Day 7: Snow Monkeys & Obuse

We begin the day in the company of Japanese Snow Monkeys, watching as the troop descends into the steaming springs of Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. It’s a rare and intimate scene—alpha males staking their ground, mothers cradling infants, juveniles tumbling in snow and steam. Time dissolves here. It’s impossible not to feel humbled.

When the troop retreats to the forest, so do we—heading to the nearby town of Obuse, known for its chestnut trees, wood-paved streets, and quiet charm. Over a slow, seasonal lunch, we’ll soak in the local flavors before strolling the preserved lanes and artisan shops that give Obuse its timeless feel.

In the afternoon, we head into the wild beauty of Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. Towering peaks, ancient cedars, and quiet forest trails guide us to Togakushi Shrine, a sacred site woven with myth and mountain mist. It’s a perfect close to a day filled with wonder—in motion, in stillness, and in spirit.