Places to visit in Yamanouchi-machi
THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Yamanouchi-machi, Japan
Places to Visit in Yamanouchi-machi
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Ski & Snowboard Areas, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Ski & Snowboard Areas, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Yamanouchi-machi.
- fromper adult₹13,278
- fromper group (up to 6)₹28,990
- fromper adult₹10,727
- fromper group (up to 6)₹60,235
Adventure Toursfromper group (up to 5)₹5,10,211- fromper adult (price varies by group size)₹10,147
Skiingfromper adult₹2,31,320
Full-day Toursfromper group (up to 4)₹56,240- fromper group (up to 12)₹63,777
- fromper adult₹10,437
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Ski & Snowboard Areas
Scenic Walking Areas
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Other Top Attractions around Yamanouchi-machi
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- SuperpearNew Plymouth, New Zealand1,324 contributionsCommunication was appalling as there was a power cut when we arrived, and the officials were saying they were whit and no monkees. As always, it was lost in translation. We had a Snow Monkey Pass so we didn't need to pay the entry fee, and there were loads of monkees to see. They weren't swimming in the hot pools but it was still great to see and highly recommended.Written 19 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ukrandomtravelleruk488 contributionsA large skiing area spread across 18 'resorts'. the snow was really good for the 3 days in early March of our visit...plenty of fresh powder and lovely piste conditions...we stayed at ichinose diamond resort, which is a good central base. Plenty of variety of slopes for beginners through to more experienced skiers. There were a few runs marked as extreme....but in comparison to North America they were quite easy. Lift lines were non existant during our stay and apart from the central beginners area, there was hardly anybody on the pistes
Okushiga has the steepest slopes including we think 7 back country gates as we found gate 7(!). Unfortunately, we could find no information about them anywhere....we skied 4 of them....3 finished in a central drain...the 4th we think would have gone to a road midway between 2 resorts....we tried to avoid the hike but had an adventure getting back to civilisation!
we went over to Yokoteyama on the last day.....so skiing over to the base of the Giant area was straightforward...but then we knew we needed a bus...finding this was a challenge as even when you find someone who can speak english it was hard to get across what we wanted to know. So at the base of the Giant area look for the revolving gondola (sets of 3 linked cabins) take this to the top, where there is a base centre and the bus goes from here....it goes in the wrong direction 1st towards sun valley...but turns around soon after and goes up to Yokoteyama
And the bonus of our trek was we came across a bunch of snow monkeys just hanging around on the piste next to the gondola mid station!Written 11 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HungoverTTBandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam847 contributionsI like this Ski park. its not super commercial still lots of locals goes there. its a bit far to get there but its all worth itWritten 23 April 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IR88Melbourne, Australia222 contributionsTook us a while to get there from Ichinose Diamond Ski area - required a bus ride via Sun Valley. Once there there was a chairlift that took us all the way to the top. Once there, at top of Mt Yokote (2307m) there was a cafe with an outdoor balcony area which was great for panaromic views and photography. Unfortunately it did look like this side of Shiga Kogen was not well patronised as the ski lift ran very slowly and there were only a few people about. At the bottom of the valley there weren't many hotels/eateries and some hotels looked abandoned and dilapidated. One local mentioned that the place used to be well patronised but some runs are now closed/unused due to lack of visitors. We saw one of the main runs overgrown with bushes and the lifts were not running at all. Overall though the views from Mt Yokote made it all worthwhile. Shame about the deserted nature of the area now though...!Written 14 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TennisTraveller13Terranora11 contributionsWe had a great time skiing in Shiga Kogen and would highly recommend it to anyone. The resorts cater for Australians whilst maintaining their Japanese culture and feel, which sets it apart from Hakaba and Niseko.Written 11 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Arie-samaSingapore, Singapore7 contributionsIf you go to Japan before November and would like to see autumn leaves, this is the place. Great lake, great water fall, great mountain. Easy access by bus. Easy access from Shibu onsen where we stayedWritten 22 October 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stefano ELugano, Switzerland1,148 contributionsThough not very large, not really the most modern equipment and lifts .. very nice area with good slopes .. amazing snow quality. No break village life .. fabulous for families.Written 15 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kazuhiko UTorrance, CA74 contributionsAlways very nice to drive this area except winter. Along the route you will see many trees, flower, and find hot spring where you can take a bath/ need pay day use.Written 26 September 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KrubeeSingapore, Singapore682 contributionsNagano, being the 4th largest prefecture in Japan has a lot to offer. Blessed with magnificent landscape, picturesque snow capped mountains, luscious rolling farms, gently flowing streams and rivers, perfect cool weather and a rich history and historical sites. But they do have modern attractions they could offer especially after hosting the Winter Olympics they have a lot of Ski resorts and each resort has a lot of unique features and facilities. One of them is Ryuo Ski Park in Yamanouchi near Yudanaka were our hotel is based. It was suggested by the lady in Nagano station tourist center because I was looking for a Ski resort which still has snow. She recommend Sora Terrace which is a viewpoint on top of Mt. Ryuoo at 1770m above sea level which may still have a bit of ice or snow left on its ground. Much more, it offers free shuttle service from Yudanaka station which takes about 30 mins so its perfect for us to see this place!!!
