Nagaden operates a variety of express bus services to some of Nagano’s most popular destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. On this page you will find the following information:
The following page provides the timetable for express buses from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park (and the return journey). For full details regarding how to use Nagaden's express bus services, please refer to our 'Nagaden Snow Monkey / Shiga Kogen Express Bus' page
The express bus to the monkey park operates to and from Bus Stop No.23 outside the East Exit of Nagano Station.
Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable
Multiple services run through the day with many continuing onto Shiga Kogen - for the timetable for Shiga please see our 'Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable' page. For visitors heading to the park, the stop is down the hill from the park entrance, outside the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum (pictured above) - approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk from the park trail entrance. From Nagano Station, the bus takes about 50 minutes ~ 1 hour to reach the park. The 2025/26 Winter Schedule, valid from December 6th, 2025 to April 6th, 2026 has been released and is as follows:
From Nagano Station to Snow Monkey Park
Nagano Station | Snow Monkey Park |
*08:15 | *09:00 |
08:50 | 09:50 |
09:10 | 09:57 |
10:00 | 11:00 |
10:20 | 11:20 |
10:40 | 11:32 |
11:15 | 12:07 |
11:40 | 12:40 |
12:20 | 13:20 |
13:10 | 14:02 |
14:10 | 15:10 |
14:30 | 15:22 |
17:05 | 17:57 |
*Indicates a service that runs on Saturdays only between December 20th and March 21st, as well as on February 11th (Wednesday) and March 20th (Friday).
From Snow Monkey Park to Nagano Station
Snow Monkey Park | Nagano Station |
08:50 | 09:45 |
10:55 | 12:15 |
12:30 | 13:40 |
13:00 | 14:10 |
13:30 | 14:40 |
14:00 | 15:20 |
14:30 | 15:40 |
15:00 | 16:20 |
15:30 | 16:40 |
16:00 | 17:10 |
16:00 | 17:20 |
16:30 | 17:50 |
16:50 | 18:00 |
17:25 | 18:45 |
18:45 | 20:05 |
Timetable for Summer (not valid between December 6th, 2025 to April 6th 2026):
From Nagano Station to Snow Monkey Park
Nagano Station | Snow Monkey Park |
9:00 | 9:50 |
10:40 | 11:30 |
12:30 | 13:20 |
*13:05 | 13:55 |
13:15 | 14:05 |
15:10 | 16:00 |
From Snow Monkey Park to Nagano Station
Snow Monkey Park | Nagano Station |
10:20 | 11:15 |
10:46 | 11:46 |
13:30 | 14:25 |
15:20 | 16:20 |
16:30 | 17:25 |
* 17:16 | 18:16 |
18:10 | 19:10 |
Please use it as a reference for what next year's timings may be.
En-route to the park there are additional pick-up and drop-off points at roadsides in Obuse and Nakano however these are unlikely to be of interest or convenience for international visitors.
Ticketing & Travel Passes
Tickets are bought directly from the driver once on the bus therefore no advanced booking is required.
A one-way journey costs: JPY3,000 per adult / JPY1,500 per child.
The Snow Monkey Express Bus is also covered by the Snow Monkey Pass*. The pass costs: JPY4,000 per adult (aged 13+) / JPY2,000 for children (6-12). Valid for use for 2 days following activation, the Snow Monkey Pass allows for unlimited use on the Nagano Dentetsu Line, Snow Monkey Express Bus and local buses to the park, along with one entry to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
*Please note, the Snow Monkey Pass does not cover services to and from Shiga Kogen.
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, how to get there and more. We hope you enjoy your visit with our favourite furry friends.
Charter a Vehicle to the Snow Monkey Park!
If you just wish to explore on your own from Nagano 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.
Taking about 50 minutes, enjoy a seamless journey from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park on our private van or bus. This journey would be ideal for those wanting to stay the night near the park or return back to Nagano via the express bus.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
Taking about 50 minutes each way, enjoy a seamless journey from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park on our private van or bus.
HAKUBA → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ HAKUBA
- Duration:
- 7-8 Hours
- Spots:
- Snow Monkey, Hakuba
We even offer charters to the monkey park from nearby ski resorts! Take a fun trip to the Snow Monkey Park on one of your off-days from the slopes.
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.
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.