The 9 Best Sake Tours in Nagano

1.1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,020 reviews · from $151Our pick

Spend about eight hours exploring Nagano with an English-speaking guide. Visit Zenko-ji Temple, sample local sake at Nishimon Yoshinoya, enjoy a Japanese lunch, then walk the forest trail to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Guides such as Tom, Endo, Kieran, Nadine, and Dylan have helped make this a smooth, informative day.

“It was amazing. Our tour guide was A+!! That experience was unmatched. Lunch was delicious. Seeing the monkeys has always been a dream of mine and this exceeded my expectations.”

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2.Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 833 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $135

Travel from Nagano or winter-season Hakuba to Zenko-ji Temple, a local sake tasting, a generous Japanese lunch, and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. English-speaking guides such as Dylan, Brent, Tom, Hiroshi, and Kevin lead the day, with time for both guided stories and independent exploring. Expect 8 to 12 hours, a 1.6-kilometer forest walk, and slippery winter paths.

“Jens was an excellent guide and clearly passionate about sharing the local history. The tour of the temple was interesting and there was a lot of great information shared during the sake tasting and how it’s made. The lunch was really good and the perfect fuel before trekking up the snowy/icy path to the snow monkeys. We loved seeing them so much! This day tour was a great mix of guided talk and conversation and free time to explore at our own pace. Jens really made the experience for us, he was a great host.”

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3.Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $337

Start at Nagano Station or arrange pickup from a central Nagano hotel, then visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji, and Obuse by public transport or private vehicle. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Hori, Mutsumi, or Fumiko, can adjust the pace, suggest lunch, and help shape the day around monkeys, temples, sake, onsen, or Hokusai.

“Our tour guide, Emi was absolutely wonderful! So kind and full of knowledge. The visit to see the snow monkeys was an unforgettable experience-felt like you were in a National Geographic magazine! I highly recommend booking this activity.”

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4.Snow Monkey, Zenko Ji Temple, Sake in Nagano Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews

You’ll travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Monzen Terrace Enya, and Obuse. The group price is $631.28 for up to six people. Drivers such as Bhatti have been praised for flexibility and helpful travel tips, but guide knowledge and sake tasting can vary, so confirm what is included before booking.

“The snow monkeys are worth to see. We went in the winter make sure you have good shoes to walk in the snow it can be slippery also make sure you get some delicious apple pie in the bottom of The park. The temples are incredible. The whole experience is worth it.”

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5.1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $150

Travel from Nozawa Onsen to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques soak in a hot spring. After lunch at Japanese Dining GOEN, explore Zenko-ji Temple with an English-speaking guide, then finish with a sake tasting at Nishinomon-Yoshinoya Brewery. Expect snow, ice, walking, and a full day out.

“We had a great day out with Yama! We loved that there were only two large groups. The monkeys were great fun to watch and the walk through snow laden pines to see them was lovely! Lunch was a welcome surprise and we really enjoRead more”

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6.Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $64

Walk from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple with a local English-speaking guide such as Masa, Kazumi, or Masashi. Taste more than five local sakes, three amazake drinks, plum wine, miso soup, and small snacks before visiting a former sake factory. The two-hour route suits curious food lovers who want culture, conversation, and a gentle introduction to Nagano.

“Our guide was super knowledgeable about all things temple and sake related. He took fun photos for us. It was clear he kept good relationships with the vendors he took us to, which made us feel special and welcomed. We learned so much! Read more”

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7.Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $162

Join a small group of usually 6 to 8 people with local guides such as Masa or Kei. Walk the forest path to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, eat a local lunch, taste two sakes at Masuichi Ichimura Brewery, and explore Obuse. The early departure can include Zenkoji Temple.

“Our guide was friendly, spoke great English, and answered all of our (often dumb) questions! Highly recommend this tour operator. We had plenty of time with the Snow Monkeys, went to a very high quality restaurant for a v tasty lunch, the saRead more”

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8.Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours · from $63Best value

Spend two hours tasting more than five Nagano sakes, three amazake drinks, plum wine, miso soup, soy sauce beans, and pickles. Your English-speaking guide leads you from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple, a 300-year-old brewery, and a preserved 120-year-old sake factory. Guides such as Masa and Marcel also share local food tips and take casual photos.

“Masa was a great guide, showed us more than we expected around Nagano including his favourite eating spots and local delicacies.”

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9.Snow Monkeys and Zenko-ji Day Trip & Sake

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 10 hours · from $135

Travel from Nozawa Onsen to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a local lunch, Zenko-ji Temple, and a sake tasting. An English-speaking guide such as Endo, Kieron, Lin, or Yama may lead your day. Expect snowy walking, long coach rides, and a full taste of Nagano.

“Kieron was a fantastic tour guide. Great communication, a wealth of knowledge and overall nice fellow. Our bus was clean and our driver provided a smooth ride. No complaints.”

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