After driving thru the picturesque and calming countryside of Yamanouchi beaming and dazzling with endless Bright Green farms, Rolling Japanese Alps, Peaceful countryside, Romantic Japanese homes and Clear Blue Skies we arrived just half past 2 in the cool sunny afternoon at Kita Sig Ryuoo station. Ticket costs 4800 yen per adult for the Ropeway cable lift to the top both ways. We purchased our tickets on site and paid via credit card. The Clear Glass; Cream coloured Ropeway can accommodate 166 passengers and it is the world’s largest ropeway. The Ropeway would bring us up 1770 m high unto the summit of Mt. Ryuo where Sora Terrace is located where all the magic happens and the immaculate views that will await you.
Like in Beppu Ropeway, the best place to sit or stand is either the sides or the front window so you could get the best view without any photo bombers. The surrounding landscapes were a bit dry perhaps the leaves are transitioning from Spring to Summer but we could see some patches of Greeneries. It was a very sunny day so the area is very bright but the weather was still cool and chilly. The Ropeway is packed right at this time in the afternoon and they 2 ropeways going on both directions. Aside from patches of Greeneries we could see some. patches of Snow on the grounds left behind. It was an incredible surprise for us seeing snow late this Spring was just astounding!!! Until we reached the top of Mt. Ryuoo we were greeted by the picturesque mountains and valleys and scenic landscapes of Nagano. It was a bright, clear day so we could see the mountains even far beyond the horizon clearly. Also, it was a bit chillier on top and we loved it instantly!!!
We alighted at Skyland station on top of Mt. Ryuoo where the Sora Terra Observatory is located. We weren’t expecting a lot of people that time but we were shocked to see so many visitors up here and 99% of them were locals. I only see a bit of foreign tourists like us so we feel very much integrated with the locals that time. The top is dry with patches of grass, rocks, and snow with different varieties of trees and shrubs where the leaves are still about to bloom and showcase its dazzling Green colours. But what were excited about are the patches of snow all over the top. We touched and played with them and of course didn’t forget to take our lovely photos and videos. There are outdoor dining area, benches and Sora Cafe on top for refreshments but we didn’t eat because we just had lunch. We did sat on their outdoor benches to relax, immerse and witness the glorious views of the surrounding highlands of Nagano from the Bird’s eye view of Mt. Ryuoo and it was priceless!!! One for the books that we will indeed cherish forever!!! What’s more I’m with my parents so nothing could get better than this!!!
