Japan Snow Monkey Tour 2027
Destination Highlights for the Japan Snow Monkey Tour 2027:
Tokyo – Kawagoe – Chichibu – Minakami – Nagano – Yudanaka Onsen – Karuizawa – Lake Suwa
Tour Dates (Full Package):
January 24 – February 3, 2027
Full Package: $5,090/person
(includes airfare from HNL)
Land Package: $4,290/person
(does not include airfare from HNL)
Special Offer: Book by August 30, 2026 for $100 off!
Japan Snow Monkey Tour Overview
Step into a winter wonderland on the Japan Snow Monkey Tour, where you’ll not only witness the famous Nagano snow monkeys soaking in steamy hot springs — you’ll follow their lead! Each day brings new chances to explore Japan’s beautiful snowy landscapes followed by the option to unwind in the soothing hot springs nearly every night. Along the way, savor regional flavors, enjoy unique hands-on cultural experiences, and marvel at Japan’s breathtaking alpine winter views.
We’ll take care of everything so you don’t have to.
What’s included on the Japan Snow Monkey Tour:
Transportation
- Round-trip flights with Alaska Airlines from Honolulu (Full Package only)
- A private driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- A scenic, gourmet ride on the Rokumon Restaurant Train from Nagano Station to Karuizawa Station
Meals
- 24 delicious meals, carefully curated with local flavors and regional specialties (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners)
- No hidden fees! HIS includes more meals than any other travel agency!
Accommodations
- 9 nights at premium accommodations in Japan, including multiple exceptional hot springs destinations.
- Tired of switching hotels every night? We include consecutive stays of 2 nights in Minakami and Tokyo so you can relax and unwind. No unpacking and repacking every single night!
And More!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
- $200 repeater discount on all future HIS tours
Cultural Activities
- Step into old school Japan through visits to places such as Kimbue Shoyu Park and Kawagoe “Little Edo”
- Enjoy hands-on craft experiences such as washi papermaking, shibori tie-dye, and Suwa glass kaleidoscope making.
- Learn about onsen culture first hand, with hot spring facilities at almost every hotel!
- Participate in a real Japanese holiday — Setsubun! Toss dried beans at a masked demon to bring in good luck!
- Sightseeing with a licensed English-speaking guide
Japan Snow Monkey Tour Itinerary
January 24, 2027: Honolulu Departure (Day 1)
Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport (HNL). Relax before your flight to Japan with Alaska Airlines.
January 25, 2027: Arrival in Tokyo (Day 2)
Land at Haneda Airport in Tokyo in the evening and meet your bus to transfer to your hotel to check in. Enjoy an easy bento box dinner, relax, and rest up for your big adventure!
- Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro (or similar)
- Meals: Bento Dinner
January 26, 2027: Little Edo & Chichibu (Day 3)
Your journey begins in Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its charming, historic streets and shops. After lunch, visit Kimbue Shoyu (soy sauce) Park for a tour and lunch, and, in the evening, experience the stunning Misotsuchi-no-Tsurara illuminated ice pillars in Chichibu.
- Hotel: Natural Farm City Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
January 27, 2027: Fruit Picking & Local Crafts (Day 4)
Head to Minakami for a strawberry picking and lunch at Mogitore Minakami Fruits Land. In the afternoon, visit Takumi-no-Sato crafstman’s village, and try your hand at traditional shibori dyeing and washi papermaking. Spend the evening winding down in the hotel onsen
- Hotel: Minakami Hotel Juraku (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
January 28, 2027: Sights & Soaks (Day 5)
Start the day taking in the snowy sights with a scenic ride on Tanigawadake Ropeway. After lunch, visit the famous Takaragawa Onsen, a luxury mixed-gender bathhouse with both indoor and outdoor facilities. It is popular amongst foreigners for requiring bathing suits and allowing tattoos, so if you’ve been shy about onsen culture, this is your chance to “dip your toes in”!
