Planning a trip to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Reaching Nagano's famous hot-spring-loving monkeys requires a bit of preparation. While open 365 days a year, the journey changes dramatically between the lush green season and the snowy winter months.
Famous for their ability to thrive in the cold and deep snow of winter, the monkeys in fact come to the park all year round. So no matter what time of year that you're headed to Nagano, we hope you choose to visit and that the following information is helpful in planning your visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
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?
The Snow Monkey Park is currently considering the introduction of an advance online ticketing and timed-entry system for the upcoming peak winter season. While the exact details and official launch dates have not yet been finalized, this may mean that standard walk-up tickets during these high-demand months could be limited or subject to significant wait times in the cold at the trail entrance.
The best way to secure your winter entry to the Snow Monkey Park? Book a guided tour.
By booking one of our curated snow monkey tours, 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 Timeslots: We will receive a guaranteed number of tickets for our specific tour timeslots, ensuring you can visit the park in the most timely and organized manner possible.
- Expert Logistics: We monitor these operational updates closely and will manage all peak-season entry details for you, saving you from navigating the new rules on your own.
- A Smoother Journey: Our team handles the hassle so that your access to the trail is as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
We will update this passage as soon as official details are released by the park.
How to Get to the Snow Monkey Park
Public Transportation
Nagano Station is the primary hub for visitors traveling to the park. As a major stop on the the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, it is the most common starting point for guests coming from Tokyo for a day trip.
From Nagano Station, you have two main public transport options:
- Nagaden Express Bus: This service departs from Nagano Station and drops you within walking distance of the trail entrance.
- Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) Train Line: Take the train to Yudanaka Station (the terminal stop). From there, a short local bus ride will take you the rest of the way to the park area.
Both the express bus and the various train services (Limited Express and Local) are operated by the Nagaden company and are easily accessible from the station.
The Easiest Way to Visit: Guided Tours
The simplest way to experience the park is by joining a guided tour. A tour removes the stress of navigating train schedules or finding the correct bus stop, allowing you to focus entirely on the monkeys.
If you are interested in a professional, hassle-free experience, please see the Tours section below for our top-rated recommendations.
WALKING FROM THE BUS STOP TO THE PARK
Whether you use the express bus from Nagano Station to the park or take a local bus from Yudanaka Station, you will be dropped at Snow Monkey Park bus stop. The stop is at the bottom of a small hot spring village called Kanbayashi Onsen. The monkey park is located at the top of the village, around a 7 to 10-minute walk. You really can't go wrong, just follow the signs and other visitors up the hill and toward the entrance to the trail leading to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Walking Along the Trail to the Park
To see the monkeys, every visitor must traverse a beautiful forest path through the valley. Tickets to the park are not sold at the beginning of the path, as you will purchase your entry pass at the park ticket booth located at the very end of the trail.
| Season | Average Walk Time | Trail Conditions & Temperature |
| Green Season (Apr–Nov) | 20 – 25 Minutes each way | Level, unsealed dirt track. Mostly flat, save for short stairs at the start and a final steep staircase at the park entry. Can get muddy during rain. |
| Winter Season (Dec–Mar) | 30 – 40 Minutes each way | Densely packed snow and slick hidden ice. Freezing temperatures regularly drop below 0°C (and down to -10°C). High slip risk. |
To access the monkey park, you must walk along a forest trail located at the top of Kanbayashi Onsen. Kanbayashi is small and the trail entrance is located next to the Snow Monkey Resort Information and Gift Shop.
Critical Winter Preparation & Rentals
Wearing appropriate footwear with excellent grip is non-negotiable in winter. If you arrive unprepared, the Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop (located right at the trail entrance) offers day rentals and purchases:
- Snow Boot Rental: ¥1,000/day
- Winter Jacket Rental: ¥500/day
- Cramp-ons (Ice Spikes for your own shoes): ¥1,350 to purchase
- Left Baggage/Luggage Storage: ¥500 per item (Highly recommended, as large bags cannot be taken on the trail).
Opening Hours: The Info & Gift Shop is open daily from early October until late May (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) with English-speaking staff on hand to assist with bus timetables and trail safety updates.
Wheelchair & Mobility-Impaired Access
1.The Trailhead Village: 7-10 Min.
