Nagaden operates numerous local bus services in and around Nagano City including to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Operating from Yudanaka Station, two local bus lines stop at the monkey park: the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line. On this page you will find the following information:
All services on both the Kanbayashi and Shiga Kogen lines head to the monkey park – taking 8 to 15-miuntes (depending on which bus you use), before following very different routes. The Kanbayashi Line heads away from the mountains, therefore visitors wanting to head to Shiga Kogen must takes the Shiga Kogen Line. All local buses to and from the monkey park cost (one-way): JPY390 per adult / JPY 200 per child. For further details regarding how to use Nagaden’s local bus services, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus’ page.
Kanbayashi Line Timetable
Buses servicing the Kanbayashi Line depart from directly in front of Yudanaka Station and take approximately 10 minutes to reach the park:
Kanbayashi Line Schedule (Yudanaka St. to Snow Monkey Park): April 7th 2026 ~ December 4th 2026
Yudanaka Station | Snow Monkey Park |
07:40* | 07:48* |
07:30* | 07:38* |
9:12 | 9:22 |
9:50* | 9:58* |
10:42 | 10:52 |
11:20* | 11:28* |
11:52 | 12:02 |
12:30* | 12:38* |
13:32 | 13:42 |
14:10* | 14:18* |
15:20* | 15:28* |
15:57 | 16:07 |
16:30 | 16:38 |
18:42 | 18:52 |
- * Denotes a service that also extends into Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.
Buses from the park back to the station take longer - approximately 15 minutes - due to the route and additional stops on the way back from the park:
Kanbayashi Line Schedule (Snow Monkey Park to Yudanaka St.): April 7th 2026 ~ December 4th 2026
Snow Monkey Park | Yudanaka Station |
6:50 | 7:04 |
8:20 | 8:34 |
9:30 | 9:44 |
11:00 | 11:14 |
12:10 | 12:24 |
13:50 | 14:04 |
16:15 | 16:29 |
18:55 | 19:09 |
Please note, timetables are subject to change and can very between times of year.
Shiga Kogen Line Timetable
The timetable for Winter 2025/26 is as follows. Please note that the timetables for Winter 2026/27 has not been updated yet, and will most likely be published a days prior to the season starting. Please use this as a placeholder for next year's schedule.
Buses from the park back to the station take longer - approximately 15 minutes - due to the route and additional stops on the way back from the park:
Shiga Line Winter Schedule
Snow Monkey Park | Yudanaka Station |
9:21 | 9:35 |
9:30 | 9:44 |
11:00 | 11:14 |
11:36 | 11:50 |
12:10 | 12:24 |
12:26 | 12:40 |
12:38 | 12:52 |
12:40 | 12:54 |
13:25 | 13:39 |
13:50 | 14:04 |
14:26 | 14:40 |
15:06 | 15:20 |
16:15 | 16:29 |
16:51 | 17:05 |
17:56 | 18:10 |
18:55 | 19:09 |
19:01 | 19:15 |
The green season timetable from April 2026 to early December 2026 has been updated, and you can see the full timetable updated below:
Yudanaka to Shiga Kogen Line Schedule: April 7th 2026 ~ December 4th 2026
