On this page you will find the most convenient and direct methods to get from Kyoto to the Snow Monkey Park. As Japan’s capital and residence of the emperor for more than one thousand years – from 794 until 1868 – Kyoto boasts unmatched historic importance and traditional aesthetic, typified by its many astounding temples. From Kyoto, it's a long way to the monkey park but thanks to Japan's fantastic train network, you make the journey in around 5 hours.
Behind Tokyo, Kyoto is certainly the most well-known of Japanese cities; and in contrast to the modern capital or its nearby neighbour Osaka, Kyoto retains much of its historic character and allows visitors to glimpse of Japan now long-gone. Most famous for its many temples and historic districts such as Gion, Kyoto is also a modern city with fantastic restaurants, museums and galleries and shopping precincts. For suggestions of what's on offer, see our '40 Things To Do In Kyoto, Nara & Osaka' page.
From Kyoto, it's an easy onward journey to the east and into Central Japan. Home of most of Japan's tallest mountains, Central Japan is a dramatic and beautiful region known for its natural and outdoor attractions including the iconic Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, historic Nakasendo Trail, Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, the shrines of Togakushi and of course, the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
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.
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 approximately 450KM / 6-hours drive north-east of Kyoto. 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 Kyoto, you have several options that will get you to 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 a total journey time of around 5-hours from Kyoto. 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.
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
Directions to the Park from Kyoto
To reach the Jigokudani Monkey Park from Kyoto is a three-stage journey. You must first get to Nagano via either Tsuruga, Nagoya or Tokyo. All options take around 4 hours. Once in Nagano, you then make the onward journey to the park. We recommend doing so via Tsugura- as it is slightly cheaper and faster - but either option works. To reach Nagano, choose either of these options:
VIA TSURUGA
1 / From Kyoto Station, take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga.
Regular services connect the two cities each day – approximately 53 minutes / JPY3,620.
2 / Once at Tsuruga Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Tokyo via Nagano.
Using the Kagayaki service, the journey will take 110 minutes and costs JPY13,900 (reserved seats only) or using the Hakutaka service, it will take 146 minutes and cost JPY13,370 (non-reserved). It is important to note the Hakutaka also has the option of reserved seats*.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*All services listed above are covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass at no additional cost.
VIA NAGOYA**
1 / From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya - 35 min / JPY5,170 - from Kyoto*.
2 / Once in Nagoya, switch to the Limited Express Shinano bound for Nagano – a journey of around 3 hours / JPY7,000*.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*All services listed above - other than Nozomi services on the Tokaido Shinkasen line - are covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
**It is worth noting that while the Shinano Line offers passengers a very picturesque and enjoyable journey, the nature of the line - a single track - and design of the train mean that it is prone to sway and shake. For many passengers this will not be a problem but for those who suffer from motion sickness, it is known to be a problem. For that reason, we recommend the first option of heading to the monkey park via Tsuruga- as detailed above.
VIA TOKYO
1 / From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo. The ‘Nozomi’ service is the fastest – approximately 135 minutes / JPY14,370 – but is not covered by the JR Pass or JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. Alternatively, the Hikari service is covered by the passes – approximately 160minutes / JPY14,370*.
2 / At Tokyo Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano or Kanazawa. The Kagayaki service is the fastest option to reach Nagano – approximately 80 to 85 minutes / JPY8,650.
The Hakutaka and Asama services also stop at Nagano but take a little longer – 90 to 110 minutes depending on which service you use*.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*All services on the Tokaido Shinkansen - other than the Nozomi - and all services on Hokuriku Shinkasen are cover by the Japan Rail (JR) 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
nd stops. Yudanaka is a small station and the buses operate from directly outside. You can't miss them! For the local bus schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable' page
Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City
The monkey park can be visited as a day trip from Matsumoto 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. Completely refurbished in 2020, the 115 room hotel offers four room types – single, double, twin and superior twin – each featuring comfortable bedding, private bathroom, TV and Roomcast with ability to access streaming services and lots of touches more typical of a hotel well above its price range.
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.
