Commonly known as "Nagaden," the Nagano Electric Railway connects Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station—the gateway to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. This line is one of two primary public transport options from Nagano Station, alongside the Nagaden Snow Monkey/Shiga Kogen Express Bus.
Plan Your Journey
Daily services, including Limited Express and Local trains, provide frequent access to historic towns like Suzaka and Obuse before reaching the terminal at Yudanaka.
For those visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park in the rural enclave of Yamanouchi, we recommend allowing ample time to explore the surrounding area. Whether you visit as a day trip or stay overnight, you can enjoy historic hot spring (onsen) towns, world-class ski resorts, and the stunning scenery of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort.
Nagano Dentetsu Line Map
Nagano Dentetsu Line Route & Stations
The Nagano Dentetsu Line connects Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station. To help you identify your stop, the line includes the following stations:
- Major Stops (All Express & Local): Nagano / Gondo / Suzaka / Obuse / Shinshu-Nakano / Yudanaka.
- Secondary Stops (B Limited Express & Local): Shiyakusho-mae* / Hongo* / Shinanoyoshida* / Asahi*.
- Local-Only Stops: Zenkoji-shita / Kirihara / Fuzokuchugaku-mae / Yanagihara / Murayama / Hino / Kitasuzaka / Tusumi / Sakurasawa / Entoku / Nakano-Matsukawa / Shinano-Takehara / Yomase / Kamjio.
Service Key:
- Asterisk (*): These stations are served by 'B Limited Express' services at various times throughout the day.
- Red/Bold: All limited express services (both A and B) stop at these primary stations.
- Note: Not all limited express services stop at B stations, so please check the specific timetable above before boarding.
Train Stop Order
Nagano / Shiyakusho-mae* / Gondo / Zenkoji-shita / Hongo* / Kirihara / Shinanoyoshida* / Asahi* / Fuzokuchugaku-mae / Yanagihara / Murayama / Hino / Suzaka / Kitasuzaka / Obuse / Tusumi / Sakurasawa / Entoku / Shinshu-Nakano / Nakano-Matsukawa / Shinano-Takehara / Yomase / Kamjio / Yudanaka
Types of Services
The Nagano Dentetsu Line offers two distinct types of service to suit your travel needs:
Limited Express Service
Nagano to Yudanaka: ~45 minutes
- Fast and Direct: This is the most efficient way to travel between Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station.
- Major Stops: Services stop at Gondo, Suzaka, Obuse, Shinshu-Nakano, and Yudanaka.
- Train Types: Features two types of trains—the Snow Monkey Express and the Yukemuri Express—which alternate throughout the day.
- Timetable Identification: These services are color-coded in blue and orange on the official timetable.
- Seating Options: The front carriage is reserved (requires an additional ¥300 fee), while all other carriages are non-reserved.
- Service Variants: All express trains stop at primary stations (marked red on the map), but only specific "B" services stop at secondary stations.
Local Service
Nagano to Yudanaka: 70–80 minutes
- Full Route: These trains stop at every station between Nagano and Yudanaka.
- Required Transfers: Most local journeys to Yudanaka require a train transfer at Shinshu-Nakano.
- Wait Times: Some local services terminate early at Suzaka or Shinshu-Nakano, which may result in a long wait for the next connecting train.
- Recommendation: Unless you are getting off at an intermediate station before Suzaka, we highly recommend using the Limited Express to save time and avoid travel confusion.
Types of Carriages and Seating
There are three distinct types of trains operating on the Nagaden Line: two for limited express services and one for local services. While the two limited express trains alternate throughout the day, they follow the same route and take the same amount of time.
Snow Monkey Express (Limited Express)
This train is dedicated solely to limited express services.
- Seating Layout: Carriages feature four seats per row with a center aisle.
- Group Travel: Seats can be swiveled to face the row behind, creating a convenient space for groups of four.
- Luggage: Overhead storage is available and is spacious enough for fairly large luggage.
- Reservations: The front carriage is for reserved seating only; all other carriages are non-reserved.
- Facilities: Please note there are no toilets onboard.
Yukemuri Express (Limited Express)
The Yukemuri alternates throughout the day with the Snow Monkey Express.
- Observation Seats: This train is famous for its front and rear carriages, where the driver operates from the ceiling. This allows passengers to sit at the very front or back for an unobstructed view of the tracks at no extra cost.
- Standard Seating: The rest of the train features four seats per row that can be swiveled for group seating.
- Storage: Includes overhead storage for fairly large luggage.
- Reservations: The front carriage is reserved, while the remaining carriages are non-reserved.
- Facilities: Like the Snow Monkey Express, there are no toilets onboard.
Local Service Trains
These carriages follow a standard layout seen on many Japanese commuter lines.
- Seating Layout: Features bench-style seating along the sides of the train.
- Priority Seating: Dedicated spaces are available at the end of each carriage for the elderly, pregnant passengers, and those with mobility impairments.
- Space: Carriages are spacious with ample room to stand or hold onto luggage.
- Reservations: All seats are non-reserved.
- Facilities: Carriages do not include toilets.
Fares & Timetables
From Nagano Station, you can expect to pay the following one-way fares for non-reserved seating on a Limited Express service:
- Gondo: ¥270
- Suzaka: ¥650
- Obuse: ¥780
- Shinshu-Nakano: ¥1,030
- Yudanaka: ¥1,290
Local services to the same stations cost exactly ¥100 less:
- Gondo: ¥170
- Suzaka: ¥550
- Obuse: ¥680
- Shinshu-Nakano: ¥930
- Yudanaka: ¥1,190
Our Recommendation: Given the minimal price difference but substantial savings in time and improved comfort, we highly recommend using the Limited Express services unless you are disembarking at an early station like Gondo.
