On this page you will find the most convenient and effective routes to get between Kanazawa City and the Snow Monkey Park. Kanazawa is a charming coastal city which, in recent years, has established itself as an overnight or multi-day stop on the route between Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. As a central stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Kanazawa Station is a convenient starting point from where to head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park via Nagano Station.
Home to beautiful gardens, expansive castle grounds and historic streetscapes, Kanazawa offers visitors plenty to explore and enjoy. It is also a great food city, best known for its outstanding seafood. Located only 15 to 20-minutes walk from Kanazawa Station, Omicho is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy a seafood meal. For suggestions of everything on offer in and around the city, see our '30 Things To Do Around Kanazawa & Where To Stay' page.
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 around 250KM / 3.5-hours drive to the east of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa Station, it will be easiest to do so from 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 add-up to a total journey time of between 2.5 to 3-hours from Kanazawa (depending on train connections). 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 Kanazawa
As the northern terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line from Tokyo, the monkey park is readily accessible from Kanazawa via Nagano Station in a two-step journey:
1 / From Kanazawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shikansen to Nagano Station. Using the Kagayaki service, the journey will take 66 minutes and costs JPY9,120 (reserved seats only) or using the Hakutaka service, it will takes 90 minutes and cost JPY8,640 (non-reserved). Timetables to and from Kanazawa are available on our 'Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable' page.
2 / Once in Nagano, follow the directions below.
It is important to note the Hakutaka also has the option of reserved seats and all services including Kagayaki are covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, JR East 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
Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City
The monkey park can be visited as a day trip from Kanazawa or you also have the option of staying in Nagano, from where you can explore destinations including Togakushi and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. 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.
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 favourite furry friends.
20 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 Charters from Kanazawa to the Monkey Park
If you are looking for an easier way to reach the Monkey Park from Kanazawa, look no further than our Charter Service! Our clean and well-maintained vehicles are ready and waiting to pick you up from anywhere in Kanazawa and take you straight to the Monkey Park. You can avoid the hassle of switching trains, rushing to catch the bus, and carrying your luggage around and instead relax to enjoy the scenery.
Our charters can also take you to many other locations as well - The Monkey Park is only one of many places you could go! For more information, please click the link above and get in contact with us to plan your trip.
Please see our convenient private charter service from Kanazawa to the Snow Monkey Park.
Tours and Charters Around Kanazawa
We are proud to offer a number of tours in the Kanazawa area, as well as charter services to bring you wherever it is you would like to go, including to destinations such as Fukui, Takayama, and Nagano. Please read on below for more information about our tours operating from Kanazawa.
On this walking tour, you will see the best of Kanazawa in one day, all on foot! With a visit to the Samurai District, Kanazawa Castle, a tea house, and the Higashichaya Tea District (plus more!), this tour is all you need to see the sights in this fantastic city. Enter into the home of a Samurai, drink Matcha at a tea house overlooking a garden on the castle grounds, and see where Geisha once entertained clients. If all of the above sound like a great time, this is the tour for you!
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- KanazawaTakayama
Head out of the city and see how life was in the alpine regions of Central Japan on this great day tour from Kanazawa. With stops at Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, two famous villages of well preserved thatched roof houses and a Japanese Washi Paper making experience, you will be able to see some of the most picturesque countryside views in Japan as well as try your hand at a local craft.
Including multiple different experiences, tour is perfect for those looking for a hands on day trip. With the chance to make your own gold-leaf ornamented plate, as well as Japanese Sweets to put on said plate, you will come home with plenty of memories and souvenirs. Later in the day, nearby the famous Ninja Temple of Kanazawa, you will have the chance to also try out using the Ninja's most famous weapon - Ninja Stars!
Frequently Asked Questions about getting from Kanazawa to the Snow Monkey Park
It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in total using public transport. The journey involves a 66 to 90-minute Shinkansen ride from Kanazawa to Nagano Station, followed by a 45 to 55-minute bus or train ride to the park's trailhead.
The first leg of the journey—the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Nagano Station—is fully covered by the JR Pass, JR East Pass, and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. However, the transport from Nagano Station to the park (Nagaden Express Bus or Nagano Dentetsu train) is operated by a private company and is not covered by JR passes.
You can take the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus from Bus Stop No. 24 outside Nagano Station's East Exit, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station and transfer to a short 8-minute local bus ride. For maximum convenience, you can also book a guided tour or private charter that provides direct transportation.
If you are visiting independently during the peak winter season (December to March) or major domestic holidays, you must purchase a date-specific advance ticket with a timed-entry slot through the official Webket Reservation System. Walk-ins without advanced tickets may face long waits or be denied entry.
It is not recommended. During peak winter weekends and public holidays, nearby parking lots are completely closed to private civilian vehicles. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport, or book a guided tour or private charter to bypass the parking and road restrictions.