 PM – Onsen Experience Ends Finish your relaxing onsen experience. 1:00 PM – Lunch Enjoy a delicious lunch with local specialties. 3:30 PM – Return to Meeting Point Enjoy a relaxed drop-off back at your starting location.

Ride Shiga offers a variety of ski and snowboard lessons. In addition to standard lessons we are also offering coaching that focus on your area of interest: race/carving, freestyle, freeride(slackcountry) or moguls.

Hakuba Private Ski & Snowboard Tour with Elite Guides Experience the ultimate winter adventure with a premium Hakuba ski and snowboard tour. Our elite team, led by a former Japan National Team member, offers customizable tours focused on fun and discovery. We tailor every moment to your group's pace. Expert coaching is also available upon request. - Elite Tours Led by a Former Japan National Team Member - Private Guided Experience Across All 9 Hakuba Resorts - Door-to-Door Luxury Transfers with In-Car Wi-Fi - On-Resort Childcare (Nursery) Inquiry & Logistics Support - Fully Tailored Day: From Fun-First Tours to Expert Coaching

This type of Tour is for those who are interested in having a custom tour in Kamikochi and/or Norikura. For these tours we offer full day Kamikochi Tours to Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi+Norikura frozen waterfall combination tours, and other tours upon request. Starting times and finishing times can be adjusted. We can also pick you up at your hotel (Norikura, Shirahone, Sawando area only) or at certain bus stops (Oyakodaki, Sawando, Nakanoyu) if you are traveling from Matsumoto or Takayama. **IMPORTANT Notice: Arriving to Kappa Bridge is not guarunteed depending on physical fitness, time schedule, and for those coming by Bus. If you want a higher chance at arriving at Kappa Bridge we must start earlier at around 8:00am. For an 8:00am start you must stay in Norikura prior to the Tour or come by rental car to NORHTSTAR. There is no early bus that arrives at this time. Please plan accordingly. Guides will make the final decisions on the trail regarding when to turn back.