At a Glance: Tokyo to the Snow Monkey Park
Visiting the monkeys as a day trip from Tokyo is entirely possible thanks to Japan’s high-speed rail network. Here is the essential data for your journey:
- Total Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours each way (Shinkansen + Bus/Train).
- Best Route: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Nagano Station (80–110 minutes).
- Local Transfer: From Nagano Station, take the Express Bus (45 mins) or the Nagaden Train to Yudanaka Station (45 mins).
- Total Estimated Cost: Around ¥10,500 one-way (approx. ¥8,500 for Shinkansen + ¥2,000 for local transport).
- Pro Tip: If you arrive at Nagano Station by 9:20 AM, you can join our Guided Day Tour which includes transport, lunch, and a guide.
Nagano: The Gateway to the Snow Monkeys
While Tokyo is Japan's political heart, the true spirit of the Japanese winter lies in the dramatic mountains of Nagano. As the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is the premier gateway to the Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest resort.
Whether you are coming for a day trip to see the world-famous "Snow Monkeys" or heading further into the highlands for a multi-day ski adventure, the journey from Tokyo is seamless and efficient:
Where is the Jigokudani Monkey Park?
Location & Accessibility
While the park is located deep in the mountains, it is highly accessible as a day trip from both Nagano City and Tokyo.
- From Nagano City: Approximately 35km (50 minutes) to the northeast of the city center.
- From Tokyo: Roughly 270km (under 3 hours via the Hokuriku Shinkansen) to the northwest of the capital.
- Proximity to Shiga Kogen: Only 20–30 minutes from the ski fields, making it easy to combine a morning with the monkeys and an afternoon on the slopes.
- The Final Leg: Regardless of your starting point, accessing the park requires a 1.6km (approx. 30-minute) walk through a picturesque forest trail from the trailhead in Kanbayashi Onsen.
The Region: Yamanouchi & Shiga Kogen
The Jigokudani Monkey Park—often called the Snow Monkey Park—is situated within the scenic Yamanouchi region of northern Nagano. Located in the Jigokudani Valley, the park is part of the expansive Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, which offers a dramatic mountain backdrop that changes beautifully across four distinct seasons.
- Hot Spring Heritage: The park is located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, adjacent to the historic towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen.
- Shiga Kogen Foothills: The park sits at the base of Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest and highest ski resort.
- Alpine Gateway: This location serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading further into the highlands for skiing, hiking, or exploring the surrounding national park.
How to Get to the Park from Tokyo
The efficiency of Japan's rail network makes it possible to visit the park as a day trip from Tokyo in under 3 hours. The journey is a two-stage process via Nagano Station:
Step 1: Tokyo to Nagano Station
- Departure: Tokyo Station or Ueno Station.
- Train: Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, or Asama services).
- Duration: 80 to 110 minutes.
- Cost: Approx. JPY 8,500 (one-way, reserved seat).
- Passes: Fully covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, JR East Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Step 2: Accessing the Park via Nagano Station
Once you arrive at Nagano Station, you have three primary transport options to reach the park:
Option 1: Nagaden Express Bus (Fastest)
- Route: Direct from Nagano Station (East Exit, Stop #23) to the Snow Monkey Park.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Cost: JPY 2,000 each way.
- To check the bus schedule, see our 'Nagaden Express Bus Timetable' page.
Option 2: Nagaden Train + Local Bus (Scenic)
- Route: Limited Express train to Yudanaka Station (45 mins), followed by a local bus (8 mins).
- Total Time: Approx. 55 to 60 minutes.
- Total Cost: JPY 1,900 (JPY 1,590 train + JPY 310 bus).
- For the train schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable' page.
- For the local bus schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable' page.
Option 3: Snow Monkey Resorts Guided Tour (All-Inclusive)
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Meetup: 09:35 AM inside Nagano Station (perfectly timed for Shinkansen arrivals from Tokyo).
- What’s Included: Round-trip transport, entry to the Monkey Park, a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, sake tasting, and a local lunch.
- Cost: JPY 17,800 per adult (JPY 11,000 per child).
- Best for: Travelers wanting a stress-free experience with a local guide, lunch, and luggage storage included.
Pro Tip: If you choose Option 3, you can depart Tokyo as late as 07:50 AM and still arrive in time for the tour meetup at the station.
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 favourite furry friends.
Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City
Given the distance and time taken to reach Nagano from Tokyo, we recommend staying in Nagano City for at least one night, from where you can explore destinations including Togakushi and the city's near-1,400 near old Zenko-ji Temple. When staying in Nagano City, we recommend:
Hotel Kokusai 21: International Comfort
Located between Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple, this is the city's premier international hotel.
- Best for: Travelers seeking spacious Western-style rooms and a high level of service.
- Key Features: English-speaking 24-hour reception, multiple in-house restaurants (Japanese, Italian, and Chinese), and daily breakfast.
- Pro Tip: Take advantage of the hotel's free shuttle service to and from Nagano Station, specifically timed to match Shinkansen arrivals.
Hotel New Nagano NeXT: Modern & Convenient
Just a 2-minute walk from Nagano Station's Zenko-ji Exit, this hotel is ideal for those prioritizing budget and location.
