On this page you will find the most comprehensive guide on how to get to the Snow Monkey Park from the Yuzawa Area. As a stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Niigata, Echigo-Yuzawa is a convenient and popular destination for many international visitors. Providing access to the many nearby ski resorts in winter and Japan’s largest music festival - Fuji Rock – in summer, Echigo-Yuzawa is a convenient hub from where to explore Central Japan including the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
One of Japan's most famous 'onsen' (hot spring) towns, Yuzawa has over recent years become just as well-known for its multiple ski resorts. Readily accessible from Tokyo, the resorts of Yuzawa are hugely popular while in summer, Yuzawa is your gateway to events including Fuji Rock Festival and Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial. For suggestions of just what's on offer, see our '15 Things To Do Around Yuzawa & Where To Stay' page.
Yuzawa is located on the boundary of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. As such, it is relatively nearby the Jigokudani Monkey Park yet the topography of the area and lack of direct public transport means it takes time to reach the monkey park from Yuzawa, with the easiest option including use of the Joetsu Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen Lines via Takasaki Station.
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
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 and around 90KM / 2-hours drive (despite being quite close geographically) from Yuzawa. 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 from Yuzawa, 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.
Directions to the Park from Yuzawa
For those wanting to make the journey using public transport, reaching the monkey park from Echigo-Yuzawa is a three-stage journey requiring you to first get to Nagano:
1 / From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station – 25 to 30 minutes / JPY3,660.
2 / Once at Takasaki Station, transfer for the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano – 40 to 50 minutes / JPY4,620.
3 / Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions below.
Accessing the Snow Monkey Park from Nagano Station
Once you arrive at Nagano Station, you have two primary public transit options to reach Kanbayashi Onsen (the park's base). Both take roughly 45 to 55 minutes to reach the trailhead village, dropping you off a 5 to 10-minute walk from the actual forest trail entrance.
Option 1: Visiting the Snow Monkey Park via Express Bus
The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus runs all year round, with added services during the peak winter ski season. To check the bus schedule, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Express Bus Timetable’ page
- Location: Departs exclusively from Bus Stop No. 24 outside the Nagano Station East Exit. (Note: Bus Stop No. 23 is now dedicated solely to Shiga Kogen and will not stop at the park).
- Duration: Takes just over 40 minutes to the park trailhead (55 minutes for the return leg).
- Ticketing & Boarding (Important Update): Pay-as-you-go boarding is no longer permitted. Advance booking is strictly required to board the bus.
- How to Purchase: Independent travelers must book their tickets online in advance through the Webket Reservation System, which opens 90 days prior to departure and requires selecting a specific timeslot. Alternatively, standard tickets or the Snow Monkey Pass can be purchased at the "Aruyo" ticket office near the East Exit. However, same-day station purchases are highly unlikely during peak seasons, so online booking or arriving with a pre-arranged tour is strongly recommended.
Option 2: Visiting the Snow Monkey Park by Train and Local Bus
You can also take the Nagano Dentetsu Line from its underground station at Nagano Station to the terminal at Yudanaka Station.
- The Train: We highly recommend using the Express Service (~45 minutes). Local services take substantially longer and require a train transfer.
- The Local Bus Transfer: Once you step out of Yudanaka Station, jump directly onto a Nagaden local bus for an 8-minute ride to the park. Look for either the Kanbayashi Line or the Shiga Kogen Line.
For the train schedule from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station, please see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page and for the local bus schedule from Yudanaka Station to the Snow Monkey Park, please see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable’ page..
Option 3: Group Tours & Private Charters
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
For a stress-free, premium experience, you can join an organized group tour or book a private charter directly from Nagano Station.
- The Convenience: This option bypasses the hassle of coordinating bus timetables or train transfers. Vehicles pick you up directly at the station and drive you straight to the closest vehicle drop-off point.
- What's Included: Most group tours bundle your park admission tickets, a professional English-speaking guide, and often a traditional lunch or a visit to nearby Zenkoji Temple into a seamless itinerary.
- Private Charters: If you are traveling with family, a large group, or heavy luggage, private door-to-door vans and mini-buses offer completely customizable schedules, allowing you to explore the park and surrounding onsen towns entirely at your own pace.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
hem! For the local bus schedule, please refer to our 'Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable' page.
Recommended Accommodation in Nagano City
Given the time taken to reach the monkeys from Yuzawa, we recommend staying in Nagano City, from where you can explore destinations including Togakushi and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. When staying in Nagano City, we recommend Hotel Kokusai 21. One of Nagano’s most established international hotels with a reputation built on attentive service, in-house services, Western-style amenities and English-speaking staff, Kokusai 21 is our recommendation for guests wanting the convenience, comfort and service of an international hotel in the heart of the city.
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 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 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 Yuzawa to the Monkey Park
While we unfortunately do not offer any tours from Yuzawa to the Monkey Park at the moment, we are glad to offer private charter services to the Snow Monkey Park, as well as to many more destinations, starting from Yuzawa.
As you have read in this article, getting to the Monkey Park from Yuzawa is neither easy or cheap. For a door to door, easy service, it is better to hire a private charter and head straight to the park. We can also offer services to other popular destinations around Japan, or even pick you up from or drop you off at airports such as Haneda or Narita. Whatever destination you are interested in, please let us know and we will respond to you as soon as possible concerning availability and pricing.
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 do happen to want to partake in a group Snow Monkey Tour, we offer a highly reviewed day trip from Nagano Station (and Hakuba in the winter months) that brings you around some of Nagano City's highlights such as the historic Zenkoji Temple, before taking you to the Monkey Park for an afternoon of monkey business. By utilizing the Shinkansen, this tour is even possible as a day trip from Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions about getting from Yuzawa to the Snow Monkey Park
Getting there requires a three-step journey. First, take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Takasaki Station, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano Station. From Nagano Station, you can take a 45-minute express bus or a train/local bus combo directly to the park's trailhead.
Yes, if you are visiting during the peak winter season (December to March) or major Japanese holidays. The park now strictly requires advance online tickets with reserved timeslots via the Webket system. Walk-ins without an online reservation face long waits or total entry denial.
It is highly discouraged. During peak winter weekends and public holidays, civilian parking bans are strictly enforced at the lots near the park. You will need to rely on public transportation or book a private charter/guided tour.
We do not currently operate group tours directly from Yuzawa. However, we offer private door-to-door charter services from Yuzawa directly to the park. Alternatively, you can take the shinkansen to Nagano Station and easily join one of our top-rated group tours departing from there.
Yes. Pay-as-you-go boarding is no longer permitted on the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus. Independent travelers must book their bus tickets online in advance through the Webket Reservation System. Booking a guided tour bypasses this requirement, as transport is included.