On this page you will find the most efficient methods of getting from Osaka to the Snow Monkey Park. Osaka is one of Japan’s great metropolises offering visitors an endless array of things to do. Loud, brash and great fun, Osaka is in most regards a world away from the mountains and quiet of Central Japan but thanks to Japan's fantastic rail network, it's easy to head our way including visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Only 30 minutes from Kyoto, Osaka also offers contrasting sights, sounds and experience to the refined former capital. Osaka has always been a trading city where the art of negotiation and skilled conversation is paramount, very much moulding the character of the city today. In contrast, Kyoto is refined and reserved while Osaka is fast-paced, vibrant and notably louder. For suggestions of what's on offer in the region, see our '40 Things To In Kyoto, Nara & Osaka' page.
For many if not most international visitors, a trip to Osaka will be part of a longer journey including Tokyo. Sitting between Osaka in the west and Tokyo in the east, Central Japan should not be overlooked and can be easily incorporated into any itinerary. Located in Nagano, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the region’s most popular attractions – one that is readily accessible from Osaka given the efficiency of the Japanese train network.
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Our group tours run throughout the year, including multiple tours to the monkeys. We can also arrange private tours and charters to the park along with any destination in the region, and as a registered travel agent, we can package transport, accommodation and more together so you save and get the most out of your time at the park, Nagano and beyond – scroll to the bottom for details.
Important Winter Update: Upcoming Entry Changes at the Snow Monkey Park
Planning your visit to the Snow Monkey Park for December, January, February, or March?
For the 2026/2027 winter season, the Snow Monkey Park has introduced an advance online ticketing and timed-entry system for the upcoming peak winter season. All visitors planning an independent trip to Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Snow Monkey Park) must navigate the new mandatory online ticketing system and strict winter parking restrictions.
Peak Season Entry & Parking Restrictions
- Mandatory Online Tickets: During peak times—primarily winter (Dec–Mar) and major domestic holidays like New Year, Golden Week, and Obon—visitors must present a date-specific advance ticket QR code to be admitted to the park after walking the trail. Walk-ins face long waits or total entry denial at the ticket check-in counter at the bottom of the trail.
- Civilian Parking Bans: Nearby parking lots are completely closed to private vehicles on peak winter weekends and public holidays. Public transport or guided tours are strongly recommended. Travel via public transportation is being encouraged by the Snow Monkey Park.
How to Book Independent Tickets Online
- Booking Portal: Tickets must be purchased through the official Webket Reservation System (English toggle available).
- Account Required: You must create and register a Webket account before buying.
- Booking Window: Tickets open 90 days in advance at midnight JST.
- Entry Timeslots: When booking, you must select your specific date and arrival window.
For more details on how to go about placing your reservation for tickets to the Snow Monkey Park, please see our How to Purchase Snow Monkey Park Tickets in Advance webpage.
The best way to secure your winter entry to the Snow Monkey Park? Book a guided tour or private charter with Snow Monkey Resorts.
By booking one of our curated snow monkey tours, or private charter services, you can travel with complete peace of mind. Here is how booking with us ensures a seamless experience during the peak season while the snow monkey park adjusts to its new policy:
- Guaranteed Park Entry: We secure reserved ticket allocations for our guests, completely bypassing the complex online booking system and ensuring guaranteed access.
- Direct Transportation: Skip the hazardous winter roads and vehicle bans—our private vehicles drop you off directly near the park trail.
- Hassle-Free Experience: Enjoy an all-inclusive itinerary complete with a local English-speaking guide, organized logistics, and optional seasonal activities like sake tasting or snow fun.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Don't need a guide? We can transport you to and from the park with seamless logistics from areas such as Nagano Station, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Matsumoto, and more!
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
Where is the Jigokudani Monkey Park?
The Jigokudani Monkey Park – often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park – is around 35KM / 50-minutes to the north-east of central Nagano City and approximately 475KM / 6 to 7-hours drive north-east of Osaka. Open every day, the monkeys come to the park through the year making it one of Nagano’s most popular attractions. When heading to the park using public transport from Osaka, you have several options that will get you to Nagano Station, from where an express bus runs directly to Kanbayashi Onsen – where the park is located – or alternatively, you can take the Nagano Dentetsu railway to Yudanaka Station – the nearest train station to the park – and from there, take a local bus to the park. Both options take around 50 to 55-minutes in total to get there – and a total journey time of around 5 to 5.5-hours from Osaka. The park is located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, which itself is located in the wider region of Yamanouchi – a region including the park, multiple hot spring villages, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the smaller ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Within easy reach of Nagano City, visiting the monkey park as a day-trip is easy while also providing lots of reasons to stay in the area on a multi-day visit.
Directions to the Park from Osaka
To reach the Jigokudani Monkey Park from Osaka is a three-stage journey. You must first get to Nagano via either Kanazawa or Tokyo. From Nagano, you then make the onward journey to the park. We recommend doing so via Tsuruga- as it is slightly cheaper and faster - but either option works. To reach Nagano, choose either of these options:
VIA TSURUGA
1 / From Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga.