- Best for: Solo travelers or couples looking for a modern, central base near major transit.
- Key Features: Completely refurbished in 2020, offering four room types with modern amenities like Roomcast for streaming.
Things to do Around the Monkey Park and Nagano City
Beyond the famous hot-spring-loving monkeys, Nagano is a region of deep spirituality, world-class outdoor adventure, and historic charm. Whether you are looking to soak in ancient onsens near the park or explore the 1,400-year-old temple heart of the city, there is plenty to discover on either side of your visit.
Things to Do Around the Snow Monkey Park
The park is located in the Yamanouchi region, an area defined by natural beauty, traditional hot springs, and Japan’s largest ski fields.
- Relax in Shibu & Yudanaka Onsen: Wander through historic hot spring villages featuring cobblestone streets and traditional wooden architecture.
- Ski & Snowboard Shiga Kogen: Take a short bus ride from the park to reach Japan’s largest interconnected ski resort, boasting the region's longest season.
- Visit Artful Obuse: Known as the "Chestnut Capital," this charming town is home to the Hokusai Museum and beautiful traditional storehouses.
- Seasonal Fruit Picking: Depending on the time of year, enjoy picking famous Nagano apples or grapes in the orchards surrounding the valley.
For tips and suggestions of what's on offer in the region, see our page 25 Things To Do Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park & Where To Stay.
Things to Do Around Nagano City
Nagano City is a major cultural hub with a history spanning over 1,400 years, making it an ideal base for your journey.
- Visit Zenko-ji Temple: Explore one of Japan's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, located just a short walk or bus ride from the station.
- Discover Togakushi: Head into the forested mountains to find ancient shrines, a famous cedar-lined path, and the legendary Togakure Ninja School.
- Explore Matsushiro: Step back in time in this quiet samurai district, home to former samurai residences and the ruins of Matsushiro Castle.
- Indulge in Local Flavors: Sample Nagano’s famous Sake and Oyaki (savory steamed buns) at the many traditional shops lining the path to Zenko-ji.
For tips and suggestions of what's on offer in the region, see our '40 Things To Do Around Nagano & Where To Stay' page.
Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park
We offer multiple ways to experience Nagano’s famous "monkey business" directly from Tokyo. Whether you prefer a social group tour, a customizable private itinerary, or a direct door-to-door charter, we have you covered.
1-Day Group Tour: Monkeys, Zenkoji & Sake
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Our most popular option for day-trippers from Tokyo. This tour is specifically timed for those arriving via Shinkansen.
- Tokyo Friendly: Catch a morning Shinkansen before 07:50 to arrive for our 09:35 AM meetup at Nagano Station.
- The Itinerary: Includes a guided walk through the 1,400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, a guided sake tasting, a traditional Japanese lunch, and a visit to the Snow Monkey Park.
- Ease of Travel: Once the tour concludes, we drop you back at Nagano Station in time for your return Shinkansen to Tokyo.
Private Snow Monkey Tours
Popular
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
Private Tours: Customizable & Flexible
For families or groups wanting an intimate, tailored experience, our private tours offer full flexibility while still being perfectly accessible for day-trippers from Tokyo.
- Flexible Start Times: Unlike our group tours, we can adjust the start time of a private tour to suit your schedule. However, to see the monkeys and complete the itinerary, you still need to catch a morning Shinkansen from Tokyo to arrive at Nagano Station early enough for a full day of exploring.
- Nagano-Based Pick-Up: Please note that we do not provide pick-ups from Tokyo. Our service begins when you arrive in the region. We will meet you directly at the Nagano Station Shinkansen gates or your local hotel.
Private Charters: Door-to-Door Service
If you want to skip the trains entirely, our charter services provide seamless charter service transport between Tokyo and Nagano.
- Pick-up Anywhere: We can collect you directly from your hotel in Tokyo or even Narita/Haneda airports.
- Direct Access: Travel straight to the Snow Monkey Park or your Nagano accommodation in a luxury van or microbus.
- Stress-Free: While the drive is longer than the train, the convenience of door-to-door service with all your gear is unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. By taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can reach Nagano Station in about 90 minutes. From there, a 45-minute express bus takes you to the trailhead. Total one-way travel time is approximately 3 hours.
No. The JR Pass covers your Shinkansen trip from Tokyo to Nagano Station. However, it does not cover the Nagaden Express Bus or the Nagaden Train/Local Bus to the park. You will need to pay for those locally or use the Snow Monkey Pass.
Once you reach the trailhead at Kanbayashi Onsen, there is a 1.6km (1 mile) forest trail. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 25–30 minutes each way. In winter, the trail can be icy and snowy, so we recommend sturdy boots.
The monkeys are 100% wild and free to come and go as they please. While they are in the park almost every day (especially in winter when food is scarce), they occasionally operate on "monkey time" and arrive late or stay in the forest during the autumn mating season.
To ensure you see the monkeys and have time for lunch, we recommend catching a Shinkansen that arrives in Nagano by 9:20 AM. This allows you to catch the morning express buses or join our 09:35 AM Guided Tour.