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 the buses that also run to Shiga Kogen, 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, 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:
Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable for Winter 2025/2026 (December 6th 2025 to April 6th 2026):
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 |
Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 (not final; based on 2025):
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
The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus is a non-reserved service. You do not need to book in advance; simply line up at the bus stop and board on a first-come, first-served basis. Although there are some ways to purchase a ticket in advance, it does not guarantee a spot on the bus.
Boarding & Fare Payment (Cash or Card)
For passengers not using a travel pass, the process is simple:
- How to Pay: Payment is made when exiting the bus at your destination.
- Payment Methods: The driver accepts Cash (Japanese Yen) or Credit Card/Touch Payment (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.).
- One-Way Fare: JPY 3,000 per adult / JPY 1,500 per child.
- Note: During peak winter periods, we recommend arriving at Bus Stop No. 23 at least 15–20 minutes before departure to help ensure a seat.
- Where to Board: Bus Stop 23 outside the Eastern Exit of Nagano Station.
The Snow Monkey Pass (Express Bus Version)
Starting in the 2025/26 Winter Season, there are now two distinct versions of the Snow Monkey Pass. This pass is specifically designed for the Express Bus and is the most convenient option for a seamless day trip from Nagano Station. This version is NOT available online in advance, and must be purchased on-site inside of Nagano Station.
- Cost: JPY 6,800 (Adults 13+) / JPY 3,400 (Children 6-12).
- Where to Buy: Available only in person via the "Aruyo" ticket machine (pictured above) at the Nagaden Bus Ticket Center (1st Floor, Nagano Station East Exit).
- What’s Included:
- Park Admission: One-time entry to the Snow Monkey Park.
- Round-Trip Transport: One round-trip journey on the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus (Nagano Station - Snow Monkey Park).
- Validity: Valid for 1 day from the date of purchase.
- Where to Board: Bus Stop 23 outside the Eastern Exit of Nagano Station.
Important: This version of the pass is not valid for local trains or buses. If you prefer to travel via the Nagano Dentetsu Railway line and local bus, please refer to the link above for the Snow Monkey Pass.
*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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. The Nagaden Express Bus operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no reservation system. We recommend arriving at Nagano Station East Exit Bus Stop No. 23 at least 15–20 minutes before departure during the peak winter season (December–February) to ensure a seat.
Yes. Starting in the 2025/26 season, you can pay your fare directly on the bus using Cash or Touch-Payment Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) when you exit at your destination. Prepaid IC cards like Suica or Pasmo are generally not accepted on this specific express route.
This is the most important change for 2025/26. There are now two separate passes:
Express Bus Pass (¥6,800): Includes a round-trip on the Direct Express Bus from Nagano Station + Park Admission.
Train & Local Bus Pass (¥4,000 approx.): Includes unlimited travel on the Nagaden Railway (Train) to Yudanaka + Local Bus to the park + Park Admission.
Note: The Train Pass is NOT valid on the Express Bus.
You can purchase this pass in person at the Nagaden Bus Ticket Center "Aruyo" ticket machine. It is located on the 1st Floor of the Nagano Station East Exit, near the elevators leading down to the bus stops. It is not purchasable online.
The bus drops you at the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop. From there, it is a 7 to 10-minute walk uphill to the trail entrance (near Enza Cafe), followed by a 25 to 30-minute walk along the forest trail to reach the actual monkey habitat. Total walking time from the bus stop is approximately 40 minutes.
Yes, the express buses have under-floor luggage compartments for large suitcases and ski gear. However, we highly recommend storing large bags in the coin lockers at Nagano Station or using the SMR Gift & Info Shop luggage service at the trail entrance, as the 1.6km forest trail is not suitable for suitcases or strollers.
No. Nagaden operates a Winter Schedule (usually Dec 6 – Apr 6) with high-frequency service, and a Spring/Summer/Autumn Schedule with fewer daily departures. Always check the current timetable on this page before heading to the station.