Yudanaka Station
Yudanaka is a small station and terminus of the Nagano Dentetsu Line. While small, it is the nearest station to some of Nagano’s most popular destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Services to & from Yudanaka Station
— Bus Services to & from Yudanaka Station
— Snow Monkey Park General Information
— 25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Located in the centre of Yudanaka Onsen – part of Yamaounchi town – it is the nearest train station to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and nearby Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and surrounding Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. From the station, the ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen are also within easy reach. As such, the station sees heavy traffic – particularly in winter – as visitors from all over the world use the station enroute to the monkeys and Shiga Kogen.
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator offering both group and private tours to the park along with the option of just transport and/or accommodation. Our vehicles and drivers are all fully certified and our guides are all locally-based. For more information, scroll to the bottom of the page.
TRAIN SERVICES TO & FROM YUDANAKA STATION
Yudanaka Station is the terminus of the Nagaden Line – which run and from Nagano Station and includes the following stations:
NAGANO / SHIYAKUSHO-MAE* / GONDO / ZENKOJI-SHITA / HONGO* / KIRIHARA / SHINANOYOSHIDA* / ASAHI* / FUZOKUCHUGAKUMAE / YANAGIHARA / MURAYAMA / HINO / SUZAKA / KITASUZAKA / OBUSE / TSUSUMI / SAKURASAWA / ENTOKU / SHINSHU-NAKANO / NAKANO-MATSUKAWA / SHINANO-TAKEHARA / YOMASE / KAMIJO / YUDANAKA
*These stations are stops for ‘B Limited Express’ services which operate at various times through the day. Not all limited express services will stop at these stations however all express services stop at all stations marked red.
Multiple express and local services run from/to Yudanaka Station and Nagano Station every day. Whether you intend to use either service, all seating is non-reserved. Ticket machines and a ticket window are available at Yudanaka Station immediately next to ticket gates. As a single-track station, access to the platform is only through one side of the station, meaning that you can’t get lost. The station is open to the elements with a waiting room open to the public – a good option in winter when the weather will be cold. In winter, staff with basic English should be on-hand to assist. Regardless of whether they are, or the time of year you visit, staff are friendly and will always do their best to assist.
For an overview of the Nagano dentetsu Line – including types of services, seating, fares, ticketing and travel passes, and directions to the Nagaden office and ticket gates, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line’ page. For a listing of daily train services, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page.
BUS SERVICES TO & FROM YUDANAKA STATION
Two public bus lines operate from directly in front of Yudanaka Station: the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line. Either service will drop you nearby the Jigokudani Monkey Park – buses stops are at the bottom of Kanbayashi Onsen, only 7 to 10-minutes walk from the park – and costS JPY310 per adult and JPY160 per child. The Shiga Kogen Line transports visitors to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort– via the monkey park – with travel time and costs dependent on where in the resort you are headed. As a guide, the following stops are included*:
For further regarding how to use the local bus services, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus’ page.
*Please note, due to weather and road conditions in winter, services can be delayed and travel times can be extended.
(WINTER ONLY) RYUOO SKI PARK SHUTTLE BUS
Yudanaka Station is the nearest major station to the four ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen. All four resorts are within 20-minutes drive of the station, with the largest of the four – Ryuoo Ski Park – operating a free shuttle bus to and from Yudanaka Station every day through winter. The bus operates from directly outside the station:
Please note, times for the Ryuoo Shuttle Bus can vary between seasons.
TAXIS & PUBLIC PARKING
A taxi stand is directly across from the station. For people driving themselves, Yudanaka is a small station and finding a park nearby should not be difficult. Avoid parking directly in front of the station, as many nearby guesthouses run shuttles to and from the station to collect and drop-off guests. This area can be hectic during winter, therefore its best to park elsewhere. If you drive past the station and directly ahead, you will see an open parking area lower on your left-hand side. Just look for the other parked cars. You can park there free-of-charge.
FACILITIES AT THE STATION
Don’t expect much. Yudanaka Station is small and outside of winter, is usually quiet. As a result, the station doesn’t have much in the way of facilities other than:
KAEDE-NO-YU
OK… the station doesn’t have a lot but it does have its own ‘onsen’ (natural hot spring) – try to find one of those in Tokyo or Shinjuku Stations! Kaede-no-Yu is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 (last entry at 20:30), and costs JPY300 to use. The hot springs are segregated by gender with access to the onsen on the backside of the station. Directly in front of the hot spring entrance, a public foot onsen is free to use while you wait for your train. Enjoyable any time of year, this is a great way to kill time and feel all the better for it.
GOEN Deli **TEMPORARILY CLOSED**
Located inside the station next to the ticket gates and window, GOEN Deli serves takeaway snacks and drinks from 09:00 to 17:00. Their tasty menu includes fried chicken, fries, sushi rolls, cakes and muffins along with hot and cold drinks – all of which can be taken on the train. The deli is handled by staff from always popular Japanese Dining GOEN and are not necessarily on-hand at all times. Should you require services, simply press the bell and they’ll dash across to assist you.
JAPANESE DINING GOEN
Directly across from the station, Japanese Dining GOEN is a popular restaurant with both locals and international visitors. GOEN’s menu is built around taste! Offering all the best Japanese staples including yakitori, tempura, and wagyu beef along with Western favorites, there’s something for everyone.
THE SNOW MONKEY PASS
Valid for use for 2 days following activation, the Snow Monkey Pass allows for unlimited use on the Nagaden Dentetsu Line, Nagaden express and local buses along with one entry to the Jigokudani Monkey Park*. Passes costs JPY3600 per adults (13+) and JPY1800 (6-12). Children under the age of 6 can ride Nagaden trains and buses and enter the park free of charge. Passes can be purchased at the following stations: Nagano / Gondo / Suzaka / Obuse. or further information, please refer to our ‘Snow Monkey Pass’ page.
*Please note, this pass does not cover express bus services to Shiga Kogen.
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, how to get there and more. We hope you enjoy your visit with our favourite furry friends.
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.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent and the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region including any destination or activity listed above starting, of course, with the monkeys! We offer a range of group tours with the option of booking a private tour to the monkeys. As a registered travel agent, we can package your trip to Nagano and Central Japan including group and private tours, ski packages, accommodation, private charters, restaurants, ticketing and more!
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination. We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide – whichever works best for you!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting the monkeys? Click the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
