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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Yamanouchi sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled between mountains and forests, Yamanouchi is a hidden gem that invites you to step into a world of natural wonder and cultural enrichment.
Whether it’s soaking in rejuvenating hot springs, encountering majestic snow monkeys, or exploring historic trails, Yamanouchi promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted with its beauty and captivated by its charm.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Yamanouchi:
1. Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park is a natural hot spring park located in Yamanouchi, Japan, famously known for its resident population of Japanese Macaque monkeys, also called Snow Monkeys.
What to see or do: The park offers visitors a unique experience of observing the monkeys up close, relaxing in the warm waters amidst the picturesque snowy mountains.
The monkeys are friendly and accustomed to human presence, and one can witness them grooming, playing, and bathing in the hot springs.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the newborn monkeys that are usually born in winter.
They are smaller in size, have a distinctive pinkish hue and can be seen clinging onto their mothers while they soak in the hot springs.
Insider travel tips: Get off at Yudanaka train station and take a bus to Kanbayashi Onsen, from where the park entrance is a 30-minute walk.
To avoid the crowds and have a peaceful experience, it’s best to visit early in the morning. Also, keep in mind that the park is closed during the summer season from May to October.
2. Shibu Onsen
Hot spring resort town in Yamanouchi, Japan known for its traditional architecture and snow monkeys.
What to see or do: Soak in the numerous outdoor and indoor hot springs, visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques relaxing in the hot springs, stroll through the quaint streets lined with traditional ryokans, shops, and restaurants, and take a scenic hike in the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: Watching the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park as they bathe and play in the hot springs during the winter months, trying the local specialty dish of soba noodles made with buckwheat grown in the region, and experiencing a traditional Japanese ryokan stay complete with tatami floors, futon beds, and multi-course kaiseki meals.
Insider travel tips: Visit Shibu Onsen during the low season (spring, summer, and fall) to avoid the crowds and high prices.
Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan on trying out multiple hot springs, as some require visitors to rinse off before entering.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to nearby ski resorts like Shiga Kogen or Nozawa Onsen for some of the best skiing in Japan.
3. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, located in the town of Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture.
What to see or do: The resort has 19 interconnected ski areas and offers over 600 hectares of skiable terrain. It caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts.
Ski and snowboard lessons are also available for those who want to learn.
Don’t miss: The Snow Monkey Park is a must-visit attraction while in Shiga Kogen. The park is home to a troop of Japanese macaques that are famous for their hot spring bathing.
Visitors can watch the monkeys up close and take a dip in the nearby hot spring themselves.
Insider travel tips: – The resort can get crowded during peak seasons, so it’s best to visit on weekdays.
4. Yudanaka Onsen
A historic hot spring town located in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Soak in the natural hot springs, visit the Snow Monkey Park to observe wild monkeys bathing in hot springs, hike in the surrounding Shiga Kogen mountains.
Don’t miss: Seeing the snow monkeys taking a dip in the hot springs, trying the local delicacy of oyaki (steamed dumplings), exploring the traditional streets lined with ryokans, shops, and restaurants.
Insider travel tips: Consider staying in a ryokan for a traditional Japanese experience, bring cash as some shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards, visit in the winter to see the snow monkeys in their natural habitat.
5. Ryuoo Ski Park
Ryuoo Ski Park is a popular ski and snowboarding destination located in the town of Yamanouchi in Nagano, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the 16 slopes designed for all skill levels. Take a ride on the longest gondola in Japan for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t forget to try out the Snow Monster Park, a unique winter wonderland with giant snow sculptures.
Don’t miss: After a day on the slopes, relax in one of the onsens (hot springs) located near the resort. Additionally, visit the Ryuoo Ski Park Ice Arena for ice skating, hockey, and fun-filled events.
Insider travel tips: – Rent equipment in advance to save time on the day of your visit.
6. Sake breweries tours
Sake breweries tours in Yamanouchi, Japan, offer visitors the unique opportunity to learn about and taste the traditional Japanese rice wine, sake.
What to see or do: Visitors can take guided tours of the various sake breweries in the region, witnessing the intricate production process of the drink and sampling different varieties of sake.
Don’t miss: The annual Sake Brewery Festival held every April, which showcases the best sake breweries in the area and allows visitors to sample their signature drinks alongside delicious local food.
Insider travel tips: Sake breweries tend to be closed during the summer months, so plan your visit during the fall or winter. Some brewers may require advanced booking, so be sure to check ahead of time.
It’s also recommended to hire a guide who speaks Japanese and English for a more immersive experience.
7. Snow Monkey Resorts
Snow Monkey Resorts is a popular travel destination located in Yamanouchi, Japan that is renowned for its natural hot springs and the adorable Japanese macaque monkeys that can be found soaking in them.
What to see or do: The main attraction in Snow Monkey Resorts is undoubtedly the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where visitors can observe the macaque monkeys as they relax in the hot springs.
Additionally, there are several ski resorts in the area where visitors can hit the slopes and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a dip in one of the natural hot springs in the area. Nothing quite compares to relaxing in the warm waters while being surrounded by snow-covered forests and mountains.
Insider travel tips: – Try to avoid visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park on weekends or holidays, as it can get extremely crowded.
8. Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort
Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort is a popular ski destination located in the snowy mountains of Yamanouchi, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the resort’s 18 different slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The resort also offers skiing lessons, equipment rentals, and night skiing options.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps from the top of the ski lifts. Additionally, the resort’s hot springs (onsen) offer a relaxing way to recuperate after a long day on the slopes.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
9. Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring town located in Yamanouchi, Japan, known for its high-quality sulfuric hot springs.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll through the town and discover the various public bathhouses or onsens that the area has to offer.
The Yubatake, or hot water field, is the main attraction and is where water is collected and distributed throughout the town’s public bathhouses.
Additionally, travelers can head to the nearby ski resorts for some winter sports activities.
Don’t miss: The Kusatsu Fire Festival is an annual event held in Yabase-dori during the second week of January where participants carry torches and march through the streets to ward off evil spirits.
Insider travel tips: Kusatsu Onsen can get crowded during peak season, so it’s recommended to visit during the off-peak times for a more relaxing experience.
Some of the onsens may have specific rules, such as not allowing tattoos, so it’s important to check beforehand.
Also, don’t forget to try the local specialty, onsen tamago, which are eggs boiled in the hot spring water and have a unique texture and flavor.
10. Kambayashi Onsen
Kambayashi Onsen is a charming hot spring village located in Yamanouchi, Japan. It offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and pristine nature.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax in various hot spring baths with different mineral compositions, each providing unique health benefits. Stroll along the streets and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of traditional inns, shops and restaurants.
For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking and skiing opportunities are available in the nearby Shiga Kogen mountains.
Don’t miss: Kambayashi Onsen’s famous outdoor hot spring bath, “rotenburo,” nestled amidst a forest and overlooking a picturesque river. In winter, watch the snow monkeys dip into the onsen at nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Insider travel tips: Pack a yukata, a traditional Japanese garment, as many resorts and ryokans offer them for guests to wear. Check the weather before visiting and bring appropriate clothing for outdoor activities, especially during winter months.
Try some of the local specialty dishes, such as oyaki dumplings filled with vegetables or soba noodles made with pure mountain water.
11. Shiga Kogen Roman Art Museum
The Shiga Kogen Roman Art Museum is a unique museum located in the Yamanouchi region of Japan.
It has a vast collection of ancient Roman artifacts and art pieces that have been carefully preserved and displayed for visitors to admire.
What to see or do: Visitors to the museum can marvel at the wide range of artifacts and art pieces from ancient Rome. The museum has an impressive collection of Roman pottery, sculptures, coins, and jewelry.
There are also many exquisite frescoes and mosaics that depict the daily life of ancient Romans.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the remarkable preserved exhibits in the museum, such as the beautiful mosaics, which are one of the major highlights of the museum.
The museum building itself is also noteworthy, as it is designed to resemble a Roman villa and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Insider travel tips: If you plan on visiting the museum, it’s recommended to book in advance to avoid any disappointment as it can get quite busy during peak tourism season.
Another piece of advice is to take your time to explore all the exhibits, reading the descriptions to learn about each piece’s meanings and significance in Roman history.
12. Hasuike Ski Resort
Ski resort located in Yamanouchi, Japan.
What to see or do: Skiing and snowboarding on 16 different runs for all skill levels, including a terrain park and halfpipe. Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while skiing or relax indoors at the resort’s hot springs.
Don’t miss: Night skiing under the lights on the resort’s main run for a unique skiing experience.
Insider travel tips: Avoid peak season crowds by visiting on weekdays and consider purchasing a multi-resort ski pass to explore other nearby resorts. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Also, be sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as ramen and soba noodles, at the resort’s restaurants.
13. Yamaboku Wild Snow Park
Yamaboku Wild Snow Park is a ski resort located in Yamanouchi, Japan.
What to see or do: This ski resort boasts plenty of runs catering to various levels of skiing ability. From beginner-friendly slopes to challenging runs for advanced skiers and snowboarders, Yamaboku Wild Snow Park has it all.
The resort also features a terrain park for freestyle skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the numerous Japanese delicacies served in the restaurants at the ski resort. Also, take a dip in one of the natural hot springs in Yamanouchi after a day of skiing.
Insider travel tips: For those who want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays rather than on weekends or holidays. Also, be sure to dress warmly as temperatures can drop significantly during the winter months.
Finally, renting a car is highly recommended for easy access to the ski resort and other attractions in the area.
14. Yokoteyama Ski Resort
Yokoteyama Ski Resort is the highest ski resort in Japan, located in Yamanouchi, in the Nagano Prefecture.
What to see or do: Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a variety of runs, including intermediate and advanced courses, as well as freestyle parks. Yokoteyama also offers night skiing and snowshoeing trails for non-skiers.
Don’t miss: The Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe Japanese macaques in their natural habitat, is just a short drive away.
Insider travel tips: If you’re not an experienced skier or snowboarder, take advantage of the resort’s group or private lessons.
And be sure to check the weather before planning your trip, as the resort may close due to heavy snowfall or strong winds.
15. Maruike Ski Area
Maruike Ski Area is a popular ski resort located in the Northern Alps of Yamanouchi, Japan.
What to see or do: The ski area features a variety of ski slopes suitable for different levels of skiers, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced areas.
Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.
Don’t miss: The Panorama Course, a 3km long ski run that offers breathtaking views of Mount Kosha, is one of the highlights of Maruike Ski Area.
In addition, the resort also offers a snow park for kids to enjoy.
Insider travel tips: The ski resort can get crowded during peak season, so it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues. Visitors can also rent equipment from the rental shops located in the resort.
Additionally, there are many hot springs in the area where visitors can relax and unwind after a day of skiing.