Winter
is off to a great start here in Nagano! The snow has been falling and the
resorts are already looking fantastic, with great powder and very quiet ski
runs offering an enticing reason to vi...
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December 21, 2020
Say Goodbye to 2020 and ‘Hello’21!’: There’s Plenty of Great Deals in Nagano this Winter!
Winter
is off to a great start here in Nagano! The snow has been falling and the
resorts are already looking fantastic, with great powder and very quiet ski
runs offering an enticing reason to vi... -
September 30, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Japan Set to Lower Travel Advisories for Certain Countries
It’s important to start this blog by saying that at this time, travel to Japan for tourism purposes remains extremely difficult and for nationals of many countries, impossible. In total, as of Se... -
September 24, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – Enjoy the Autumn Leaves of Shiga Kogen & Kita-Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi
Autumn is a time of true beauty in Japan. The high temperatures of summer have dissipated yet the days remain pleasantly warm while the evenings are cool and crisp. As we move further into autumn... -
September 16, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – ‘Koyo’ Season Will Soon Be Here!
Over the past week, the temperature has certainly
begun to drop here in Nagano. The days remain pleasant and warm but the heat and
humidity of summer have gone, and nights are starting to feel cr... -
September 11, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: ‘Go To Travel’ Extended to Tokyo as of October 1st 2020
As highlighted in our recent blog article – ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTS LOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ – Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan are currently eligible for by s... -
September 10, 2020
Go Slow & Discover Yamanouchi – Snow Monkeys, Ski Resorts & A Whole Lot More!
Visitors to Nagano will almost certainly of heard of the Jigokudani Monkey Park and its now famous, hot-spring loving monkeys!One of Nagano’s most popular destinations, the monkeys c... -
August 31, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?
For our friends living in Japan, you have no doubt heard of the national 'Go To' campaign by now. Under that campaign, those living in Japan – including Japanese citizens and foreign residents – ... -
August 11, 2020
Enjoy Nagano in Summer – Open Spaces, Cool Evenings & Lots to Do!
If
you are living in Nagano or headed this way over the next few weeks, it’s a
great time to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer in and
around the city. Nagano isn’t immune... -
August 4, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Fruit-picking in Nagano – an Ideal Outdoor Activity in Summer & Autumn
As we head into the middle
of summer, there’s one thing on our mind here in Nagano… fruit! Lots and lots
of tasty fruit!Blessed with an ideal climate for growing many varieties of fruit, ... -
July 30, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Relax & Renew in the Hot Springs of Central Japan
When planning your travel in Central Japan,
we recommend staying in the region’s many outstanding hot spring towns. Known
as ‘onsen’ in Japan, natural hot springs are found throughout the prefect... -
July 6, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Get Outdoors & Get Back to Nature!
When thinking about your future travel to Japan, it’s a
great time to consider heading outdoors and exploring some of Japan’s beautiful
natural landscapes. Whether you are first-time visitor or s... -
July 3, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Discover Central Japan
When researching and planning a visit to Japan, understanding the regions and which areas are nearby others, can be a little confusing – particularly for first-time visitors.While some n... -
July 1, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Accessing Medical Assistance in Japan during COVID-19
In anticipation of the borders opening in future
and travel resuming under the cloud of COVID-19, one of the most important
questions travellers can ask is, should I need it, what access will I h... -
June 29, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Choosing your Accommodation in Japan
When considering your future travel to Japan, one of the biggest decisions is where to stay and what to expect once you arrive.Japan is one of the cleanest countries and hygiene-focused ... -
June 26, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – When Can I Travel to Japan & is it Safe?
