Day 1: Tokyo to Yudanaka
Date: February 6th

Morning: Departure from Tokyo
– Start your photography tour bright and early at 6:00 AM.
– Head to Tokyo Station, where you’ll board a Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Nagano. The journey from Tokyo to Nagano takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Late Morning: Arrival in Nagano
– Upon arriving in Nagano, transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu Line, a local train that will take you to Yudanaka Station. The journey is approximately 45 minutes.

Afternoon: Explore Yudanaka
– Check-in at your chosen accommodation in Yudanaka, where you’ll drop off your luggage.
– Have a quick lunch at one of the local eateries or restaurants.

Early Evening: Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
– The highlight of your day is the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, famous for its Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) that bathe in natural hot springs during the winter. We visit snow monkeys 2 times – in the afternoon and in the morning next day! 
– Capture stunning photographs of these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Remember to respect their space and follow park rules.

Evening: Return to Yudanaka
– After your photography session with the snow monkeys, return to Yudanaka.
– Enjoy a relaxing soak in the town’s own onsens (hot springs) to unwind from your day’s adventure and capture some evening shots if you’re up for it.

Day 2: Monkeys’ wake up and Yudanaka to Tokyo
Date: February 7th

Morning: Sunrise at Shibu Onsen
– Wake up early to capture the beautiful sunrise at Shibu Onsen, a traditional hot spring town near Yudanaka.
– Explore the charming streets, which are dotted with traditional ryokans and picturesque scenes.

Late Morning: Breakfast and walk to monkeys
– Have a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan or a local cafe.
– Check out of your accommodation and leave your luggage with them.

Mid-Morning: Explore the Snowy Landscape and monkeys repeated
– Take a leisurely walk around Yudanaka to capture the scenic snowy landscapes and charming architecture. This is an excellent opportunity for some winter-themed shots. We will travel through the magical winter forest to be the first at monkeys home porch at 9 am 🙂

Enjoy your time with monkeys – allowing yourself plenty of time!

Lunch: Local Cuisine
– Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties like soba noodles or tempura.

Afternoon: Yudanaka to Tokyo
– Retrieve your luggage and head back to Yudanaka Station.
– Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line back to Nagano Station.
– Board the Shinkansen from Nagano Station to Tokyo Station. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Late Afternoon: Arrival in Tokyo
– Arrive in Tokyo in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on your chosen train.
– Your two-day photography tour to the snow monkeys in Japan concludes upon your return to Tokyo. Next day we start main tour to Hokkaido!

Additional Tips and Information:
– Make sure to dress warmly with layered clothing, as Nagano can be quite chilly in February.
– Don’t forget your camera equipment, including telephoto lenses and a tripod for photographing the snow monkeys.
– Yudanaka offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional ryokans to more modern hotels. Book your stay in advance.
– While in Yudanaka, try some local sake or hot apple wine to keep warm.
– Remember to check the train schedules in advance to ensure smooth transfers.
– Respect the wildlife and follow the guidelines at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to minimize disturbance to the animals.
– Capture the essence of winter in Japan by photographing the snow-covered landscapes, traditional architecture, and local customs in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen.