From Hakuba: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

For visitors wanting to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park from Hakuba, the journey takes around 2-hours. There is no direct public transport from Hakuba to the park meaning that you will need to first head to Nagano Station before heading onto the park, with the option of booking a tour to the park direct from Hakuba. On this page you will find the following information:

Hakuba is home to some of Japan's best ski resorts, drawing visitors from all over the world each winter to enjoy Japan's epic snow and welcoming atmosphere. As one of the main host venues of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba is recognised for its world-class snow conditions, varied terrain, and excellent facilities - in short, there's lots of reasons its so popular.

Outside of winter, Hakuba is increasingly known for its array of 'green season' sports, during which time both local and international visitors head to the mountains to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of cities and enjoy numerous pursuits. Activities including hiking, mountain-biking (MTB), rafting, canyoning, standup paddle-boarding (SUP), fishing, and other pursuits have quickly established Hakuba as Nagano's premier adventure travel destination.

Whatever time of year that you're in Hakuba, you may well be curious about a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to naturally soak in hot springs, the monkey park is one of Nagano's most popular winter destinations. The monkeys come to the park all year round, so whether you are visiting Hakuba in winter, spring, summer or autumn, there's always a reason to visit.

Day Tour

Best Selling

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakuba

¥21,800

Book Now View Details

Much like the monkeys, we're also here all year round! As Nagano's No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of group tours to the monkey park and can arrange private tours and charters to match your needs. In winter, we extend our tours to include pick-up and drop-off in Hakuba, allowing guests based at the resorts there to join our award-winning Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple and Sake Tour along with other winter tours. We hope the following information helps in planning your visit to the monkeys from Hakuba and of course, if you'd like to join one of our tours or would like to enquire about a private tour or charter, we'll be happy to assist!

Where is the Jigokudani Monkey Park?

The Jigokudani Monkey Park – often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park – is around 85KM / 2-hours drive to the east of Hakuba and 35KM / 50-minutes to the north-east of central Nagano City. 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, 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 in total to get here. 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?

As of August 2026, 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.

Day Tour

Best Selling

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakuba

¥21,800

Book Now View Details

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!

Private Charters

NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN

Duration:

4-5 Hours

Spots:

Nagano, Snow Monkey

¥77,400~

Book Now View Details

Directions to the Monkey Park from Hakuba

From Hakuba, the Jigokudani Monkey Park can be reached in a two-step journey:

• Step 1: Take the bus from Hakuba to Nagano Station
• Step 2: Take another bus or train from Nagano Station to the monkey park

Step 1:

The ALPICO Express Bus service from Hakuba to Nagano takes approximately 75 minutes and costs JPY3,500~3,800 in the winter (JPY2,900~3,200 in the green season), an easy and convenient way to make the journey from the station.

The bus operates from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (pictured above) with tickets available for purchase at the counter, or you can reserve tickets online in advance.

The timetable for Winter 2025-2026 was as follows. Unfortunately, the 2026-27 winter season bus schedule has not been released yet (as of October 2026), but we will update this page as soon as it becomes available. Please use last year's schedule as a reference for what this year's timings may be.

As of 2026, the ALPICO bus to and from Hakuba will run two services: non-reserved buses and reservation-only buses. The buses have two different schedules, so please be aware of which bus you will take when travelling to Hakuba.

1. Reservation-Only Bus

Online reservation is available up to 2 months in advance. Please find information about how to reserve the bus tickets online from the ALPICO website.

Please note, only one bus is available for each scheduled trip, and there will be no additional buses. If there are available seats on the day, you can pay the fare directly to the driver and board the bus.

From Hakuba to Nagano Station:

2. Non-Reserved Bus

The non-reserved buses operate directly between Happo Bus Terminal and Nagano Station without stopping at other bus stops. Multiple buses depart at the same time from both Happo Bus Terminal and Nagano Station.

From Hakuba to Nagano Station:

For more information about the ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus, please see our dedicated page here: ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable

Step 2: The bus service from Hakuba will bring you to the east side of Nagano Station. Once you arrive, you have two choices to reach the park: the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus, or the local train + local bus from Yudanaka Station.

1 / USING THE NAGADEN EXPRESS BUS

The Alpico Bus bringing you to and from Hakuba, operates from Bus Stop No.26 outside the East Exit of Nagano Station. The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus operates from Bus Stop No.24, also on the east side of the station.

As of winter 2026, the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus. There are two ways to purchase tickets for the express bus:

1. Snow Monkey Pass: Express bus tickets are available for advance purchase online, through the Snow Monkey Pass set (including round-trip transportation + entrance to the park). See below for more information about purchasing and using the Snow Monkey Pass.

2. Same-day Ticket: Same-day tickets can be purchased at the first-floor ticket office of Nagano Station, called "Aruyo" (あるよ) just next to the bus stop. If tickets are sold out for a particular day, same-day tickets may not be available.

To find more information and check the bus schedule, please refer to our 'Nagaden Express Bus Timetable' page.

2 / USING THE NAGANO DENTETSU TRAIN LINE

For visitors who do choose to use the train, you can access the Nagano Dentetsu Line platforms by entering the station via the East Entrance and walking through to the other side. Take the escalator down to ground level and out of the station via the Zenko-ji Exit. As you walk-out of the station you will see an escalator immediately to your right.

Proceed down the escalator and once at the bottom go to your left. The Nagano Dentetsu line ticket window and machines and ticket gates are approximately 50 metres ahead.