Regular services connect the two cities each day – approximately 80 minutes / JPY4,900.
2 / Once at Tsuruga Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Tokyo via Nagano. Using the Kagayaki service, the journey will take 110 minutes and costs JPY12,120 (reserved seats only) or using the Hakutaka service, it will take 146 minutes and cost JPY11,870 (non-reserved). It is important to note the Hakutaka also has the option of reserved seats*.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*All services listed above are covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass at no additional cost.
VIA NAGOYA**
1 / From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya - 50 to 70 min / JPY6,880*.
2 / Once in Nagoya, switch to the Limited Express Shinano bound for Nagano – a journey of around 3 hours / JPY7,000*.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*All services listed above are covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
**It is worth noting that while the Shinano Line offers passengers a very picturesque and enjoyable journey, the nature of the line - a single track - and design of the train mean that it is prone to sway and shake. For many passengers this will not be a problem but for those who suffer from motion sickness, it is known to be a problem. For that reason, we recommend the first option of heading to the monkey park via Kanazawa - as detailed above.
VIA TOKYO
1 / From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo. The ‘Nozomi’ service is the fastest – approximately 150 minutes / JPY13,870 – but is not covered by the JR Pass or JR Hokuriku Arch Pass without the purchase of additional tickets. Alternatively, the Hikari service is covered by the passes – approximately 175 minutes / JPY13,870*.
2 / At Tokyo Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano. The Kagayaki service is the fastest option to reach Nagano – approximately 80 to 85 minutes / JPY8,650. The Hakutaka and Asama services also stop at Nagano but take a little longer – 90 to 110 minutes depending on which service you use*. For the daily schedule, please refer to our 'Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable' page.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*All services on the Tokaido Shinkansen- other than the Nozomi - and all services on Hokuriku Shinkasen are cover by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass at no additional cost.
Accessing the Snow Monkey Park from Nagano Station
Once you arrive at Nagano Station, you have two primary public transit options to reach Kanbayashi Onsen (the park's base). Both take roughly 45 to 55 minutes to reach the trailhead village, dropping you off a 5 to 10-minute walk from the actual forest trail entrance.
Option 1: Visiting the Snow Monkey Park via Express Bus
The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus runs all year round, with added services during the peak winter ski season. To check the bus schedule, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Express Bus Timetable’ page
- Location: Departs exclusively from Bus Stop No. 24 outside the Nagano Station East Exit. (Note: Bus Stop No. 23 is now dedicated solely to Shiga Kogen and will not stop at the park).
- Duration: Takes just over 40 minutes to the park trailhead (55 minutes for the return leg).
- Ticketing & Boarding (Important Update): Pay-as-you-go boarding is no longer permitted. Advance booking is strictly required to board the bus.
- How to Purchase: Independent travelers must book their tickets online in advance through the Webket Reservation System, which opens 90 days prior to departure and requires selecting a specific timeslot. Alternatively, standard tickets or the Snow Monkey Pass can be purchased at the "Aruyo" ticket office near the East Exit. However, same-day station purchases are highly unlikely during peak seasons, so online booking or arriving with a pre-arranged tour is strongly recommended.
Option 2: Visiting the Snow Monkey Park by Train and Local Bus
You can also take the Nagano Dentetsu Line from its underground station at Nagano Station to the terminal at Yudanaka Station.
- The Train: We highly recommend using the Express Service (~45 minutes). Local services take substantially longer and require a train transfer.
- The Local Bus Transfer: Once you step out of Yudanaka Station, jump directly onto a Nagaden local bus for an 8-minute ride to the park. Look for either the Kanbayashi Line or the Shiga Kogen Line.
For the train schedule from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station, please see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page and for the local bus schedule from Yudanaka Station to the Snow Monkey Park, please see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable’ page..
Option 3: Group Tours & Private Charters
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
For a stress-free, premium experience, you can join an organized group tour or book a private charter directly from Nagano Station.
- The Convenience: This option bypasses the hassle of coordinating bus timetables or train transfers. Vehicles pick you up directly at the station and drive you straight to the closest vehicle drop-off point.
- What's Included: Most group tours bundle your park admission tickets, a professional English-speaking guide, and often a traditional lunch or a visit to nearby Zenkoji Temple into a seamless itinerary.
- Private Charters: If you are traveling with family, a large group, or heavy luggage, private door-to-door vans and mini-buses offer completely customizable schedules, allowing you to explore the park and surrounding onsen towns entirely at your own pace.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
nd stops. Yudanaka is a small station and the buses operate from directly outside. You can't miss them! For the local bus schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable' page
Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City
Given the distance and time taken to reach Nagano from Osaka, we recommend staying at least one night. When staying in Nagano City, we recommend:
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
Located between Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple, Hotel Kokusai 21 is the city’s most established international hotel. Known for its blend of modern amenities and attentive Japanese service, Kokusai 21 offers guests spacious Western-style rooms with private bathrooms, multiple in-house restaurants including daily breakfast service and English-speaking 24-hour reception.
