Nagaden operates numerous local bus services in and around Nagano City including to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Operating from Yudanaka Station, two local bus lines stop at the monkey park: the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line. On this page you will find the following information:
All services on both the Kanbayashi and Shiga Kogen lines head to the monkey park – taking 8 to 15-miuntes (depending on which bus you use), before following very different routes. The Kanbayashi Line heads away from the mountains, therefore visitors wanting to head to Shiga Kogen must takes the Shiga Kogen Line. All local buses to and from the monkey park cost (one-way): JPY390 per adult / JPY 200 per child. For further details regarding how to use Nagaden’s local bus services, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus’ page.
Kanbayashi Line Timetable
Buses servicing the Kanbayashi Line depart from directly in front of Yudanaka Station and take approximately 10 minutes to reach the park:
Kanbayashi Line Schedule: From April 2025
Yudanaka Station | Snow Monkey Park |
9:12 | 9:22 |
10:42 | 10:52 |
11:52 | 12:02 |
13:32 | 13:42 |
15:57 | 16:07 |
18:42 | 18:52 |
Buses from the park back to the station take longer - approximately 15 minutes - due to the route and additional stops on the way back from the park:
Kanbayashi Line Schedule: From April 2025
Snow Monkey Park | Yudanaka Station |
6:50 | 7:04 |
8:20 | 8:34 |
9:30 | 9:44 |
11:00 | 11:14 |
12:10 | 12:24 |
13:50 | 14:04 |
16:15 | 16:29 |
18:55 | 19:09 |
Please note, timetables are subject to change and can very between times of year.
Shiga Kogen Line Timetable
Buses servicing the Kanbayashi Line depart from directly in front of Yudanaka Station and take approximately 10 minutes to reach the park:
The timetable for Winter 2024/2025 was as follows. Please use it as a reference for your trip, but do note that the times are subject to change for the 2025/2026 Winter Season
Buses from the park back to the station take longer - approximately 15 minutes - due to the route and additional stops on the way back from the park:
Shiga Line Winter Schedule
Snow Monkey Park | Yudanaka Station |
*6:52 | *7:06 |
*7:51 | *8:05 |
9:16 | 9:30 |
11:31 | 11:45 |
12:36 | 12:50 |
12:43 | 12:57 |
14:06 | 14:20 |
15:06 | 15:20 |
16:56 | 17:10 |
17:56 | 18:10 |
18:56 | 19:10 |
The Summer 2025 Timetable has been released as of April 2nd, 2025.
Shiga Line Schedule: From April 2025
Yudanaka Station | Snow Monkey Park |
7:40 | 7:48 |
8:30 | 8:38 |
9:50 | 9:58 |
11:00 | 11:08 |
12:30 | 12:38 |
12:45 | 12:53 |
14:10 | 14:18 |
15:20 | 15:28 |
16:30 | 16:38 |
*18:15 | *18:23 |
*Weekdays Only
The timetable for buses heading in the opposite direction can be found below:
Shiga Line Schedule: From April 2025
Snow Monkey Park | Yudanaka Station |
*6:54 | *7:06 |
*7:50 | *8:02 |
9:01 | 9:13 |
10:34 | 10:46 |
11:31 | 11:43 |
11:49 | 12:01 |
13:29 | 13:41 |
14:48 | 15:00 |
15:54 | 16:06 |
17:29 | 17:41 |
18:35 | 18:47 |
*Weekdays Only
Please note, timetables are subject to change and can very between times of year.
Ticketing and Travel Passes
Tickets are paid for as you disembark the bus therefore no advance booking is possible. For instructions on how to use a local bus, including paying your fare, please refer to the directions above.Nagaden’s local bus services to the monkey park (only) are 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 JPY4,000 per adults (13+) and JPY2,000 (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 bus services to 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 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 ’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.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Everything You Need to Know
Located around 45km to the east of Nagano City, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort, boasting an unmatched expanse of interconnected terrain and Nagano’s longest ski season. All the ski fields of Shiga Kogen are covered by an all-mountain pass and best enjoyed on a multi-day visit. Shiga’s ski fields lie between 1340 and 2307 metres and as such, are notably higher than any other resort in the region and ideally-suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. For a complete run-down of what’s on offer in Shiga, see our ‘Shiga Kogen Ski Resort’ page.