In March, I was lucky enough to take a trip up to Nagano to see the famous snow monkeys, or Onsen Monkeys.

This trip is not for the faint hearted – it’s a steep trek on foot through shoulder deep snow – but even an unfit and overweight girl such as me was able to do it without too much complaining.

You catch the Shinkansen to Nagano Station, and from there can catch the bus up to the base of the mountain. Once off the bus, face the road and turn right, taking the first street leading up the mountain. Don’t make the mistake we did and go up a swish hotel driveway!

After a few minutes, the road comes to a T junction with a carpark on your right, turn right (still going up the mountain). You can walk up the narrow icy road, just be careful of cars. The scenery on the way up is lovely, with some beautiful ryokans, a small temple and snow everywhere.

Once at the top you will see a sign pointing you to a narrow path that is single file all the way. The snow is packed down from people walking, and a machine must come through each day or it would be blocked.

Along the way are places to stop and rest, with signs telling you to look for this bird, that deer or a certain furry creature. We weren’t lucky enough to see any – I think it was too cold for them all.

Every now and then you may encounter people coming the other way – stamp a hard spot in the snow just off the path, being careful not to fall into the icy water on one side, or down the steep cliff on the other! Many of the people we saw were Japanese and friendly konichiwas were exchanged.

Once you reach the base of the Onsen, you will see a large ryokan with private onsen (hot springs) and the path continues up slipper stairs to the top of the viewing area. Take your time, and hold onto the rail (or someone else) for safety. This trip should be done in sturdy shoes with good grip, a warm waterproof jacket and pants and gloves.

Once you climb the stairs you find yourself at a small cabin where you pay the entrance fee, and continue up the path. You will see monkeys everywhere. Don’t look them in the eye, and don’t approach them. They can be a little aggressive and do bite if feeling cornered.

You’ll soon be surrounded by cute furry monkeys, playing, searching for food, bathing in the onsen and fighting to keep warm.

We spent about 3 hours at the top, before making our way back so we wouldn’t miss the last bus back to Nagano.

I high recommend this trip for anyone who can make it up stairs. It was a highlight of our three week stay.