This page elaborates on the various transportation options to the Jigokudani Monkey Park regardless of your starting location, including public transfers like trains and buses, as well as private charters and tours.
Often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park in English, Jigokudani in Nagano is home to a curious troop of macaques famous for their winter hot spring-loving antics. However, spring, summer, and autumn all offer their own unique reasons to visit.
The monkey park is open every day of the year with a slight variation of hours across seasons. For opening hours, pricing, rules and more, see our 'Snow Monkey Park Information' page. This page does not cover information about the trail conditions that is required to make it to the park after you reach the farthest point a vehicle can take you. For further information on the actual trail to the park, see our 'Information About The Walk To The Snow Monkey Park' page.
Where is the Jigokudani Monkey Park?
The Jigokudani Monkey Park – often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park – is located approximately 35 km (about 50 minutes) northeast of central Nagano City. It sits nestled in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, within the wider region of Yamanouchi.
Yamanouchi is a spectacular destination that features multiple historic hot spring villages, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Kita-Shiga Kogen, and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Because it is within easy reach of Nagano City, visiting the monkey park is an effortless day trip, though the surrounding area offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay into a multi-day visit.
How to Get to the Snow Monkey Park
If you're headed to the monkey park using public transport, you are almost certain to do so via Nagano Station. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Nagano Station is the nearest major station to the park. From Nagano Station, visitors have the choice of using a direct express bus directly to the park or alternatively, a train to Yudanaka Station followed by short local bus ride to the park. For full details of how to get there from Nagano City, see 'Accessing the Park from Nagano Station' below. For directions from other popular starting points, click on the location below:
SHIGA KOGEN – NOZAWA ONSEN – MADARAO – MYOKO KOGEN – HAKUBA – MATSUMOTO – MATSUMOTO AIRPORT – KAMIKOCHI – TAKAYAMA – KARUIZAWA – KANAZAWA – YUZAWA – NAGOYA – KYOTO – OSAKA – MOUNT FUJI –TOKYO
Visitors heading to the park from Shiga Kogen will not need to come through Nagano Station - although they already may have to have reached Shiga - and in some cases, visitors heading to the park from Nozawa Onsen, Madarao and Myoko Kogen may not need to come through Nagano. But in all other cases, Nagano Station will be your point of transfer when accessing the the park from further afield. For international visitors, it should be noted that the bus and train services to the park are not covered by any Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
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 from Bus Stop No. 23 (or 24) outside the Nagano Station East Exit.
- Duration: Takes just over 40 minutes to the park trailhead (55 minutes for the return leg).
- Boarding: Seats are non-reservable and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Payment: Paid upon exiting the bus via cash or major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover). You can also purchase a ticket at the nearby "Aruyo" Bus Station near Bus Stop 23.
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
Which Option is Best For Me: Bus, Train, or Tour/Charter?
Each method provides a reliable journey, but they cater to very different travel styles and budgets.
Choosing the Express Bus
The express bus is ideal for independent travelers who want a direct, transfer-free journey on a budget.
- Best for: Direct travel without intermediate stops or connections.
- Luggage friendly: Large coaches feature spacious under-carriage storage bays, making it highly recommended if you are carrying large suitcases.
- Overnight stays: A particularly useful option if your final destination is an onsen hotel located right near the park base.
Choosing the Train
While the train requires you to switch to a local bus at Yudanaka Station, it offers a scenic, slow-travel flavor through the Nagano countryside.
- Best for: Sightseeing and multi-stop day trips.
- Customizable itinerary: Allows you to seamlessly combine your monkey park visit with other iconic regional stops along the Nagano Dentetsu line at your own planning.
- Key stops nearby: Easily hop off to visit Zenkoji Temple, explore the historic artisan town of Obuse, or relax at the traditional thermal footbaths of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen.
Choosing a Tour or Charter
If you prefer to relax and let someone else handle the logistics, a tour or charter is your best choice.
- Best for: Maximum comfort, families with small children, or seniors.
- Winter comfort: Eliminates the hassle of waiting outside in freezing winter conditions for public transit timetables.
- Group tours: Offer rich historical context, built-in park admission, and often a traditional lunch via local, English-speaking guides for affordable rates.
- Private charters: Provide ultimate flexibility, door-to-door luxury, and dedicated private space completely tailored to your group's schedule.
Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park
As Nagano's No.1 tour operator, we are proud to offer multiple tours that combine a visit to the Snow Monkey Park with other fun local activities. No matter the season, we can help you make the most of your time in Nagano. Whether with your family or friends, or on your own, we are sure to have something that suits your needs!
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 offering is our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Sake in Nagano". Guests on this delightful excursion will first be treated to Sake Tasting and a guided tour of the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, including lunch at a nearby restaurant.
With the first half of the tour complete, you will then depart for the Monkey Park on our private tour vehicle. Once you have arrived your guide will lead the way up to the place the Monkeys call home, before you once again board the bus and return to your starting destination.