Bus Stop | S | K | S | K | S | K | S | S | S | S | K | S | K | S | Fare |
S01: Yudanaka Station | 07:40 | 08:30 | 09:50 | 11:20 | 12:30 | 14:10 | 15:20 | 16:30 | 18:15 | JPY 200 | |||||
S02: Hoshikawa Onsen | 07:40 | 08:30 | 09:50 | 11:20 | 12:30 | 14:10 | 15:20 | 16:30 | 18:15 | JPY 200 | |||||
S03: Hoshikawa-chuo | 07:41 | 08:31 | 09:51 | 11:21 | 12:31 | 14:11 | 15:21 | 16:31 | 18:16 | JPY 200 | |||||
S04: Ohinata Onsen | 07:42 | 08:32 | 09:52 | 11:22 | 12:32 | 14:12 | 15:22 | 16:32 | 18:17 | JPY 200 | |||||
S05: Yasuyo Onsen | 07:43 | 08:33 | 09:53 | 11:23 | 12:33 | 14:13 | 15:23 | 16:33 | 18:18 | JPY 250 | |||||
S06: Shibu Onsen | 07:44 | 08:34 | 09:54 | 11:24 | 12:34 | 14:14 | 15:24 | 16:34 | 18:19 | JPY 250 | |||||
S07: Shibu Wagabashi | 07:44 | 08:34 | 09:54 | 11:24 | 12:34 | 14:14 | 15:24 | 16:34 | 18:19 | JPY 250 | |||||
S08: Kanbayashi | 07:45 | 08:35 | 09:55 | 11:25 | 12:35 | 14:15 | 15:25 | 16:35 | 18:20 | JPY 300 | |||||
S09: Tenmangu-mae | 07:45 | 08:35 | 09:55 | 11:25 | 12:35 | 14:15 | 15:25 | 16:35 | 18:20 | JPY 300 | |||||
S10: Konotomi | 07:46 | 08:36 | 09:56 | 11:26 | 12:36 | 14:16 | 15:26 | 16:36 | 18:21 | JPY 350 | |||||
S11: Suna-dome | 07:47 | 08:37 | 09:57 | 11:27 | 12:37 | 14:17 | 15:27 | 16:37 | 18:22 | JPY 390 | |||||
S12: Snow Monkey Park | 07:48 | 08:38 | 09:58 | 11:28 | 12:38 | 14:18 | 15:28 | 16:38 | 18:23 | JPY 390 | |||||
S13: Undo-koen-iriguchi | 07:49 | 08:39 | 09:59 | 11:29 | 12:39 | 14:19 | 15:29 | 16:39 | 18:24 | JPY 390 | |||||
S14: Asahiyama-shita | 08:02 | 08:52 | 10:12 | 11:42 | 12:52 | 14:32 | 15:42 | 16:52 | 18:37 | JPY 950 | |||||
S15: Sun Valley | 08:05 | 08:55 | 10:15 | 11:45 | 12:55 | 14:35 | 15:45 | 16:55 | 18:40 | JPY 1,100 | |||||
S16: Maruike | 08:06 | 08:56 | 10:16 | 11:46 | 12:56 | 14:36 | 15:46 | 16:56 | 18:41 | JPY 1,100 | |||||
S18: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) - Arrival | 08:11 | 09:01 | 10:21 | 11:51 | 13:01 | 14:41 | 15:51 | 17:01 | 18:46 | JPY 1,100 | |||||
S18: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) - Departure | 07:35 | 08:11 | 09:01 | 09:05 | 10:21 | 10:30 | 11:55 | 13:01 | 15:51 | 15:55 | 17:01 | 17:15 | JPY 1,100 | ||
S17: Hasuike Hiroba | 07:35 | 08:11 | 09:01 | 09:05 | 10:21 | 10:30 | 11:55 | 13:01 | 15:51 | 15:55 | 17:01 | 17:15 | JPY 1,100 | ||
S19: Onumaike-iriguchi | 07:39 | DNS | 09:05 | DNS | 10:25 | DNS | 11:59 | 13:05 | 15:55 | DNS | 17:05 | DNS | JPY 1,200 | ||
S20: Hoppo-iriguchi | 07:43 | DNS | 09:09 | DNS | 10:29 | DNS | 12:03 | 13:09 | 15:59 | DNS | 17:09 | DNS | JPY 1,400 | ||
S21: Hoppo Onsen | DNS | DNS | 09:10 | DNS | 10:30 | DNS | 12:04 | 13:10 | 16:00 | DNS | 17:10 | DNS | JPY 1,400 | ||
