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. The following page provides the timetable for express buses from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park (and the return journey).
Winter is peak season for both destinations. Nagaden operates additional express bus services from December until March to cover demand, but it is worth noting that express buses to both the monkey park and Shiga Kogen operate all year round.
The express but to the monkey park operates to and from Bus Stop No.23 outside the East Exit of Nagano Station. Tickets are bought directly from the driver once on the bus – cash only.
A one-way journey costs: JPY1500 per adult / JPY700 per child. For full details regarding how to use Nagaden’s express bus services, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Snow Monkey/Shiga Kogen Express Bus’ page.
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:
From the park to Nagano Station takes approximately 55 minutes:
The winter schedule for 2020/21 is yet to be announced however it is likely to be similar to the timetable that operated during winter 2019/20. Services included:
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. The Snow Monkey Express Bus is also covered by the Snow Monkey Pass*. 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.
Passes costs JPY3600 per adults (13+) and JPY1800 (6-12). Children under the age of 6 can ride Nagano Dentetsu line and Nagaden buses and enter the park free of charge. Passes can be purchased at the following stations: Nagano / Gondo / Suzaka / Obuse.
For further information, please refer to our “Snow Monkey Pass’ page.
*Please note, the Snow Monkey Pass does not cover services to and from Shiga Kogen.