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
For those guests coming in the winter, we also offer the "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen", combining exciting snow activities such as sledding and riding snow scoots with a visit to the Monkey Park. Lunch is also included, making for the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience what winter in Nagano is all about!
Popular
(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Another unforgettable tour is our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano". Including two of Japan's most amazing natural spectacles, the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms and the hot-spring loving monkeys of Jigokudani, this offering is the easiest way to enjoy a relaxed spring day in Nagano.
Small Group
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyTogakushi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Or, if you would like to see more of Nagano's breathtaking nature and learn about its spiritual history, you can join our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park & Togakushi Shrine in Nagano". This tour combines a visit to the Snow Monkey Park with a trip to Togakushi Shrine, also known as the “Five Shrines,” famous for its rows of towering ancient cedar trees lining the path to the inner shrine.
Popular
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
For those who want a more customized experience, we also offer private tours of the Snow Monkey Park and nearby attractions such as Zenkoji Temple. For more information, please click the link above or send us an inquiry describing your ideal itinerary.
Charter a Vehicle to the Snow Monkey Park!
Please see our charter page and send us your trip details so we can start planning your journey to the Snow Monkey Park. Many starting point options are available such as Nagano Station, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and more.
Taking about 50 minutes each way, enjoy a seamless journey from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park on our private van or bus.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
If you just wish to explore on your own from Nagano to the snow monkeys, we offer instantly bookable round-trip or one-way charter services from various locations that allow you to explore the park with our private vehicles and drivers.
25 Things to do Around the Monkey 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 daytrip 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: How to Get to the Jigokudani Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Monkey Park is most easily accessed from Nagano Station, the nearest major transport hub and a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. From Nagano Station, visitors can either take a direct express bus to Kanbayashi Onsen or travel by Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station, followed by a short local bus ride. Both options take approximately 45–55 minutes to reach the park’s trailhead.
Yes. The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus operates year-round between Nagano Station and Kanbayashi Onsen, where the park is located. The bus departs from Bus Stop No.23 outside Nagano Station’s East Exit and takes around 40–45 minutes to reach the park. This is the most convenient option for travelers who prefer not to transfer between train and bus.
No. Bus and train services to the Jigokudani Monkey Park are not covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, as they are operated by Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden), not JR. Visitors using a JR Pass will still need to purchase separate tickets for the bus or train.
Both options are reliable and easy.
The express bus is ideal for visitors who want a direct, transfer-free journey, especially those traveling with luggage.
The train option offers a more scenic experience and makes it easy to combine your visit with stops such as Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse, Shibu Onsen, or Yudanaka Onsen. Travel time is similar for both, so the best choice depends on your itinerary.
From Kanbayashi Onsen, visitors walk 5–10 minutes through the village to reach the start of the forest trail. The trail to the park is 1.6km (1 mile) long and mostly flat. It is well-maintained and suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness, though snow and ice in winter can make conditions more challenging.
In winter, the forest trail to the Jigokudani Monkey Park is often covered in snow and ice, making it slippery in places. Visitors are strongly advised to wear sturdy footwear with good grip and to consider using light crampons (shoe spikes) for added stability. These are available for purchase at the bottom of the trail near the park entrance, making it easy to prepare even if you didn’t bring them with you.
During spring, summer, and autumn — particularly after rainfall — sections of the trail can become very muddy. To stay comfortable and keep your footwear clean, wearing waterproof shoes or hiking boots is recommended. If you don’t have suitable footwear, boots can be rented at the bottom of the trail, allowing you to enjoy the walk without worrying about soaked or dirty shoes.
Yes. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Nagano City. Including travel time and the walk, most visitors can comfortably visit the park and return to Nagano within half a day, while still having time to explore other nearby attractions.
Yes. The park is open every day of the year, and the monkeys visit consistently across all seasons. While they are most famous for bathing in hot springs during winter, spring, summer, and autumn each offer different scenery, behaviors, and fewer crowds. The monkeys are not consistently at the park during their mating season, which occurs in late autumn, so be sure to check the livestream on the monkey park's website if you are visiting during late October or November to check for the latest updates.
The park is located in Kanbayashi Onsen, a small hot spring village in Yamanouchi, approximately 35km northeast of Nagano City. The wider area includes Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Shibu and Yudanaka Onsen, Kita-Shiga Kogen, and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.
Yes. Visitors staying in Shiga Kogen can reach the park directly by bus without passing through Nagano Station. Depending on location, travelers from Nozawa Onsen, Madarao, or Myoko Kogen may also access the park without returning to Nagano, though routes vary by season.
Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes at the park, not including the walk. Allowing time for transport and the trail, a typical visit takes 3–4 hours total. Visitors combining the park with nearby onsen towns or sightseeing may wish to allow longer.
Yes. The park is commonly combined with visits to Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse and the Hokusai Museum, Shibu or Yudanaka Onsen, or a stay in Shiga Kogen. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in the area to explore beyond the park itself.