S22: Takamagahara | 07:45 | DNS | 09:14 | DNS | 10:34 | DNS | 12:08 | 13:14 | 16:04 | DNS | 17:14 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S23: Takamagahara-ryo-mae | 07:45 | DNS | 09:14 | DNS | 10:34 | DNS | 12:08 | 13:14 | 16:04 | DNS | 17:14 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S24: Ichinose | 07:46 | DNS | 09:15 | DNS | 10:35 | DNS | 12:09 | 13:15 | 16:05 | DNS | 17:15 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S25: Ichinose Ski Resort | 07:47 | DNS | 09:16 | DNS | 10:36 | DNS | 12:10 | 13:16 | 16:06 | DNS | 13:16 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S26: Ichinose-ryo | 07:48 | DNS | 09:17 | DNS | 10:37 | DNS | 12:11 | 13:17 | 16:07 | DNS | 13:17 | DNS | JPY 1,550 | ||
S27: Prince Hotel West | 07:49 | DNS | 09:18 | DNS | 10:38 | DNS | 12:12 | 13:18 | 16:08 | DNS | 17:18 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S28: Prince Hotel South | 07:50 | DNS | 09:19 | DNS | 10:39 | DNS | 12:13 | 13:19 | 16:09 | DNS | 17:19 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S29: Prince Hotel East | 07:51 | DNS | 09:20 | DNS | 10:40 | DNS | 12:14 | 13:20 | 16:10 | DNS | 17:20 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S30: Yakebitaiyama No. 1 Gondola | 07:52 | DNS | 09:21 | DNS | 10:41 | DNS | 12:15 | 13:21 | 16:11 | DNS | 17:21 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S31: Yakebitaiyama Terrain Park | 07:53 | DNS | 09:22 | DNS | 10:42 | DNS | 12:16 | 13:22 | 16:12 | DNS | 17:22 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S32: Okushiga Gondola-mae | 07:55 | DNS | 09:24 | DNS | 10:44 | DNS | 12:18 | 13:24 | 16:14 | DNS | 17:24 | DNS | JPY 1,800 | ||
S33: Okushiga-ryo-mae | 07:57 | DNS | 09:26 | DNS | 10:46 | DNS | 12:20 | 12:26 | 16:16 | DNS | 17:26 | DNS | JPY 1,850 | ||
S34: Okushiga Kogen Hotel - Arrival | 08:02 | DNS | 09:32 | DNS | 10:52 | DNS | 12:26 | 13:32 | 16:22 | DNS | 17:32 | DNS | JPY 1,850 | ||
K19: Ike-no-taira | 08:12 | 09:06 | 10:31 | 15:56 | 17:1 | JPY 1,100 | |||||||||
K20: Shinshu-daishizen Kyoikuen | 08:14 | 09:08 | 10:33 | 15:58 | 17:18 | JPY 1,200 | |||||||||
K21: Koike | 08:15 | 09:09 | 10:34 | 15:59 | 17:19 | JPY 1,200 | |||||||||
K22: Kidoike | 08:18 | 09:12 | 10:37 | 16:02 | 17:22 | JPY 1,300 | |||||||||
K23: Hiratoko | 08:19 | 09:13 | 10:38 | 16:03 | 17:23 | JPY 1,300 | |||||||||
K24: Kasadake | 08:19 | 09:13 | 10:38 | 16:03 | 17:23 | JPY 1,300 | |||||||||
K25: Kumanoyu | 08:20 | 09:14 | 10:39 | 16:04 | 17:24 | JPY 1,450 | |||||||||
K26: Hotaru Onsen | 08:24 | 09:18 | 10:43 | 16:08 | 17:28 | JPY 1,450 | |||||||||
K27: Suzurikawa-ryo-mae | 09:18 | 10:43 | JPY 1,450 | ||||||||||||
K29: Yokoteyama Ski Resort | 09:22 | 10:47 | JPY 1,550 | ||||||||||||
K30: Nozoki | 09:29 | 10:54 | JPY 1,700 | ||||||||||||
K31: Shibutoge - Arrival | 09:32 | 10:57 | JPY 1,800 |
*Weekdays Only
The timetable for buses heading in the opposite direction can be found below:
Shiga Kogen to Yudanaka Line Schedule: April 7th 2026 ~ December 4th 2026
Bus Stop | *Y* | *K2* | *Y* | S2 | Y | K2 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y2 | Y | Y | K2 | Y | Y | Y | Fare |
K31: Shibutoge | 09:40 | 11:05 | 13:50 | JPY 1,800 | ||||||||||||||
K30: Nozoki | 09:43 | 11:08 | 13:53 | JPY 1,700 | ||||||||||||||
K29: Yokoteyama Ski Resort | 09:48 | 11:13 | 13:58 | JPY 1,550 | ||||||||||||||
