Hello all!
Have a trip to Japan in very early December and one place our group will be visiting is Nagano (for 3 days), starting on the 6th. First half day we’re just going to explore near our airbnb so that’s fine.
I’m looking to do the Togakushi Shrine trail on the 7th of December, which is a mountain climb but I had concerns about snow fall. Would this trail be snowed in or anything of the sort in December preventing me from doing this climb (we are a group of novice hikers)?
Additionally, I want to hit Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokundani Monkey Park, Dec 8th. The plan is to do the monkey park from 10am-12pm and then head to Zenko-ji temple and spend the rest of the day there. Would it be possible to explore these two things thoroughly in one day, using public transport, without feeling rushed? Since we only have two full days at Nagano, would this itinerary be doable?
1 comment
As long as the two hours at Monkey Park does not include transport to and from that would be fine. Allow 40 minutes for transport, waiting time and a walk from the drop off point to the monkey’s. Note for early December there may be snow falling but it may also melt pretty quickly so you may not see the monkey’s covered in snow like in the pictures.
Zenkoji is a shortish bus ride or reasonable walk from the station. Some go early or at night to beat the crowds / get a different experience. You can revisit as well.
I think both are doable on the same day if you are based in Nagano.