Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable

Quick Guide: Nagano to Yudanaka (Snow Monkey Park)

• Fastest Option: Limited Express (Snow Monkey or Yukemuri) — 45 minutes.
• Standard Option: Local Train — 70-80 minutes (often requires a transfer).
• Cost: ¥1,190 (Local) + ¥100 Express Surcharge for Limited Express trains.
• Top Tip: Use the Snow Monkey Pass (¥5,100) for unlimited rides (hop-on/off) and park entry.

Running from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station - the nearest station to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort - the Nagano Dentetsu Line is one of the most convenient transport options to getting to two of Nagano's most popular destinations. On this page you will find the following information:

For visitors heading to the monkey park or a little further onto Shiga Kogen, regular services operate throughout the day to Yudanaka Station from where local bus services will ferry you onto your final destination. For more information about using the line, see our 'Nagano Dentetsu Line' main page.

Nagano Dentestu Line Timetable

Most visitors using the Nagano Dentetsu Line will use the limited express services. Two types of train - the Snow Monkey Express and Yukemuri Express - alternate through the day and are marked in blue and orange on the timetable below. They are both limited express services and stop at all A stations - as listed above - but not all services stop at B stations. Daily service information is available here:

Nagano Station to Yudanaka (Snow Monkey Park) Train Timetable

Nagano to Yudanaka: Key Service Times

For travelers making outgoing trips from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park, please note these essential service times:

• First Local Service: 06:15 (Requires transfer at Shinshu-Nakano).
• First Direct Limited Express: 09:53 (Arrives Yudanaka 10:37).
• Last Direct Limited Express: 19:40 (Arrives Yudanaka 20:29).
• Last Local Service: 20:40 (Arrives Yudanaka 21:57).

Yudanaka (Snow Monkey Park) to Nagano Station Train Timetable

Yudanaka to Nagano: Key Service Times

For travelers returning from the Snow Monkey Park area to Nagano Station, please note these essential service times:

• First Service of the Day: Departs Yudanaka at 06:21 and arrives at Nagano at 07:34 (includes a transfer at Shinshu-Nakano).
• First Direct Limited Express: Departs Yudanaka at 09:54 and arrives at Nagano at 10:42.
• Last Direct Limited Express: Departs Yudanaka at 20:40 and arrives at Nagano at 21:29.
• Final Local Service: Departs Yudanaka at 21:17 and arrives at Nagano at 22:31.

Express Trains
Please purchase an express ticket when boarding an express train.
(Additional fare: ¥100 for adults / ¥50 for children)

Red: Limited Express

Nagano Dentetsu Line Map

Nagano Dentetsu Line Route & Stations

The Nagano Dentetsu Line connects Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station. To help you identify your stop, the line includes the following stations:

• Major Stops (All Express & Local): Nagano / Gondo / Suzaka / Obuse / Shinshu-Nakano / Yudanaka.
• Secondary Stops (B Limited Express & Local): Shiyakusho-mae* / Hongo* / Shinanoyoshida* / Asahi*.
• Local-Only Stops: Zenkoji-shita / Kirihara / Fuzokuchugaku-mae / Yanagihara / Murayama / Hino / Kitasuzaka / Tusumi / Sakurasawa / Entoku / Nakano-Matsukawa / Shinano-Takehara / Yomase / Kamjio.

Service Key:

• Asterisk (*): These stations are served by 'B Limited Express' services at various times throughout the day.
• Red/Bold: All limited express services (both A and B) stop at these primary stations.
• Note: Not all limited express services stop at B stations, so please check the specific timetable above before boarding.

Train Stop Order

Nagano / Shiyakusho-mae* / Gondo / Zenkoji-shita / Hongo* / Kirihara / Shinanoyoshida* / Asahi* / Fuzokuchugaku-mae / Yanagihara / Murayama / Hino / Suzaka / Kitasuzaka / Obuse / Tusumi / Sakurasawa / Entoku / Shinshu-Nakano / Nakano-Matsukawa / Shinano-Takehara / Yomase / Kamjio / Yudanaka

Additional Travel Information

For a comprehensive guide to the Nagano Dentetsu Line, including detailed instructions on the following, please visit our main our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line’ page:

• Service Types: Differences between Limited Express and Local trains.
• Ticketing & Fares: How to buy tickets and current pricing for adults and children.
• Travel Passes: Details on the Snow Monkey Pass and other discount options.
• Station Navigation: Directions to the Nagaden office and ticket gates at Nagano Station.

Snow Monkey Pass for Train / Local Bus

This pass is ideal for visitors who want to combine the monkey park with iconic sightseeing stops along the way.