At the time of writing, entry to Japan is still banned for many foreign passport-holders. There is however conversation about how and when entry bans will be lifted with a strong focus on opening... -
June 24, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy Japan
As announced in our recent blog, our website has been updated to include a section dedicated to COVID-19 including pages intended to help you make an informed decision about travelling to Japan. ... -
June 22, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Update: Introducing our Dedicated COVID-19 Information Pages
In response to the ongoing impact of coronavirus on global tourism, we have revised our website to include information and updates regarding COVID-19.From our homepage you can access our... -
May 14, 2020
Nagano Dentetsu Line (Nagano–Yudanaka/Monkey Park)
Running from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station, the Nagano Dentetsu or Nagano Electric Railway is most commonly referred to as Nagaden. On this page you will find the following information:... -
May 14, 2020
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 o... -
May 14, 2020
Nagaden Snow Monkey / Shiga Kogen Express Bus
The Nagano Dentetsu company, most commonly referred to simply as Nagaden, operates the majority of train and bus services in and round Nagano City. Making use of their extensive services connects... -
May 14, 2020
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 fo... -
May 14, 2020
Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable
Nagaden operates a variety of express bus services to some of Nagano’s most popular destinations including Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and surrounding Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. On this page you ... -
May 14, 2020
Nagaden Local Bus
The Nagano Dentetsu company, most commonly referred to simply as 'Nagaden', operates the majority of train and bus services in and round Nagano City. On this page you will find the following info... -
May 14, 2020
Nagaden Local Bus Timetable
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 K... -
May 14, 2020
Yudanaka Station
Yudanaka is a small station and terminus of the Nagano Dentetsu Line. While small, it is the nearest station to some of Nagano's most popular destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and... -
May 14, 2020
Yudanaka Station Taxi Information
The Nagaden Taxi Yudanaka Office is located in front of Yudanaka Station. The table above shows the approximate fares from Yudanaka Station to nearby destinations.The Snow Monkey Park is located ... -
January 21, 2020
Kita-Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts
Located around an hour from Nagano Station, Kita-Shiga Kogen is one of the nearest and most accessible ski areas from Nagano City. Almost unknown to international visitors and most certainly ... -
January 1, 2020
How to Get to Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen
Located with the wider region of Yamanouchi, the historic hot spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are convenient points from where to explore many nearby attractions, while also demandin... -
October 5, 2019
Yudanaka Seifuso Ryokan
Located in the historic hot spring town of Yudanaka – part of the wider Yamanouchi region - Yudanaka Seifuso Ryokan is a popular, family-run guesthouse offering all the comforts of a traditional Japan... -
October 4, 2019
Yudanaka Yumoto
Yumoto is positioned within the Yudanaka area, making it a convenient location to stay in the area. Yumoto also has carefully prepared food as well as onsen available for use. It is a quiet ryokan wit... -
October 1, 2019
Hotel Housei
Japanese-style rooms include ‘tatami’ matting, on-floor ‘futon’ bedding, and traditional features including low tables and amenities such as ‘yukata’ (light kimono). All rooms are equipped with a TV, ... -
September 27, 2019
Ryokan Biyunoyado
Located around 10-minutes walk from Yudanaka Station, Ryokan Biyunoyado is known for its spacious and indulgent ‘onsen’ (natural hot springs) including indoor, outdoor, rooftop and private baths.... -
September 24, 2019
Ryokan Hakura
Ryokan Hakura is a small traditional guesthouse in the hot spring town of Yudanaka Onsen. With only nine rooms in the guesthouse, Ryokan Hakura has a welcoming and intimate atmosphere with facilities ... -
September 20, 2019
Hotel Tsubakino
Located only a short walk from Yudanaka Station, Hotel Tsubakino is a modern ‘ryokan’ (guesthouse) nearby the Jigokudani Monkey Park and ski resorts of Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen.... -
September 16, 2019
Yamazakiya Ryokan
Located within easy walking distance of Shibu Onsen, Yamazakiya is a homely ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouse) known for its warm welcome and particularly friendly owners.... -
September 12, 2019
Maruka Ryokan
Located at the top-end of Yudanaka Onsen, Maruka Ryokan offers Japanese-style accommodation within easy reach of the Jigokudani Monkey Park and ski resorts of Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen.... -
September 8, 2019
Masuya Yudanaka
Located under 5-minutes drive from Yudanaka Station, Masuya Yudanaka is a traditional Japanese guesthouse offering spacious and comfortable rooms, relaxing hot springs and acclaimed meal service. Masu... -
September 1, 2019
Hotel Yudanaka
Boasting the largest ‘onsen’ (natural hot spring) in Yudanaka, Hotel Yudanaka is well-suited to guests looking for reasonably priced accommodation nearby the station.... -
August 16, 2019
Explore Yamanouchi – Home of the Snow Monkeys
Within easy reach of Nagano City, Yamanouchi is a small enclave known for its abundant nature, numerous hot springs and most famously, as home to the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani.... -
July 23, 2019
Onsen In & Around Nagano
As one of the most volcanic countries in the world, Japan is home to countless natural hot springs. Known as ‘onsen’, Japanese have a long history of seeking-out hot springs for their medicinal and he... -
June 30, 2019
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY & ENJOY THE BEST OF JAPAN THIS AUTUMN! BEST DAY TOURS FROM TOKYO DURING THE RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019!