There are both wooden, paved and rough pathways all over the top for you to follow the circular path with different perspectives, surroundings and panoramic views to offer. Despite the bright sun hovering from the skies there are areas on top where you could get shades like the big tree up there which we don’t know the type, the indoor cafe, a toilet and the outdoor dining areas have umbrellas for cover. But it is important to have Sunglasses and sunblock especially if you go on top of a mountain on a bright, sunny day. There is a spot near the Cafe where giant boulders of rocks clubbed on top of each other is a perfect place to have a signature photo and leave a mark here at Sora Terrace which we did of course!!! There are Hammocks also near this site but because it so sunny we didn’t try them. Further ahead away from the center is a rough pathway with endless lines of snow on the ground perfect to take that surreal and fantastic photo on top of Mt. Ryuoo where we could see also some towering Pine trees further ahead. We didn’t venture further much there because no one is walking that far away but we did sat on the big rocks lined up along this path and take a rest, experience and enjoy the snow just beside us!!! This is the best spot and moment for us here on the top.
So there we go, after an hour we decided to come down back to the Valley station but first we took some photos of their White/Blue Octagonal signage with the Nagano highlands behind us for a stamp of memory for me and my parents that will last for lifetime!!! The ride coming down is also packed but not as crowded going on top. There were seating on all sides of the ropeway and standing at the center but we missed a spot to sit so we were standing all the way down but they have standing handles for support. However, we made a big mistake. We didn’t check the next shuttle bus to Yudanaka and it just departed after we came down. We waited 30 mins for the next bus and it was so cold now due to the breeze but we just rested and wandered around the station until our shuttle bus arrived back to Yudanaka station. The sun is now about to set over the horizon giving a romantic view of the landscapes of Yamanouchi and it was so calming and relaxing!!!
Our experience at Sora Terrace is indeed delightfully and magically surprising because we not only got to see some snows which we are wishing for but also got to experience with the locals the beautiful and outstanding views of Nagano Highlands which is truly a wonderful work of nature indeed!!!! Next time, we will go back here on Winter so we could witness the full snow, try some ski and glamping overnight so we could see the sea of clouds which we didn’t see during the afternoon. Only Sora Terrace Observatory could provide all of the activities, food/drinks, camps and the super wonderful views only here at the top of Mt. Ryuoo!!! See you soon Sora Terrace Matah neh!!! :=)Written 3 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Richard TLondon, UK27 contributionsTo go up the hill, I would advise you to go to the backyard and use a lift.
You would enjoy yourself more! However, going up the hill is just a first
step of long journey on the hill. Please spend a few hours on the top.
There are a lot of tracking routes and you can feel nature.Written 18 January 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MargaretPowellMelbourne, Australia1,644 contributionsBeen skiing Shigakogen for 16 years. This year had my skis stolen outside west wing of Prince Hotel during lunch. We had mixed the skis and separated by some distance but the thief was determined to find the match and my brand new Armada Trace 98 2018 model was stolen. Then found out from staff and policeman that many skis are now stolen so be aware and lock your skis in public places.
On a positive note the grooming, variety etc of Yakebitaiyama and the reliability of the lift system is excellent. recommend during a long stay to save a few dollars some days and purchase yakebi only pass...Gondolas get super busy on weekends though so when organising your trip try to transfer on a Saturday to beat the crowds.Written 3 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - eddiesngSingapore, Singapore609 contributionsTamamura Honten Brewery is located in Yamanouchi and this location is very close to the Snow Monkey Park - you can combine both visits as they are rather close to each other. The brewery is in the hot spring area so maybe even try out the hot spring (onsen) after a walk in the Snow Monkey park. We drove to the brewery and arrived about half an hour before closing - they close at 6pm.
Tamamura Honten is one of the oldest brewery in the area making use of the clean water and excellent climate to make some very nice sakes. The sakes are free for tasting which is always great.
Located within the brewery is also a museum that showcases the history of sake making. Also laid out are the certificates awarded to the brewery. And upstairs, you may visit the museum and also view the brewery from upstairs.
For the sake, they have a full range of sake - from Ginjo to Daiginjo and they even make beer - craft beer. The sake is light and aromatic, sweet even. Very good sake IMO.
The attendant at hand speaks good English and very accommodating to the questions you might have. They have a list in English so be sure to ask. For beer lovers, I understand they craft their own beer and some have been winning awards.
We ended up buying 4 bottles of sake for our own consumption. A worthwhile trip if you are in the Nagano area.Written 12 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