K27: Suzurikawa-ryo-mae | 09:52 | 11:17 | 14:02 | JPY 1,450 | ||||||||||||||
K26: Hotaru Onsen | 07:15 | 08:30 | 09:55 | 11:20 | 14:05 | 16:40 | 18:00 | JPY 1,450 | ||||||||||
K25: Kumanoyu | 07:17 | 08:32 | 09:57 | 11:22 | 14:07 | 16:42 | 18:02 | JPY 1,450 | ||||||||||
K24: Kasadake | 07:17 | 08:32 | 09:57 | 11:22 | 14:07 | 16:42 | 18:02 | JPY 1,300 | ||||||||||
K23: Hiratoko | 07:18 | 08:33 | 09:58 | 11:23 | 14:08 | 16:43 | 18:03 | JPY 1,300 | ||||||||||
K22: Kidoike | 07:19 | 08:34 | 09:59 | 11:24 | 14:09 | 16:44 | 18:04 | JPY 1,300 | ||||||||||
K21: Koike | 07:21 | 08:36 | 10:01 | 11:26 | 14:11 | 16:46 | 18:06 | JPY 1,200 | ||||||||||
K20: Shinshu-daishizen Kyoikuen | 07:22 | 08:37 | 10:02 | 11:27 | 14:12 | 16:47 | 18:07 | JPY 1,200 | ||||||||||
K19: Ike-no-taira | 07:23 | 08:38 | 10:03 | 11:28 | 14:13 | 16:48 | 18:08 | JPY 1,100 | ||||||||||
S34: Okushiga Kogen Hotel | DNS | 07:05 | 08:05 | DNS | DNS | 09:40 | DNS | 11:10 | 12:35 | DNS | 13:55 | DNS | 16:40 | 17:40 | DNS | JPY 1,850 | ||
S33: Okushiga-ryo-mae | DNS | 07:07 | 08:07 | DNS | DNS | 09:42 | DNS | 11:12 | 12:37 | DNS | 13:57 | DNS | 16:42 | 17:42 | DNS | JPY 1,850 | ||
S32: Okushiga Gondola-mae | DNS | 07:09 | 08:09 | DNS | DNS | 09:44 | DNS | 11:14 | 12:39 | DNS | 13:59 | DNS | 16:44 | 17:44 | DNS | JPY 1,800 | ||
S31: Yakebitaiyama Terrain Park | DNS | 07:11 | 08:11 | DNS | DNS | 09:46 | DNS | 11:16 | 12:41 | DNS | 14:01 | DNS | 16:46 | 17:46 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S30: Yakebitaiyama No. 1 Gondola | DNS | 07:12 | 08:12 | DNS | DNS | 09:47 | DNS | 11:17 | 12:42 | DNS | 14:02 | DNS | 16:47 | 17:47 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S29: Prince Hotel East | DNS | 07:14 | 08:14 | DNS | DNS | 09:49 | DNS | 11:19 | 12:44 | DNS | 14:04 | DNS | 16:49 | 17:49 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S28: Prince Hotel South | DNS | 07:15 | 08:15 | DNS | DNS | 09:50 | DNS | 11:20 | 12:45 | DNS | 14:05 | DNS | 16:50 | 17:50 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S27: Prince Hotel West | DNS | 07:16 | 08:16 | DNS | DNS | 09:51 | DNS | 11:21 | 12:46 | DNS | 14:06 | DNS | 16:51 | 17:51 | DNS | JPY 1,650 | ||
S26: Ichinose-ryo | DNS | 09:17 | 08:17 | DNS | DNS | 09:52 | DNS | 11:22 | 12:47 | DNS | 14:07 | DNS | 16:52 | 17:52 | DNS | JPY 1,550 | ||
S25: Ichinose Ski Resort | DNS | 07:19 | 08:19 | DNS | DNS | 09:54 | DNS | 11:24 | 12:49 | DNS | 14:09 | DNS | 16:54 | 17:54 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S24: Ichinose | DNS | 07:20 | 08:20 | DNS | DNS | 09:55 | DNS | 11:25 | 12:50 | DNS | 14:10 | DNS | 16:55 | 17:55 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S23: Takamagahara-ryo-mae | DNS | 07:20 | 08:20 | DNS | DNS | 09:55 | DNS | 11:25 | 12:50 | DNS | 14:10 | DNS | 16:55 | 17:55 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S22: Takamagahara | DNS | 07:21 | 08:21 | DNS | DNS | 09:56 | DNS | 11:26 | 12:51 | DNS | 14:11 | DNS | 16:56 | 17:56 | DNS | JPY 1,450 | ||
