The 5 Best Winter Hot Spring Days

1.Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Walk & Thermal Spring Pools

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 79 reviews · 1 day · from $129Our pick

Leave Sofia for a guided 2.5-hour snowshoe walk above the tree line, using a chairlift to reach Rila Lakes Hut at 2,150 meters. Guides such as Velko, Alex, Daniel, and Kiril lead the route, then you relax in Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools.

“One of the most beautiful places I have ever been, there is not enough words to describe the hiking and the views, a really amazing walk guided by Kiril, it was a real privilege to be able to do it in such great weather conditions. Kiril is a very experienced and helpful guy, I am very grateful about this tour!”

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

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

Spend about eight hours with a private English-speaking guide visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse, and the Hokusai Museum. Guides such as Hori, Mutsumi, and Emi adjust the pace and stops, with private-car and public-transport options available.

“Our tour guide was Hori and he was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of the area and history behind everything was great. Our experience was so much fun. The hike was icy when we went in March so I definitely recommend having gooRead more”

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3.Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $78Best value

Travel from Iiyama or Nozawa to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, walk a snowy 2-kilometer forest trail, then visit historic Shibu Onsen and Tamamura Honten brewery. Guides such as Tommy, Tome, and Rossella add local stories, while pre-secured park tickets save waiting time.

“This was a great experience. Tommy our guide was friendly and informative. He made sure all participants were catered for. The trek to the park is pretty through the woods and the reward of the monkeys at the end is worth it. The visits to the brewery and Shibu Onsen were nice add ons. Recommend.”

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

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

Travel from Nozawa Onsen with a local English-speaking guide to see wild Japanese macaques at Jigokudani, eat lunch at Japanese Dining GOEN, visit Zenko-ji Temple, and taste Nagano sake. Guides such as Jens and Yama have earned praise for clear explanations and friendly care.

“A really enjoyable, fun family experience with a great guide. The walk is icy but beautiful, and the monkeys are special, particularly for the kids. The afternoon was relaxed and fascinating.”

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5.Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $97

Join a small group of up to seven for a 4 to 5-hour Nagano outing to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen. Guide Umut leads the visit, with monkey park admission, soba lunch, transport, and an onsen entrance included. An optional stamp towel costs extra.

“I can highly recommend taking this tour, the snow monkeys did not disappoint and our guide Umut was very friendly and showed us where to buy the most amazing apple pies!!”

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