This page's purpose is to elaborate on the various transportation options to the Jigokudani Monkey Park regardless of your start location, including public transfers like trains and buses and more luxurious options like private charters and tours. Often referred to the 'Snow Monkey Park' in English, it is home to a curious troop of monkeys most famous for their hot spring-loving antics of winter while spring, summer and autumn all offer their own reasons to visit. On this page you will find the following information:
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 around 35KM / 50-minutes to the north-east of central Nagano City. Open every day, the monkeys come to the park consistently throughout the year making it one of Nagano's most visited locations alongside the famous Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, and the many, many renowned ski resorts.
When heading to the park using public transport, it will be easiest to do so from 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 to reach the trailhead to the park.
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.
How to Get to the 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, 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 PARK FROM NAGANO STATION
As mentioned above, most visitors heading to the park will do so via Nagano Station. Once at the station, you have two options for getting to the park using public transport. Both options take you to Kanbayashi Onsen, where the monkey park is located:
-- EXPRESS BUS direct from the station to Kanbayashi Onsen
-- TRAIN to Yudanaka Station followed by LOCAL BUS to Kanbayashi Onsen
Both options take around 45 to 55-minutes to reach Kanbayashi Onsen and drop you at the bottom of the village, from where it's a 5 to 10-minute walk (depending on the season) to the entrance of the trail leading to the park. Let's look at each in turn:
VISITING THE MONKEY PARK BY EXPRESS BUS
Operating to and from Nagano Station, the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus runs all year round and with additional services during the peak season of winter. After stopping nearby the monkey park, many express buses continue onto to Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. In doing so, it connects two of the regions most popular destinations – the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen – directly to the station. The bus takes just over 40 minutes to reach the park's trailhead from the station and around 55 minutes for the return journey. The bus operates from Bus Stop No.23, outside the station’s East Exit. This bus is non-reservable and fills seats on a first-come first-served basis. Payment is made as you exit the bus at your chosen stop, and payment can be made via cash or various types of credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, etc.). To check the bus schedule, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Express Bus Timetable’ page.
VISITING THE MONKEY PARK BY TRAIN
The park can also be reached using the Nagano Dentetsu Line. Also operating from Nagano Station, Nagaden has express and local services to the terminus of Yudanaka Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Local services from Nagano to Yudanaka take substantially longer and require passengers to transfer trains. As such, we always recommend using an express service to reach Yudanaka. For the train schedule, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page.
Once at Yudanaka you need to jump-on a Nagaden local bus for the final leg of your journey to the park. Two local bus lines – the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line (which also continues onto Shiga Kogen Ski Resort) – head to stops nearby the monkey park. The ride is only around 8 minutes. The ride back from the park takes a little longer – around 15 minutes – due to a different route and stops. Yudanaka is a small station and the buses operate from directly outside. You can’t miss them! For the local bus schedule, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable’ page.
WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR ME – BUS OR TRAIN?
Put simply, both options work well. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll enjoy an easy and enjoyable trip to and from the park. But each option also has its strength, whether it is the direct express bus from Nagano Station, or the local flavor of trains that roll through Nagano's countryside.
For visitors who want to head straight to the park without needing to switch from train to local bus at Yudanaka including travelers with luggage, the express bus is a good option as it heads directly to the park from Nagano Station. The large coaches which operate on this line have storage underneath, allowing passengers to stow their luggage as they are transported to and from the park – a particularly useful option if you are staying in the area around the park.
Using the train requires you to then jump on a local bus once you arrive at Yudanaka Station, however this is easy enough. The positive of the local and express trains is that you can combine your visit to the park with other popular destinations that the train reguarly stops at including Zenko-ji Temple, historic Obuse town including the Hokusai Museum, and Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. The journey itself is scenic with express trains offering great views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of room to relax.
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.
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 (tickets included) 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.