The world will turn its focus to Japan this autumn, as it hosts the Rugby World Cup from September 20th to November 2nd 2019. With 13 host venues spread throughout Japan – from Hokkaido in the nor... -
June 4, 2019
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS WINTER TOURS & CHARTERS! START PLANNING YOUR NAGANO SKI & SNOWBOARD ADVENTURE FOR WINTER 2019/20!
Winter is never far away – or at least never out of mind – here in Nagano. With the past winter having come late but then refusing to call it quits, and ultimately blessing us with a massive amoun... -
May 20, 2019
Enjoy the Fruit of Nagano
The elevation of Nagano and resulting temperature difference between day and night, bless the region with an ideal climate for growing fruit. As such, Nagano produces some of Japan’s best fruit; most ... -
May 2, 2019
Ryuoo Sora Terrace & Skyland Express Ropeway
Servicing Ryuoo Ski Park in winter - the largest ski resort in Kita-Shiga Kogen - the Skyland Express Ropeway operates for most of the year including from May until November. The upper station is loc... -
May 2, 2019
Ski Resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen
As the little brother to nearby Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest area of interconnected ski fields – the ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen flies under the radar and is largely unknown to international vis... -
April 30, 2019
Explore Shibu Onsen
Located between Yudanaka Station and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town boasting a 1300-year history. Blessed with numerous thermal water sources, the town has long ... -
January 24, 2019
2019 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM FORECAST
Spring in Japan brings beautiful weather and a welcome end to the cold of winter. As the weather warms and winter clothing is shed, the spirits lift and the world seems fresh and new again. A popu... -
December 7, 2018
HOTARU-TEI: JAPANESE DINING & LUNCH IN A 160-YEAR-OLD MANSION
Newly opened Japanese restaurant Hotaru-tei in the Kanbayashi Onsen area is the place to go if you're looking for a local food experience in a traditional setting. The restaurant, located only 10 minu... -
September 11, 2018
RECOMMENDED WINTER ITINERARIES AROUND THE SNOW MONKEY PARK: LUXURY RYOKAN, WINTER SPORTS & ONSEN
The prime time to visit Nagano Prefecture is in winter, when the snow comes falling from the sky in abundance. We suggest to make Senjukaku, a ryokan close to the Snow Monkey Park, your base. The ryok... -
August 20, 2018
THE 3 BEST ‘ONSENS’ (HOT SPRINGS) NEAR THE SNOW MONKEY PARK
The snow monkey region is famous for its numerous 'onsens' (natural hot springs) that bubble to the ground throughout the mountains. Mainly found in the town of Yudanaka, Shibu, and Kanbayashi Onsens,... -
June 18, 2018
YUDANAKA SUMMER FESTIVAL: PARTY LIKE A LOCAL!
