Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable
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:
— Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable
— Snow Monkey Park General Information
— 25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & Where to Stay
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. From Nagano Station, the bus takes just over 40 minutes to reach the park. The timetable for winter 2023/2024 is yet to be released but is likely to be similar, if not the same, as the timetable used in 2023:
Return services from the park to Nagano Station:
The summer timetable for 2023 is as follows:
Return services from the park to Nagano Station:
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: JPY1,800 per adult / JPY900 per child.
The Snow Monkey Express Bus is also covered by the Snow Monkey Pass*. The pass costs: JPY3,600 per adult (aged 13+) / JPY1,800 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.
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.