20 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 ’20 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 Charter Services from Kyoto to the Monkey Park
If you are carrying a lot of luggage, or want to fall asleep and take a nap until you reach your destination, our private charters might be the perfect way for you and your group to travel from Kyoto to the Monkey Park! While going by car takes longer than using the train, you can avoid having to make multiple potentially stressful switchovers on the train and instead be free to sit back and enjoy the ride. For more information about pricing and availability, please click the link above.
Tours around the Kyoto Area
While you are in Kyoto, why not take a tour with us? Offering multiple tours in the area, every guest who partakes is guaranteed to enjoy their day and learn a lot about Japanese culture! Please continue reading below for more information about our offerings in the region.
As the former capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is full of cultural experiences that just may become the highlight of your trip. On this tour, you will be able to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its red torii gates, as well as the Kiyomizu Temple and Gion areas, two of Kyoto's most well preserved traditional districts. Prepare to enjoy a day of beautiful views and fascinating scenery with your guide in Kyoto.
Despite its tranquility, Kyoto is a very large city both in population numbers and land size. There is more than could possibly be done in one today in this city, but on this tour you will see some of the best the city has to offer. The gold plated temple of Kinkakuji, the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and making your own Koboshi Doll - all of these wonderful things await you on this tour.
Separated by only a short Shinkansen ride, we would highly recommend a visit to Osaka if you are staying in Kyoto. As our best tour to get a feel for the long history of this vibrant city, you will have the chance to visit Osaka Castle, the ancient Shitennoji Temple, and learn about Ukiyo-e (Japan's most famous traditional art style). What's more, you will even be able to get hands on and try out an Ukiyo-e making experience for yourself! This tour is great for friend groups or families, but please do keep in mind that is a walking tour and a basic level of physical fitness is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions about getting from Kyoto to the Snow Monkey Park
The total journey takes approximately 5 hours. This includes roughly 4 hours of travel time on the Shinkansen and express trains to Nagano Station, and an additional 50 to 55 minutes by bus or train to the park itself.
The park is located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, within the Yamanouchi region. It is about 35 kilometers (a 50-minute drive) northeast of central Nagano City, and roughly 450 kilometers northeast of Kyoto.
There are three main routes, but the recommended and fastest route is via Tsuruga:
Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Kyoto Station to Tsuruga (53 mins).
Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Tokyo via Nagano (110–146 mins).
Via Nagoya: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then the Limited Express Shinano to Nagano. Note: The Shinano train sways considerably and is not recommended for travelers prone to motion sickness.
Via Tokyo: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano.
Yes. The route via Tsuruga is fully covered by the JR Pass and the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. The routes via Nagoya and Tokyo are also covered, provided you do not use the 'Nozomi' service on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
You have three main options:
Express Bus: Take the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus from Bus Stop No. 24 outside Nagano Station’s East Exit directly to the trailhead (approx. 40 minutes).
Train + Local Bus: Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line (Express Service recommended) to Yudanaka Station (45 minutes), then transfer to a local Nagaden bus (Kanbayashi or Shiga Kogen Line) for an 8-minute ride to the park.
Tour or Charter: Book a guided tour or private charter for direct, door-to-door transportation from Nagano Station.
Yes. If you are visiting independently during the peak winter season (December–March) or major holidays (New Year, Golden Week, Obon), you are strictly required to purchase a date-specific advance ticket via the official Webket Reservation System.
Yes. Pay-as-you-go boarding is no longer permitted for the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus. You must book a specific timeslot online via the Webket Reservation System in advance.
No. During peak winter weekends and public holidays, nearby parking lots are completely closed to private vehicles. You must use public transport, a guided tour, or a private charter.
Yes. They offer comprehensive Group Tours (like the 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake) and Private Charters. Booking a tour guarantees park entry without the need to navigate the online booking system, and provides direct transportation that bypasses winter vehicle bans.
If you choose to stay in Nagano City, highly rated options near the station include Hotel Kokusai 21 (an established international hotel) and Hotel New Nagano NeXT (a modern, refurbished option just a 2-minute walk from the station).