Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop
One of the quickest and most convenient ways to access the Snow Monkey Park is by using the bus services operated by Nagano Dentetsu in the area. Luckily for travelers interested in visiting the park, there is a bus stop located only 5-10 minutes walk from the entrance to the trail which leads to the Monkey Park. The name of this bus stop is simply “Snow Monkey Park”, making it easy to understand where to get off the bus when the time comes to do so. Being served by both Express and Local buses, you will be able to easily reach destinations including Nagano Station, Shiga Kogen, and Yudanaka Station from the Snow Monkey Park bus stop.
— Where is the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop?
— Bus Lines Serving the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop
— How to Reach the Monkey Park from the Bus Stop
— Where to Stay When Visiting the Park
— Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop
— Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park
There is no direct train access to the Monkey Park, and so while it is possible to take a train from Nagano Station to the nearby Yudanaka Station, it will then be necessary to switch to a bus or walk the remaining couple of kilometers. For this reason, the vast majority of guests coming to the park will pass through the Snow Monkey Park bus stop at some time.
WHERE IS THE SNOW MONKEY PARK BUS STOP?
The Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop is around 35KM / 60-minutes to the north-east of central Nagano City, and serves as the main point of access to the Park for travelers using public transportation. When heading to the park using public transport, it will be easiest to do so from Nagano Station, from where an express bus runs directly to the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop. Alternatively, you can take the Nagano Dentetsu railway to Yudanaka Station – the nearest train station to the park – and from there, take a local bus to the park. Both options take around 50 to 55-minutes in total to get here, and will have you passing through the bus stop. The park itself is located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, which itself is located in the wider region of Yamanouchi – a region including the park, multiple hot spring villages, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the smaller ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen and Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Within easy reach of Nagano City, visiting the monkey park as a day-trip is easy while also providing lots of reasons to stay in the area on a multi-day visit.
BUS LINES SERVING THE SNOW MONKEY PARK BUS STOP
For visitors to the Monkey Park, there are multiple bus lines serving the area that will be of interest. Most who come to the park will make use of one of these services, both of which are operated by Nagano Dentetsu.
By Express Bus To/From Nagano Station: For those visiting from Nagano Station and who would like to head directly to the Monkey Park, the Nagaden Express Bus is our recommended option. Operating all year round and with additional services during the peak season of winter, the Nagaden Snow Monkey/Shiga Kogen Express Bus operates to and from Nagano Station. All services stop at the monkey park with most (but not all) continuing onto Shiga Kogen. As such, this bus connects two of the regions most popular destinations – the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen – directly to the station. The bus operates from Bus Stop No.23, outside the station’s East Exit. To return to Nagano Station, simply head back to the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop and catch the return Express Bus bound for Nagano.
For more detailed information about the bus, including current timetables, please see our ‘Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable‘ page.
By Train + Local Bus To/From Nagano Station: The other option to reach the Snow Monkey Park from Nagano Station is to take the Nagano Dentetsu Rail Line from Nagano to Yudanaka Station. Then, you will need to catch the local bus on the Kanbayashi Line from Yudanaka Station to the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop. While requiring a switchover, this option is slightly cheaper and may work better with your schedule depending on when you plan to depart. Returning to Nagano Station will entail only repeating the above process in reverse.
For more information about the local bus operated by Nagano Dentetsu around the Monkey Park area, please see our ‘Nagaden Local Bus Timetable‘ page.
By Bus To/From Shiga Kogen: Luckily for guests staying at Shiga Kogen, the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop is also easily accessed by bus from most areas on the mountain. The most convenient way to reach the park is by using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) Express Bus, which passes the park on its way to Nagano Station. Alternatively, a local bus is also running between the park and Shiga Kogen, and visits many of the same stops as the express bus. Utilizing either the Express Bus or the Local Bus, you may also head on to Shiga Kogen from the Snow Monkey Park Bus Stop, either to reach your hotel at the resort after a park visit or for a day skiing trip before returning to your accommodation closer to the park.
For more information on the Express Bus including prices and departure times, please see our ‘Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable‘ page.
HOW TO REACH THE MONKEY PARK FROM THE BUS STOP
From the bus stop, it is fortunately very easy to access the Monkey Park. The walk to the entrance of the Monkey Park Trail will only require around 5-10 minutes, although it is uphill. In winter, the road may also be icy and so caution is advised. Once at the entrance to the Monkey Park Trail, it will take a further 30 minutes to traverse the 1.6 km / 1 mile long path that ends at the Monkey Park.
Upon first leaving the bus, you will be greeted by the above scenery. As you can see on the left (attached to the brown bathroom), there are thankfully signs with arrows which point the way to the park. In this case, you will keep going straight through the parking lot of the Roman Museum, which is the concrete building on the right side of the image.
You will then reach another road, and on the corner there will be a Japanese Style wooden gate. Here again you will also see a red arrow pointing you in the right direction (in this case, you will make a right turn onto the road.)
Once you have turned, you will see Hotarutei and its villas (the black buildings) in front of you. If you have made reservations here to stay or dine, this is an important location to remember! After passing Hotarutei, please continue going straight until the road terminates in a T-junction. At that point, please turn right (uphill), and continue walking.
On the way up the road, you will see a bathroom on the right side. This is the last bathroom until you reach the park, 1.6 km away, so it is best to do your business here before you continue on to the trail.
A little past the bathroom, you will walk past the Enza Cafe. As the closest cafe to the park, this is the perfect place to take a breather before continuing towards the trail. With a variety of options including Ramen, Apple Pie, and Beer, there is something for everyone.