The express train journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs JPY2,060. Local services from Nagano to Yudanaka are only slighter cheaper - at JPY1,660 - but 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, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable' page.

Once at Yudanaka Station 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 - head to stops nearby the monkey park. The ride is only around 8 minutes and costs JPY310 per adult and JPY160 per child.

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, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable' page.

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.

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.

Tours and Charters from Hakuba to the Monkey Park

Getting to the Snow Monkey Park from Hakuba is not necessarily easy - with several switchovers, you will need to make sure to pay attention to time. For those looking for an easier option, we offer multiple tours to the Monkey Park which start from Hakuba and take all of the hassle out of the trip.

Day Tour

Best Selling

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakuba

¥21,800

Book Now View Details

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. After a hearty meal, our vehicle will take you to the Jigokudani Monkey Park where you will finally get the chance to see the monkeys for yourself. With both pick up and drop off being offered from multiple destinations in Hakuba, this tour is the perfect way to take a break from the slopes and enjoy a day off from skiing or snowboarding.

Private Tour

Popular

[START FROM HAKUBA] Private Snow Monkey Tour

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Hakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko

¥181,600 ~ / group

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Ideal for guests looking for a more tailored experience, and cost-effective for those traveling in larger groups, our private tour of the Monkey Park offers everything the group tour does and more. With an added stop in at Obuse Town, a charming place once home to the famous artist Hokusai, you will have even more time to learn about Japanese Culture at your own pace. Of course, you will be visiting the Monkey Park and Zenkoji as well, where your guide will offer interesting explanations about everything you want to know.

Beyond just tours, we also offer private charters using our fleet of clean and modern vehicles. With door-to-door service, we can pick up you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and neighboring regions.

Taking about 90 minutes each way, enjoy a seamless journey from Hakuba to the Snow Monkey Park on our private van or bus.

Private Charters

HAKUBA → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ HAKUBA

Duration:

7-8 Hours

Spots:

Snow Monkey, Hakuba

¥123,600~

Book Now View Details

If you just wish to explore on your own from Hakuba 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. 

Private Charters

HAKUBA → TOKYO (SHINJUKU)

Duration:

4-5 Hours

Spots:

Tokyo, Hakuba

¥171,100~

Book Now View Details

You can inquire here for availability and pricing for charter services starting from Hakuba. Possible end points include Nagano Station, Tokyo, and a number of scenic spots around Central Japan!

Tours and Charters from Hakuba to Other Top Destinations

While the Snow Monkeys are one of Nagano's biggest attractions, they are far from the only thing this vast region has to offer! There are a number of other destinations sure to delight travelers of all ages and interests, and we are here to help you reach them.

Day Tour / Event Tour

Seasonal Special

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Zenkoji Tomyo Lantern Festival

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakuba

¥23,300

Book Now View Details

For example, this tour will bring you to he Tomyo Lantern Festival, which takes place at Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano City, and commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics that took place here and brought well-deserved attention to the Nagano area. This tour combines the Tomyo Lantern Festival with a visit to the Snow Monkey Park, Japanese-style lunch, and guided tour of Zenko-ji temple, making it the perfect option for a day-trip from Hakuba. This tour also offers convenient direct pick-up from Hakuba!

Day Tour

Recommended / New Tour

1-Day Tour from Hakuba: Matsumoto Castle, Soba Making, Art & Sake

Spots:

MatsumotoHakuba

Pick-up:

Hakuba

Drop-off:

Hakuba

¥20,000

Book Now View Details

Or, if you are looking for a great way to spend your day off from skiing and learn about the culture, art, and cuisine of Nagano—join our 1-day tour to Matsumoto! This tour not only guides you through the registered National Treasure of Matsumoto Castle, but also includes a hands-on soba making experience, sake tasting, and a visit to the Matusmoto City Art Museum, featuring world-famous artist Yayoi Kusama. Offering pick-up and drop-off from 4 locations in Hakuba, this is a great day trip from the slopes.

Private Tour

New Tour

Private Winter Togakushi Tour: Snow, Shrine & Cedar Trees

Spots:

NaganoShiga KogenHakubaMyokoNozawa OnsenTogakushi

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakubaShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMyoko

¥139,600 ~ / group

Book Now View Details

Lastly, if you want to go deeper into nature, this tour to Togakushi Shrine (often called the "five shrines") will bring you on a magical journey to the "upper shrine" of Togakushi that sits deep in the forest at the end of a path of 400-year-old ancient cedar trees. You'll start with family-friendly snow play—or optional skiing at Togakushi Ski Resort (skiing not included in the tour price)—before heading into the tranquil, sacred forests to explore the area's historic mountain shrines. With convenient pickup available directly from all areas of Hakuba, this tour offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Nagano region.

Private Charters

HAKUBA → HANEDA AIRPORT

Duration:

4-5 Hours

Spots:

Tokyo, Hakuba

¥185,300~

Book Now View Details

We are of course also ready to offer you a private charter or tour to and or from Hakuba. Possible destinations include, but are certainly not limited to, popular areas such as Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go, Nagano City, and more around the region. We also offer service directly to and from international airports such as Haneda or Narita, perfect for streamlining the travel experience on your ski vacation. Please see our list of all charters to and from Hakuba to discover all of your options!

We hope to see you here in Nagano this winter season! Please feel free to contact us here if you have any questions.