Hotel New Nagano NeXT
Travellers looking for affordable yet modern and comfortable accommodation in the centre of Nagano City should look no further than Hotel New Nagano NeXT, just a 2 minute walk from Nagano Station. Completely refurbished in 2020, the 115 room hotel offers four room types – single, double, twin and superior twin – each featuring comfortable bedding, private bathroom, TV and Roomcast with
Snow Monkey Park General Information
Open every day of the year, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Nagano’s most popular destinations. Our ‘Snow Monkey Park Information’ page has everything you need to know including opening times, prices, the park rules, FAQs and more. We hope you enjoy your visit with our favorite furry friends.
25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park and Where to Stay
Often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park, you’d be forgiven for thinking the park is only open and the monkeys only venture there in winter. While it’s true they are most famous for their winter antics, the monkeys come to the park all year round and there are just as many reasons to visit in spring, summer and autumn. Located in the beautiful rural enclave of Yamanouchi and within easy reach of Nagano City, visiting the park can be easily combined with plenty of nearby destinations and activities, as a day-trip or multi-day visit. Our ’25 Things To Do Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park & Where To Stay’ page has lots of tips and suggestions of what’s on offer and the best area to stay when visiting the monkeys.
Private Charter Services from Osaka to the Monkey Park
If you are carrying a lot of luggage, or want to fall asleep and take a nap until you reach your destination, our private charters might be the perfect way for you and your group to travel from Osaka to the Monkey Park! While going by car takes longer than using the train, you can avoid having to make multiple potentially stressful switchovers on the train and instead be free to sit back and enjoy the ride. For more information about pricing and availability, please click the link above.
Tours Around the Osaka Area
While you are in Osaka, why not join a tour to learn more about the area with a knowledgeable local guide? Luckily, we offer multiple tours in the area that are the best way to see the sights in a timely and efficient manner!
Our best tour to get a feel for the long history of this vibrant city, you will have the chance to visit Osaka Castle, the ancient Shitennoji Temple, and learn about Ukiyo-e (Japan's most famous traditional art style). What's more, you will even be able to get hands on and try out an Ukiyo-e making experience for yourself! This tour is great for friend groups or families, but please do keep in mind that is a walking tour and a basic level of physical fitness is necessary.
If you are staying in Osaka, you of course cannot leave without visiting its perhaps even more famous next door neighbor - Kyoto! Connected by the Shinkansen and taking less than 30 minutes to travel between the cities, you are sure to be surprised by just how different they are. As the former capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is full of cultural experiences that just may become the highlight of your trip. On this tour, you will be able to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its red torii gates, as well as the Kiyomizu Temple and Gion areas, two of Kyoto's most well preserved traditional districts.
Frequently Asked Questions about getting from Osaka to the Snow Monkey Park
The total journey takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours. It is a three-stage trip that involves taking a train from Osaka to Nagano Station (via Tsuruga, Nagoya, or Tokyo), and then transferring to either an express bus or a local train and bus combination to reach the park.
The most recommended route is via Tsuruga because it is generally faster and slightly cheaper. You take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Shin-Osaka Station to Tsuruga (approx. 80 minutes), then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Tokyo, getting off at Nagano Station (110–146 minutes).
The JR Pass covers the train journeys to Nagano Station via Tsuruga, Nagoya, and Tokyo (excluding the Nozomi Shinkansen). However, the JR Pass does not cover the final leg of the journey from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park (Nagaden Express Bus or Nagano Dentetsu train/local bus).
Yes, if you are traveling independently during the peak winter season (December–March) or major public holidays. As of August 2026, the park requires mandatory date-and-time specific advance tickets purchased through the official Webket Reservation System.
You have three main options:
Express Bus: Take the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus from Bus Stop No. 24 (East Exit). Note that advance online booking via Webket is strictly required to board.
Train & Local Bus: Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line (express recommended) to Yudanaka Station, then transfer to a local bus (Kanbayashi Line or Shiga Kogen Line) for an 8-minute ride to the park.
Guided Tours/Charters: Book a group tour or private charter for direct, hassle-free transportation from Nagano Station.
It is strongly discouraged and often restricted. During peak winter weekends and public holidays, nearby parking lots are completely closed to civilian/private vehicles. Taking public transport, a guided tour, or a private charter is highly recommended.
While independent travel is possible, booking a guided tour or private charter provides guaranteed park entry during the strict winter ticketing system, direct transportation that bypasses vehicle bans, and a hassle-free itinerary without having to navigate complex bus schedules or ticket portals.
Given the 5+ hour travel time, it is highly recommended to stay at least one night in Nagano. Convenient options near Nagano Station include Hotel Kokusai 21 and Hotel New Nagano NeXT.