You may not know the name but you know the place! Yudanaka Onsen (and the unsurprisingly named Yudanaka Station) is the final stop on the Nagano Dentetsu train and the nearest station to the Snow Monk... -
June 1, 2018
Yamanouchi Area – Home of the Snow Monkeys
The snow monkey area is regionally known as Kanbayashi Onsen and is home to several high-end Japanese style inns such as HOTEL SENJYUKAKU. It's the most nearby place to stay when wanting to&... -
May 3, 2018
SNOW MONKEYS & CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR: THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GUESTS & LOOKING FORWARD TO CHERRY BLOSSOM TOURS IN 2019!
As spring continues to warm this year’s cherry blossom season has come to an end. During April, Snow Monkey Resorts welcomed many guests to the region on our 1-Day Snow Monkeys and Cherry Blossom Tou... -
April 29, 2018
GETTING TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK: UPDATED TRAIN TIMETABLE AS OF APRIL 2018
One of the most popular ways to access the Snow Monkey Park is using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line from JR Nagano Station. The train affords you an easy and comfortable journey to Yudanaka... -
April 12, 2018
2018/4/12 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
Cherry blossoms, known locally as 'sakura', play an important role in Japanese society. Blooming sometime between late-March (at the earliest) and early-May (at the very latest), these beautiful flow... -
January 19, 2018
LIMITED PLAN: SNOW MONKEY TRANSPORTATION PASS & ACCOMMODATION
Senjukaku is celebrating their 90th year and has decided to provide an extra service to those coming to stay at the ryokan. In order to get to Senjukaku, you'll have to travel from JR Nagano Station t... -
November 19, 2017
11/19 FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON IN JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
It has snowed in the Snow Monkey area!Winter has finally begun with the first snowfall of the 2017/2018 season. The people living in this area woke up in a wintry world, with more snow than pe... -
October 31, 2017
10/31 THE KANBAYASHI ROUTE TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK IS REOPENED
The Kanbayashi route to the Snow Monkey Park is open from today! This is good news for bus and train travelers, as this route is the closest and easiest one to the Park.After the typhoon on th... -
October 5, 2017
Japanese Dining GOEN
GOEN opened its doors on July 16th 2016 and is just across the Yudanaka Station, so you can't miss it. It provides outdoor seating and is a wonderful option for resting your legs if you just arrived f... -
October 4, 2017
GOEN DELI
On your way to or just visited the Snow Monkey Park? Most likely you will go through the gateway town of Yudanaka, the last stop of the train from JR Nagano Station. If you want a quick bite before go... -
May 29, 2017
Shibu Onsen: Shooting Galleries & Games
One of the great joys of visiting any 'onsen' (hot spring) town in Japan is the feeling that you are stepping back in time. With their mix of tradition and (often) fading architecture, many onsen town... -
May 24, 2017
Yudanaka Summer Festival
The Yudanaka Summer Festival is held each year and is the annual event that locals of the snow monkey look forward to most! All festival activities and performances are organized and arranged by resid... -
May 14, 2017
Shibu Onsen: Decorative Planning Workshop
The decorative planting workshop is one where algae are used to create an algae-made decoration in a glass bowl. This form of art derives from the age-old art of bonsai, an artform where a tree (usual... -
May 14, 2017
Shibu Onsen Summer Festival
Every year in the month of August the streets of Shibu Onsen are closed to traffic and open to all sorts of game stalls and activities. The entire town is one festival site. Walking along the narrow s... -
May 12, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: THINGS TO SEE/DO IN SHIBU ONSEN
Shibu Onsen is famous for its variety of hot springs and its lovely streets. If you're in the Snow Monkey area for a visit to the Jigokudani Monkeys, don't miss out on a stroll through the picture... -
May 11, 2017
The 9 Healing Hot Springs of Shibu Onsen
Boasting a 1300-year history and numerous sources of thermal water, Shibu Onsen has long been regarded as a place of healing and refuge. Home to many traditional guesthouses, most of which have their... -
May 11, 2017
Shibu Onsen: Simple & Fun Things To Do In A Traditional Hot Spring Town
Visiting and staying in a traditional ