Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable

Running from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station - the nearest station to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort - the Nagano Dentetsu Line is one of the most convenient transport options to getting to two of Nagano's most popular destinations. On this page you will find the following information:

For visitors heading to the monkey park or a little further onto Shiga Kogen, regular services operate throughout the day to Yudanaka Station from where local bus services will ferry you onto your final destination. For more information about using the line, see our 'Nagano Dentetsu Line' main page.

Nagano Dentestu Line Timetable

Most visitors using the Nagano Dentetsu Line will use the limited express services. Two types of train - the Snow Monkey Express and Yukemuri Express - alternate through the day and are marked in blue and orange on the timetable below. They are both limited express services and stop at all A stations - as listed above - but not all services stop at B stations. Daily service information is available here:

From Nagano to Yudanaka

The earliest local service from Nagano to Yudanaka departs at 06:15 and arrives at 07:32 (passengers must transfer trains at Shinshu-Nakano). The first direct/limited express service from Nagano to Yudanaka, departs at 09:53 and arrives at 10:37. There are multiple local services prior to this and a limited express train. However, they require a transfer at Shinshu-Nakano Station. The last direct/express train from Nagano to Yudanaka departs at 19:40 and arrives at 20:29. The final local service connecting those stations, departs at Nagano at 20:40 and arrives at Yudanaka at 21:57. There is however one later limited express services – departing at 22:14 that will carry passengers as far as Shinshu-Nakano, where they need to switch to a local service – arriving at Yudanaka at 23:08.

From Yudanaka to Nagano

For passengers making the journey from Yudanaka to Nagano, the earliest service departs at 06:21 and arrives at Nagano at 07:34 (including a transfer at Shinshu-Nakano). The earliest direct/limited express service of the day departs Yudanaka at 09:54 and arrives at Nagano at 10:42. There are however multiple local services prior to this, several of which connect with limited express services in Shinshu-Nakano or Suzaka. Through the day, there are multiple limited express services covered by the Snow Monkey Express and Yukemuri Express. The last direct/limited express service from Yudanaka to Nagano departs at 20:40 and arrives at 21:29, with the final local service departing at 21:17 and arriving at 22:31. Again, there are partial services either side of these times.

Express Trains
Please purchase an express ticket when boarding an express train.
(Additional fare: ¥100 for adults / ¥50 for children)

Red: Limited Express

*Train transfer required.

Nagano Dentetsu Line Map

Running from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station, the Nagano Detentsu Line stops at the following stations:

Nagano / Shiyakusho-mae* / Gondo / Zenkoji-shita / Hongo* / Kirihara / Shinanoyoshida* / Asahi* / Fuzokuchugaku-mae / Yanagihara / Murayama / Hino / Suzaka / Kitasuzaka / Obuse / Tusumi / Sakurasawa / Entoku / Shinshu-Nakano / Nakano-Matsukawa / Shinano-Takehara / Yomase / Kamjio / Yudanaka

*These stations are stops for 'B Limited Express' services which operate at various times through the day. Not all limited express services will stop at these stations however all limited express services stop at stations marked red.

For an overview of the Nagano Dentetsu Line – including types of services including limited express and local trains, seating, fares, ticketing and travel passes, and directions to the Nagaden office and ticket gates - please refer to our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line’ page.

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 JP2,000 (6-12). Children under the age of 6 can ride Nagano Dentetsu trains and 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 pass covers non-reserved seating on limited express services only.

Popular Destinations Using the Nagano Dentetsu Line

Using the Nagano Dentetsu line, the following popular destinations and attractions can be accessed via these stations:

Zenkoji Temple (via Gondo Station)

Zenkoji is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, standing in Nagano for nearly 1,400 years. It welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to its daily morning ceremonies and hosts festivals and events throughout the year. With its historic architecture and serene grounds, Zenkoji remains the spiritual heart of the region.

For those interested in exploring the temple, Snow Monkey Resorts offers a half-day walking tour to Zenkoji, providing insight into its history, culture, and traditions.

Day Tour

Half-Day Zenkoji Tour with Tea Ceremony

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano City

¥14,500

Book now View Details

City of Suzaka (via Suzaka Station)

Suzaka is a historic castle town just east of Nagano City, known for its traditional streets, preserved merchant houses, and surrounding fruit orchards. The town offers a mix of cultural experiences, local craftsmanship, and natural scenery, making it a charming destination for a day trip or longer exploration.

Experience the charm of Suzaka City with two unique tours. The 1-Day Cultural Walk explores historic downtown streets, visits traditional miso breweries, includes a seasonal Japanese lunch, and lets you try on a kimono at the Odagiri Residence while enjoying zenzai with matcha tea. The 2-Day Ozasa Trail Tour ventures into the highlands, following the historic Ozasa Trail, hiking through the Minenohara Highlands and taking in scenic mountain views. Together, these tours offer a perfect mix of culture, history, and nature for an unforgettable Suzaka experience.

Day Tour / Private Tour / Multi-day Tour

New Tour / New Tour

Explore Suzaka’s Historic Warehouse District: 1-Day Cultural Walk with Kimono, Miso & Local Cuisine

Spots:

NaganoNagano

Pick-up:

Nagano CityNagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano CityNagano City

¥37,000 ~ / group

Book now View Details

Private Tour / Multi-day Tour

New Tour

Start from Nagano: Explore Japan’s Historic ‘Shortcut’ Mountain Trail – 2-Day Private Tour

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano City

Drop-off:

Nagano City

¥93,000 ~ / group

View Details

Obuse, Including the Hokusai Museum (via Obuse Station)

Discover the charming town of Obuse, just north of Nagano City, known for its historic streets, traditional merchant houses, and chestnut orchards. On the 1-Day Cultural Walk, explore Obuse’s downtown, visit local craft shops and sake breweries, enjoy a seasonal Japanese lunch, and experience the art and legacy of Hokusai through exhibits and workshops that celebrate the town’s connection to the famous ukiyo-e master. This tour offers a rich blend of culture, history, and local flavors, providing a memorable introduction to Obuse.

Day Tour

1-Day Historic Obuse & Hokusai: Japan's 'Mad Man of Art' Tour

Spots:

Nagano

Pick-up:

Nagano CityObuse

Drop-off:

Nagano CityObuse

¥19,800

Book now View Details

Jigokudani Monkey Park (via Yudanaka Station)

Visit the Snow Monkey Park, famous for its wild Japanese macaques that bathe in natural hot springs during the winter months. Nestled in a scenic valley near Yamanouchi, the park offers a unique opportunity to observe these monkeys up close in their natural habitat, surrounded by forests and mountains.

The park is easily accessible from Yudanaka Station, with a short train ride followed by a gentle walk through picturesque rural landscapes. Open year-round, Snow Monkey Park is not only a winter highlight but also a beautiful destination for spring, summer, and autumn, offering wildlife encounters and stunning seasonal scenery.

Day Tour

Best Selling

1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Spots:

NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba

Pick-up:

Nagano CityHakuba

Drop-off:

Nagano CityHakuba

¥19,800

Book now View Details

Shiga Kogen (via Yudanaka Station)

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski and snowboarding destinations, boasting extensive slopes, modern lifts, and a variety of winter activities. Located in northern Nagano, the highlands are also beautiful in spring, summer, and autumn, offering hiking trails, alpine flora, and stunning mountain scenery.

The area is accessible from Yudanaka Station, with local buses or car transfers taking visitors into the heart of the ski resorts and highlands. Shiga Kogen combines outdoor adventure, scenic landscapes, and year-round nature experiences, making it a top destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking alpine exploration.

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.