S21: Hoppo Onsen | DNS | DNS | 08:26 | DNS | DNS | 10:01 | DNS | 11:31 | 12:56 | DNS | 14:16 | DNS | 17:01 | DNS | DNS | JPY 1,400 | ||
S20: Hoppo-iriguchi | DNS | 07:25 | 08:26 | DNS | DNS | 10:01 | DNS | 11:31 | 12:56 | DNS | 14:16 | DNS | 17:01 | 18:00 | DNS | JPY 1,400 | ||
S19: Onumaike-iriguchi | DNS | 07:26 | 08:30 | DNS | DNS | 10:05 | DNS | 11:35 | 13:00 | DNS | 14:20 | DNS | 17:05 | 18:01 | DNS | JPY 1,200 | ||
S18: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) - Arrival | 07:28 | 07:32 | 08:36 | 08:43 | 10:08 | 10:11 | 11:33 | 11:41 | 13:06 | 14:18 | 14:26 | 16:53 | 17:11 | 18:07 | 18:13 | JPY 1,100 | ||
S18: Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (Mountain Station) - Departure | 06:36 | 07:32 | 08:43 | 10:11 | 11:41 | 13:06 | 14:26 | 15:36 | 17:11 | 18:13 | JPY 1,100 | |||||||
S17: Hasuike Hiroba | 06:36 | 07:32 | 08:43 | 10:11 | 11:41 | 13:06 | 14:26 | 15:36 | 17:11 | 18:13 | JPY 1,100 | |||||||
S16: Maruike | 06:37 | 07:33 | 08:44 | 10:12 | 11:42 | 13:07 | 14:27 | 15:37 | 17:12 | 18:14 | JPY 1,100 | |||||||
S15: Sun Valley | 06:38 | 07:34 | 08:45 | 10:13 | 11:43 | 13:08 | 14:28 | 15:38 | 17:13 | 18:15 | JPY 1,100 | |||||||
S14: Asahiyama-shita | 06:40 | 07:36 | 08:47 | 10:15 | 11:45 | 13:10 | 14:30 | 15:40 | 17:15 | 18:17 | JPY 950 | |||||||
S13: Undo-koen-iriguchi | 06:50 | 07:46 | 08:57 | 10:25 | 11:55 | 13:20 | 14:40 | 15:50 | 17:21 | 18:27 | JPY 390 | |||||||
S12: Snow Monkey Park | 06:54 | 07:50 | 09:01 | 10:29 | 11:59 | 13:24 | 14:44 | 15:54 | 17:29 | 18:31 | JPY 390 | |||||||
S11: Suna-dome | 06:54 | 07:50 | 09:01 | 10:29 | 11:59 | 13:24 | 14:44 | 15:54 | 17:29 | 18:31 | JPY 390 | |||||||
S10: Konotomi | 06:55 | 07:51 | 09:02 | 10:30 | 12:00 | 13:25 | 14:45 | 15:55 | 17:30 | 18:32 | JPY 350 | |||||||
S09: Tenmangu-mae | 06:56 | 07:52 | 09:03 | 10:31 | 12:01 | 13:26 | 14:46 | 15:56 | 17:31 | 18:33 | JPY 300 | |||||||
S08: Kanbayashi | 06:57 | 07:53 | 09:04 | 10:32 | 12:02 | 13:27 | 14:47 | 15:57 | 17:32 | 18:34 | JPY 300 | |||||||
S07: Shibu Wagabashi | 06:58 | 07:54 | 09:05 | 10:33 | 12:03 | 13:28 | 14:48 | 15:58 | 17:33 | 18:35 | JPY 250 | |||||||
S06: Shibu Onsen | 06:58 | 07:54 | 09:05 | 10:33 | 12:03 | 13:28 | 14:48 | 15:58 | 17:33 | 18:35 | JPY 250 | |||||||
S05: Yasuyo Onsen | 06:59 | 07:55 | 09:06 | 10:34 | 12:04 | 13:29 | 14:49 | 15:59 | 17:34 | 18:36 | JPY 250 | |||||||
S04: Ohinata Onsen | 07:00 | 07:56 | 09:07 | 10:35 | 12:05 | 13:30 | 14:50 | 16:00 | 17:35 | 18:37 | JPY 200 | |||||||
S03: Hoshikawa-chuo | 07:01 | 07:57 | 09:08 | 10:36 | 12:06 | 13:31 | 14:51 | 16:01 | 17:36 | 18:38 | JPY 200 | |||||||
S02: Hoshikawa Onsen | 07:02 | 07:58 | 09:09 | 10:37 | 12:07 | 13:32 | 14:52 | 16:02 | 17:37 | 18:39 | JPY 200 | |||||||
S01: Yudanaka Station | 07:06 | 08:02 | 09:13 | 10:41 | 12:11 | 13:36 | 14:56 | 16:06 | 17:41 | 18:43 | JPY 200 |
*Weekdays Only
Please note, timetables are subject to change and can very between times of year.