Once at the top of the road, you will come across this Info & Gift Shop, as well as a trailhead with a sign saying “Jigokudani Yaen Koen Entrance”. This is what you are looking for! Enter the trail under the sign, and you will be on your way to the monkey park if you continue going straight. If you wish to purchase any items at the shop, we recommend doing so on the way down so you do not need to carry bags all the way up or down from the park.
To return to the bus stop, you will need only follow the same route in reverse:
Continue straight down from the Monkey Park until you reach the road at which you turned on the way up, past the Info & Gift Shop and Enza Cafe. If you didn’t already go on the way up, Enza Cafe is a great place to relax if you have some spare time while waiting for your bus, and the staff will be ready to help if you have any questions about the bus timetable. Past the cafe, there will be a sign with an arrow and the words “Bus Stop”. Please turn left here.
Continue back down this road the same way you came, until you once again reach the wooden gate by the parking lot. Here, turn left.
Having turned left here, please continue heading straight towards the Roman Museum once again.
Once there, you will see the bus stop! There will be two areas to wait – one on the left and one on the right. Please look at the signs to confirm which one you need to wait at. If you do not know, feel free to ask the staff who will be at the ticket office in the small, cabin-like building.
For reference, the waiting area on the left side will look like this – it will be right in front of the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum.
DINING OPTIONS AT THE PARK
Visitors the the park can enjoy a couple of great dining options starting with Enza Cafe. Located immediately before the trail entrance, Enza Cafe serves both Japanese and Western dishes, coffee and other drinks including craft beer and more – the ideal place to grab a snack or sit down for a meal or drink before or after heading into the park.
Enza’s menu includes delicious chicken ramen, sushi, fried chicken and french fries, coffee, hot chocolate, refreshing soft drinks and juices, and alcoholic beverages. Most menus can be taken out, but please note that food and drinks cannot be taken into the park so if you’re after takeaway, do so when departing the park otherwise your tasty little snack is likely to become the property of one of the monkeys!
The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed, open-plan design which encourages you to take your time at the park. For visitors headed there through spring to autumn, Enza’s large terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal and drink – especially beautiful in autumn as the large ‘momoji’ above the terrace turns deep red.
Further down the hill and nearby the bus stops, Hotarutei offers visitors the nearest fine-dining experience to the monkey park Housed in a converted 170-year old farmhouse.
Hotarutei serves an indulgent menu of tempura, wagyu beef, hot pot and sushi in a tranquil atmosphere. Particularly beautiful as the snow falls in winter, we recommend Hotarutei to any visitor looking to enjoy a more traditional Japanese meal during their time at the monkey park. Please note that reservations are required at least 3 days prior to the date of your visit.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING THE PARK
Visitors to the monkey park are spoiled for choice when it comes to nearby accommodation. Located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen and a short drive from the larger Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen, the park can be enjoyed while staying at one of the area’s many guesthouses, many of which have their own hot springs, or further afield in Shiga Kogen or Nagano City.
The above mentioned restaurant, Hotarutei, also offers two luxurious villas each equipped with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchenette, and their own private onsen. Our ‘Where To Stay Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park’ page lists the best areas to stay, our recommendations and accommodation listings.
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS INFO & GIFT SHOP
The Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop is located at the entrance of the trail leading to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Offering a range of services including winter rentals and English language information, luggage storage, along with monkey merchandise and souvenirs including official Snow Monkey Resorts products, the SMR Info & Gift Shop has you covered when visiting the park. Open from early October until late May, 9AM to 5PM, English-speaking staff can answer your questions on your way to and from the park including information about bus timetables and nearby attractions.
Rental snow boots and jackets are available for rent while cramp-ons are available for sale, all essential items for winter when the temperature can drop below -10°C and the trail and path will be affected by snow and ice. Souvenirs available at the shop include original t-shirts and other clothing, hand-knitted snow monkey key chains and purses, toys, and local confectioneries and snacks. For visitors coming to the park between June and September, English information and the same merchandise can be found at nearby Enza Café.
TOURS AND CHARTERS TO THE MONKEY PARK
As Nagano’s No.1 tour operator, we are proud to offer multiple tours that combine a visit to the Snow Monkey Park with other fun local activities. No matter the season, we can help you make the most of your time in Nagano. Whether with your family or friends, or on your own, we are sure to have something that suits your needs!
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Our most popular offering is our “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Sake in Nagano“. Guests on this delightful excursion will first be treated to Sake Tasting and a guided tour of the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, including lunch at a nearby restaurant.
With the first half of the tour complete, you will then depart for the Monkey Park on our private tour vehicle. Once you have arrived your guide will lead the way up to the place the Monkeys call home, before you once again board the bus and return to your starting destination.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun In Shiga Kogen | |
| Period | December to March |
| Time | 08:45 – 17:30/18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Snow Monkey Park Area |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,300 |
For those guests coming in the Winter, we also offer the “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen“, combining exciting snow activities such as sledding and riding snow scoots with a visit to the Monkey Park. Lunch is also included, making for the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience what winter in Nagano is all about!
1 Day Tour
| [Spring Only] 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano | |
| Period | April |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:30/18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Another unforgettable tour is our “1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano“. Including two of Japan’s most amazing natural spectacles, the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms and the hot-spring loving monkeys of Jigokudani, this offering is the easiest way to enjoy a relaxed spring day in Nagano.
Private Tour
| [START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 to 17:15 ~ 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Any location in Nagano City |
| Price | ¥122,000 ~ / group |
For those who want a more customized experience, we also offer private tours of the Snow Monkey Park and nearby attractions such as Zenkoji Temple. For more information, please click the link above or send us an inquiry describing your ideal itinerary.
CHARTER A VEHICLE TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK!
For those interested in private charter services, we would be pleased to provide a vehicle and propose an itinerary to suite your needs! Please see our charter page and send us your trip details so we can can start planning your journey together.