An initial paved but steadily inclining hill climb up through Kanbayashi Onsen village to reach the forest path gate.
2.The Forest Path: 1.6 km / 1 Mile.
An unsealed, natural dirt path. Though mostly level, it turns into slick mud during rain and heavily packed, slippery ice/snow throughout the winter.
3.The Midpoint Gazebo: Halfway Mark.
The only seating option along the entire length of the trail. There are no other benches, chairs, or rest stops.
4.The Park Entrance Stairs: Final Obstacle.
A steep, narrow wooden staircase and sudden sloped incline directly preceding the monkey sanctuary ticket window.
⚠️ Mobility Warning: Because of the natural terrain, unsealed paths, and steep terminal staircases, the trail is entirely inaccessible to wheelchairs. If you rely on a wheelchair or cannot walk confidently for 40 minutes in both directions without sitting down, we recommend skipping the walk and the visit to the snow monkey park for your own safety.
Dining & Restroom Options at the Park
Food and drinks are strictly banned inside the actual monkey enclosure to prevent wild monkey theft. Make sure to eat, drink, and use the facilities before passing the trail gate!
Enza Cafe (Trail Entrance)
- The Vibe: A relaxed, open-plan café featuring a spacious outdoor terrace—especially beautiful in autumn when the large maple (momiji) trees turn deep red.
- The Menu: Serves comforting chicken ramen, sushi rolls, Japanese fried chicken (karaage), french fries, specialty espresso, and local craft beers.
- Important Note: Most menu items are available for takeaway, but they must be finished before entering the forest trail to prevent unwanted monkey encounters.
Hotarutei (Near the Bus Stop)
- The Vibe: The nearest fine-dining experience to the park, housed in a beautifully restored, 170-year-old traditional Japanese farmhouse that offers a tranquil alpine atmosphere.
- The Menu: Specializes in an indulgent, high-end menu featuring crisp tempura, premium Shinshu Wagyu beef, traditional hot pots, and fresh sushi.
- Important Note: To enjoy this authentic, multi-course culinary experience, reservations are strictly required at least 3 days in advance.
Public Restrooms & Toilets
- Trailhead Restrooms: Located at the main parking area directly next to Enza Café. This is your final public restroom before starting the 1.6 km trek.
- Park Restrooms: Once you complete the 30-to-40-minute walk and arrive at the valley destination, the next available toilets are located inside the main monkey park information building.
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.
Please see our safe, timely, personalized transportation option to and from the Snow Monkey Park from Nagano Station.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
During the green season (April to November), the walk is quite easy. The 1.6 km path is an unsealed dirt trail that is mostly flat and level. The only real inclines are a brief 20-meter slope at the start and a steep set of stairs right at the park entrance. Anyone with basic fitness can easily manage it in 20 to 25 minutes.
It becomes significantly more challenging. From December to March, the entire trail is covered in packed snow and slick, hidden ice. The sub-zero temperatures and slippery footing mean the walk usually takes 30 to 40 minutes each way. Walking carefully and having the correct winter footwear is absolutely essential to prevent falls.
There is only one small wooden gazebo located roughly at the halfway mark of the 1.6 km trail. There are no other benches, chairs, or rest spots along the forested path, so you must be comfortable standing and walking for the duration of the trek.
No. Strollers, rolling suitcases, and large backpacks are impossible to navigate across the unsealed dirt track, mud, or winter ice, and they cannot go up the steep entry stairs.
Do not attempt the trail in smooth-soled shoes or heels. You can stop by the Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop right at the trail entrance to rent proper snow boots (¥1,000) or purchase slide-on crampons/ice spikes (¥1,350) that strap directly onto your regular shoes.
Both options take about 50 minutes to reach the area, so it comes down to preference:
The Express Bus is the most direct option. It requires no transfers and drops you right at the Kanbayashi Onsen trailhead area, but it is cash-only (¥1,500) and cannot be booked in advance.
The Train + Local Bus option offers a more flexible schedule. The train takes you to Yudanaka Station, where you can stretch your legs, use the facilities, or grab a snack before taking a quick 7-minute local bus to the trailhead.
No. The Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop at the trailhead handles information, baggage storage, and winter rentals, but they do not sell park admission. You will purchase your entry ticket at the official park booth at the very end of the 1.6 km walk.