Nagoya is one of Japan’s largest cities and a convenient transport hub when moving from east to west Japan, or vice versa. One of the country’s major ports and manufacturing cities – notably, the home of Toyota – Nagoya is a sprawling, modern metropolis from where it's an long but easy journey to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. On this page you will find the following information:
In recent years, Nagoya has developed a reputation for good food and being a worthwhile destination in itself. Home to Nagoya Castle, the Japan Railways Museum, Legoland, and Nagashima Resort, the popularity of the city continues to grow for international visitors. As the largest city in Central Japan, Nagoya is also a convenient launching point from where you can explore some of the region’s most enjoyable destinations including the historic Nakasendo Trail, Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi and of course, the Jigokudani Monkey Park. For suggestions of what's on offer, see our '25 Things To Do Around Nagoya & Where To Stay' page.
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Our group tours run throughout the year, including multiple tours to the monkeys. We can also arrange private tours and charters to the park along with any destination in the region, and as a registered travel agent, we can package transport, accommodation and more together so you save and get the most out of your time at the park, Nagano and beyond – scroll to the bottom for details.
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?
For the 2026/2027 winter season, 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.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
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!
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
Directions to the Snow Monkey Park from Nagoya
To reach the monkey park from Nagoya is a two-stage journey via Matsumoto and onto Nagano*. From Nagano, you then make the onward journey to the park:
1 / From Nagoya Station, take the Limited Express Shinano bound for Nagano Station. Regular services run throughout the day and take approximately 175 minutes / JPY7,530 to reach Nagano via Matsumoto. The daily train schedule can be found on our 'Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable' page.
2 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
*This line/service is covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
Accessing the Park via Nagano Station
Once you arrive at Nagano Station, you have three primary transport options to reach the park:
Option 1: Nagaden Express Bus (Fastest)
- Route: Direct from Nagano Station (East Exit, Stop #24) to the Snow Monkey Park. (Note: Do not wait at Stop #23, as those buses now exclusively serve Shiga Kogen).
- Duration: Approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cost: JPY 3,000 each way (Adult).
- Important Ticketing Update: Pay-as-you-go boarding is no longer accepted. You must book your tickets in advance online via the Webket ticketing system, which opens 90 days prior to departure. Walk-up tickets at the Aruyo Station at the first floor of Nagano Station's east exit are rarely available during peak seasons.
- To check the bus schedule, see our 'Nagaden Express Bus Timetable' page.
Option 2: Nagaden Train + Local Bus (Scenic)
- Route: Limited Express train to Yudanaka Station (45 mins), followed by a local bus (8 mins).
- Total Time: Approx. 55 to 60 minutes.
- Total Cost: JPY 1,970 (JPY 1,660 train + JPY 310 bus) for a local train ticket.
- For the train schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable' page.
- For the local bus schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable' page.
Option 3: Snow Monkey Resorts Guided Tour (All-Inclusive)
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Meetup: 09:35 AM inside Nagano Station (perfectly timed for Shinkansen arrivals from Tokyo).
- What’s Included: Round-trip transport, entry to the Monkey Park, a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, sake tasting, and a local lunch.
- Cost: JPY 17,800 per adult (JPY 11,000 per child).
- Best for: Travelers wanting a stress-free experience with a local guide, lunch, and luggage storage included.
Pro Tip: If you choose Option 3, you can depart Tokyo as late as 07:50 AM and still arrive in time for the tour meetup at the station.
Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City
Given the distance and time taken to reach Nagano from Nagoya, we recommend staying in Nagano City for at least one night, from where you can explore destinations including Togakushi and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. When staying in Nagano City, we recommend:
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
Located between Nagano Station and Zenko-ji Temple, Hotel Kokusai 21 is the city’s most established international hotel. Known for its blend of modern amenities and attentive Japanese service, Kokusai 21 offers guests spacious Western-style rooms with private bathrooms, multiple in-house restaurants including daily breakfast service and English-speaking 24-hour reception.
Hotel New Nagano NeXT
Travellers looking for affordable yet modern and comfortable accommodation in the centre of Nagano City should look no further than Hotel New Nagano NeXT, just a 2 minute walk from Nagano Station. Completely refurbished in 2020, the 115 room hotel offers four room types – single, double, twin and superior twin – each featuring comfortable bedding, private bathroom, TV and Roomcast with abi
Snow 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.
20 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 ’20 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 Nagoya to the Monkey Park
At the moment, we unfortunately do not have any tours starting from Nagoya which head to the Monkey Park due to the distance and time involved. However, we do offer Private Charter services which connect you with the Monkeys in Nagano! With pick up available from wherever in Nagoya you would like, our clean and well maintained vehicles are ready to bring you straight to the Monkey Park - or another location of your choice. For more information on pricing and availability, please click the above link.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
If you are able to make your own way to the Nagano City Area (using the Shinano Express), then we would love to have you on our group tour of Zenkoji Temple and the Snow Monkey Park! With lunch, sake tasting, and transport during the tour included, this experience is the best way to see what Nagano City and its surroundings have to offer. Suitable for all ages, we are sure that you and your group will have a great and informative day with your guide.