• Cost: ¥5,100 per adult (13+) / ¥2,550 for children (6-12).
• Validity: 1 day from the date of activation.
• What’s Included:
  • Admission: One-time entry to the Snow Monkey Park.
  • Train: Unlimited 1-day travel on the Nagano Dentetsu Railway, including non-reserved seats on express trains.
  • Local Bus: One round-trip on the Nagaden Local Bus between Yudanaka Station and the Snow Monkey Park bus stop.
• Key Benefit: You can buy this pass online to skip long ticket machine lines at the station. It also allows you to jump off the train to explore destinations like Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse, or Suzaka at no extra cost.

*Please note, the pass covers non-reserved seating on limited express services only.

Popular Destinations Using the Nagano Dentetsu Line

The Nagano Dentetsu Line provides easy access to some of the region's most iconic attractions. Below are the key destinations you can explore using this line:

Zenkoji Temple (via Gondo Station)

The Destination: One of Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, Zenkoji has served as the spiritual heart of Nagano for nearly 1,400 years. It is famous for its daily morning ceremonies, historic architecture, and year-round festivals.

Explore with Us: Join our Half-Day Zenkoji Walking Tour to gain professional insight into the temple's rich history, culture, and traditions.

Day Tour

Recommended

Half-Day Zenkoji Tour with Tea Ceremony

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano City

¥14,500

Book Now View Details

City of Suzaka (via Suzaka Station)

The Destination: Suzaka is a historic castle town known for its traditional merchant houses, preserved warehouse district, and lush fruit orchards. It offers a perfect blend of local craftsmanship and natural scenery.

Explore with Us:

• 1-Day Cultural Walk: Visit miso breweries, enjoy a seasonal lunch, and try on a traditional kimono at the historic Odagiri Residence.
• 2-Day Ozasa Trail Tour: A private highland hiking experience through the Minenohara Highlands following historic mountain trails.

Private Tour

Special Offer

Explore Suzaka’s Historic Warehouse District: 1-Day Cultural Walk with Kimono, Miso & Local Cuisine

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano City

¥40,000~/group→¥22,800~/group

Book Now View Details

Private Tour / Multi-day Tour

Special Offer

Start from Nagano: Explore Japan’s Historic ‘Shortcut’ Mountain Trail – 2-Day Private Tour

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano City

¥93,000~/group→¥70,000~/group

View Details

Obuse, Including the Hokusai Museum (via Obuse Station)

The Destination: Located just north of Nagano City, Obuse is a charming town famous for its historic streets, traditional merchant houses, and sprawling chestnut orchards.

Hokusai Connection: The town shares a deep legacy with the famous ukiyo-e master, Katsushika Hokusai; visitors can experience his art through dedicated exhibits and workshops.

Explore with Us: Our 1-Day Cultural Walk provides a comprehensive introduction to the area, featuring:

• A guided exploration of Obuse’s historic downtown and local craft shops.
• Visits to traditional sake breweries and a seasonal Japanese lunch.
• Immersive experiences at the Hokusai Museum to discover the town's artistic heritage.

Day Tour

Small Group

1-Day Historic Obuse & Hokusai: Japan's 'Mad Man of Art' Tour

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano CityObuse

Drop-off:

Nagano CityObuse

¥19,800

Book Now View Details

Jigokudani Monkey Park (via Yudanaka Station)

The Destination: Famous for its wild Japanese macaques that bathe in natural hot springs, the Snow Monkey Park is nestled in a scenic valley near Yamanouchi. It offers a unique opportunity to observe monkeys up close in their natural habitat of forests and mountains.

Year-Round Appeal: While most famous for winter antics, the park is open year-round and is a beautiful destination in spring, summer, and autumn for wildlife encounters and seasonal scenery.

Access: The park is easily accessible from Yudanaka Station via a short bus or car transfer followed by a gentle walk through picturesque rural landscapes.

Explore with Us: Visiting the park is the highlight of several of our offerings, including our 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano.

Day Tour

Best Selling

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakuba

¥19,800

Book Now View Details

Shiga Kogen (via Yudanaka Station)

The Destination: Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski and snowboarding destinations, featuring extensive slopes, modern lifts, and diverse winter activities.

Year-Round Appeal: Located in northern Nagano, the highlands offer beautiful hiking trails, alpine flora, and stunning mountain scenery throughout spring, summer, and autumn.

Access: The area is easily accessible from Yudanaka Station, with local buses or car transfers taking visitors directly into the heart of the ski resorts and highlands.

Top Destination: Shiga Kogen combines outdoor adventure with scenic landscapes, making it a premier choice for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking year-round alpine exploration.

Day Tour

Best Selling

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen

Pick-up:

Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu

Drop-off:

Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu

¥23,000

Book Now View Details

25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)