- Hotel: Minakami Hotel Juraku (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
January 29, 2027: Alpine Adventures (Day 6)
Visit the breathtaking Kiyotsu-kyo Gorge, one of Japan’s most beautiful scenic wonders. After lunch, head to Ryuo Mountain Resort for a fun snow buggy ride. Then, take a ride on the world’s largest ropeway to Sora Terrace for incredible alpine views.
- Hotel: Hotel & Resort Yamanouchi Hills (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
January 30, 2027: Japan Snow Monkeys! (Day 7)
It’s snow monkey time! Head to Jigokudani for a short trek to see Nagano’s famous onsen-soaking snow monkeys. For lunch, enjoy a scenic gourmet meal on the Shinano Rokumon Restaurant Train from Nagano Station to Karuizawa Station. In the evening, enjoy soaking in the hotel onsen – just like the monkeys!
- Hotel: Shirakaba Ikenodaira Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
January 31, 2027: Kaleidoscope of Fun (Day 8)
Spend the morning with free time at Ikenotaira Snow Resort. Enjoy their hot springs, shopping, or petting zoo! After lunch, visit the Suwa Glass Museum for a hands-on kaleidoscope making experience.
- Hotel: RAKO Hananoi Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
February 1, 2027: Lake Suwa & Sweets (Day 9)
The day begins with a smelt ice fishing experience on Lake Suwa, followed by sightseeing around Suwa Taisha Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan. Later, get your sweet tooth satisfied at Shingen Mochi Park. Then, head back to Tokyo, with a quick stop at Dangozaka Service Area for last minute omiyage shopping.
- Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
February 2, 2027: Full Free Day in Tokyo (Day 10)
Enjoy a full free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Shop, dine, or just enjoy the sights. Need suggestions? Just ask!
- Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
February 3, 2027: Sayonara, Japan! (Day 11)
Enjoy free time in Tokyo in the morning, with late check-out included until noon. In the afternoon, take part in a traditional Setsubun celebration and calligraphy experience, then head to Haneda Airport for your flight back to Honolulu. Welcome home!
- Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
Book by August 30, 2026 to SAVE $100!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,090.00*
$4,290.00**
$800.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Late January and early February are the heart of winter in Japan. Expect cold temperatures throughout the tour, with the coldest days in the mountain regions of Gunma and Nagano, where snow is common. After all, it wouldn’t be a Nagano Snow Monkey Tour without some snow!
- Tokyo: Approximately 35–50°F (2–10°C). Generally cool and sunny, with little rain or snow.
- Minakami, Chichibu, and Nagano: Approximately 15–40°F (-9–4°C). Expect snowy conditions, especially in the mountains.
- Higher elevations (Tanigawadake, Sora Terrace, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park): Temperatures can be below freezing, with wind making it feel even colder.
We recommend packing warm winter clothing, including warm layers (such as fleece or thermal clothing), a heavy winter coat, waterproof shoes or boots with good traction, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
HIS will provide ice cleats to slip over your shoes or boots, which will assist you with traction over icy paths.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Please keep in mind that certain portions of this tour will involve walking on rough terrain or wintery conditions. The most physically demanding day is the visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, which requires approximately a 30 minute walk along a snow-covered forest trail each way. While the path is well maintained, certain portions may be slippery depending on weather conditions.
HIS will provide ice cleats to slip over your shoes or boots, which will assist you with traction over icy paths.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes! There are a few periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including time for fun and shopping at Ikenotaira Snow Resort and a full free day and a half in Tokyo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: Most meals are included throughout the tour, including daily breakfasts. A total of 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners are provided. You will also have a full free day in Tokyo at the end of the trip to explore dining options in your own time.
Please refer to the itinerary for the meals included each day.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of modern hotels and traditional onsen resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. Onsen (hot springs) baths are available at many of the properties.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets from Honolulu are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