Numerous daily services operate on the Nagaden line. For details including the timetable, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Timetable’ page.
Ticketing & Travel Passes
This pass is ideal for visitors who want to combine the monkey park with iconic sightseeing stops along the way.
- Cost: ¥5,100 per adult (13+) / ¥2,550 for children (6-12).
- Validity: 1 day from the date of activation.
- What’s Included:
- Admission: One-time entry to the Snow Monkey Park.
- Train: Unlimited 1-day travel on the Nagano Dentetsu Railway, including non-reserved seats on express trains.
- Local Bus: One round-trip on the Nagaden Local Bus between Yudanaka Station and the Snow Monkey Park bus stop.
- Key Benefit: You can buy this pass online to skip long ticket machine lines at the station. It also allows you to jump off the train to explore destinations like Zenko-ji Temple, Obuse, or Suzaka at no extra cost.
*Please note, the pass covers non-reserved seating on limited express services only.
Popular Destinations Using the Nagano Dentetsu Line
The Nagano Dentetsu Line provides easy access to some of the region's most iconic attractions. Below are the key destinations you can explore using this line:
Zenkoji Temple (via Gondo Station)
The Destination: One of Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, Zenkoji has served as the spiritual heart of Nagano for nearly 1,400 years. It is famous for its daily morning ceremonies, historic architecture, and year-round festivals.
Explore with Us: Join our Half-Day Zenkoji Walking Tour to gain professional insight into the temple's rich history, culture, and traditions.
Recommended
Half-Day Zenkoji Tour with Tea Ceremony
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
City of Suzaka (via Suzaka Station)
The Destination: Suzaka is a historic castle town known for its traditional merchant houses, preserved warehouse district, and lush fruit orchards. It offers a perfect blend of local craftsmanship and natural scenery.
Explore with Us:
- 1-Day Cultural Walk: Visit miso breweries, enjoy a seasonal lunch, and try on a traditional kimono at the historic Odagiri Residence.
- 2-Day Ozasa Trail Tour: A private highland hiking experience through the Minenohara Highlands following historic mountain trails.
Special Offer
Explore Suzaka’s Historic Warehouse District: 1-Day Cultural Walk with Kimono, Miso & Local Cuisine
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Special Offer
Start from Nagano: Explore Japan’s Historic ‘Shortcut’ Mountain Trail – 2-Day Private Tour
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Obuse, Including the Hokusai Museum (via Obuse Station)
The Destination: Located just north of Nagano City, Obuse is a charming town famous for its historic streets, traditional merchant houses, and sprawling chestnut orchards.
Hokusai Connection: The town shares a deep legacy with the famous ukiyo-e master, Katsushika Hokusai; visitors can experience his art through dedicated exhibits and workshops.
Explore with Us: Our 1-Day Cultural Walk provides a comprehensive introduction to the area, featuring:
- A guided exploration of Obuse’s historic downtown and local craft shops.
- Visits to traditional sake breweries and a seasonal Japanese lunch.
- Immersive experiences at the Hokusai Museum to discover the town's artistic heritage.
Small Group
1-Day Historic Obuse & Hokusai: Japan's 'Mad Man of Art' Tour
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityObuse
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityObuse
Jigokudani Monkey Park (via Yudanaka Station)
The Destination: Famous for its wild Japanese macaques that bathe in natural hot springs, the Snow Monkey Park is nestled in a scenic valley near Yamanouchi. It offers a unique opportunity to observe monkeys up close in their natural habitat of forests and mountains.
Year-Round Appeal: While most famous for winter antics, the park is open year-round and is a beautiful destination in spring, summer, and autumn for wildlife encounters and seasonal scenery.
Access: The park is easily accessible from Yudanaka Station via a short bus or car transfer followed by a gentle walk through picturesque rural landscapes.
Explore with Us: Visiting the park is the highlight of several of our offerings, including our 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Shiga Kogen (via Yudanaka Station)
The Destination: Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski and snowboarding destinations, featuring extensive slopes, modern lifts, and diverse winter activities.
Year-Round Appeal: Located in northern Nagano, the highlands offer beautiful hiking trails, alpine flora, and stunning mountain scenery throughout spring, summer, and autumn.
Access: The area is easily accessible from Yudanaka Station, with local buses or car transfers taking visitors directly into the heart of the ski resorts and highlands.
Top Destination: Shiga Kogen combines outdoor adventure with scenic landscapes, making it a premier choice for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking year-round alpine exploration.
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
25 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 ’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 (FAQ)
The Limited Express is a direct service taking approximately 45 minutes to reach Yudanaka, stopping only at major stations. Local trains stop at all 24 stations, take 70–80 minutes, and often require a transfer at Shinshu-Nakano.
A non-reserved seat on the Limited Express costs ¥1,290. A Local service costs ¥1,190. We recommend the Limited Express for the minimal ¥100 price difference and significant time savings.
No. The Nagano Dentetsu Line is a private railway and is not part of the JR network; therefore, it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
These are the two types of Limited Express trains. The Snow Monkey Express features overhead storage and swiveling seats for groups, while the Yukemuri Express is famous for its front and rear observation seating with unobstructed track views.
Reservations are not required for most carriages. However, the front carriage of each express service is reserved and requires an additional ¥300 fee.
Tickets can be purchased at automated machines (available in English) or at the ticket window. For express trains, you must purchase two separate tickets: the base fare and a ¥100 express ticket.
No. Whether you are taking the Limited Express or a Local service, please be aware that carriages do not include toilets.
s only.