The service continuing to Okushiga Kogen (stops S32–S34) operates only during the following peak windows:
Autumn Leaves: October 1st – December 4th, 2026.
Summer Peak: July 1st – August 31st, 2026.
Ticketing and Snow Monkey Pass
Tickets are paid for as you disembark the bus therefore no advance booking is possible. Nagaden’s local bus services to the monkey park (only) are also covered by the Snow Monkey Pass*. Valid for 1 day from the date of purchase, the Snow Monkey Pass for Train / Local Bus allows for 1-day unlimited use of the Nagano Dentetsu Railway (including express trains), 1 round-trip on the Nagaden Local Bus from Yudanaka Station to Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop, and one entry to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Passes costs JPY4,800 per adult (aged 13+) / JPY2,400 for children (6-12). Children under the age of 6 can ride Nagano Dentetsu line and Nagaden buses and enter the park free of charge. Passes can be purchased on our 'Snow Monkey Pass' page or in person at Nagano Station.
*Please note, the Snow Monkey Pass does not cover 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 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.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Everything You Need to Know
Located around 45km to the east of Nagano City, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, boasting an unmatched expanse of interconnected terrain and Nagano’s longest ski season. All the ski fields of Shiga Kogen are covered by an all-mountain pass and best enjoyed on a multi-day visit. Shiga’s ski fields lie between 1340 and 2307 metres and as such, are notably higher than any other resort in the region and ideally-suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. For a complete run-down of what’s on offer in Shiga, see our ‘Shiga Kogen Ski Resort’ page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both lines depart from Yudanaka Station and stop at the Snow Monkey Park. However, they follow different routes after the park. The Kanbayashi Line is a local loop that stays in the lower valley area, while the Shiga Kogen Line continues up into the mountains toward the ski resorts. If you are heading to the monkeys, you can take either bus; if you are heading to the ski resort, you must take the Shiga Kogen Line.
A one-way journey costs JPY 390 for adults and JPY 200 for children. Payment is made in cash directly to the driver when you exit the bus at your destination.
Yes. The version of the Snow Monkey Pass for Train & Local Bus (JPY 5,100) covers one round-trip journey between Yudanaka Station and the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. However, please note that this pass does not cover travel further up the mountain into Shiga Kogen. If you travel past the monkey park stop, you will need to pay the additional fare in cash.
No. These are standard local transit buses and do not accept reservations. You simply board the bus at the station (usually from the platforms directly in front of the Yudanaka Station exit) and find an available seat.
From the Snow Monkey Park (Kanbayashi Onsen) bus stop, it is approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk uphill to the start of the forest trail. From the trail entrance, it is an additional 1.6km (approx. 25–30 minute) walk on a flat forest path to reach the actual monkey habitat.
In addition to cash, most Nagaden local buses now accept Contactless Credit Card payments (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express) and QR code payments (PayPay, AliPay).
Important Note: While contactless credit cards are widely accepted, standard Japanese transportation IC cards like Suica or PASMO are still generally not accepted on these specific local Nagaden routes.
While the Kanbayashi Line remains fairly consistent, the Shiga Kogen Line may have specific services marked as "Weekdays Only" or seasonal adjustments. Always check the April 7th – December 4th, 2026 schedule on this page for the most accurate "Green Season" timings.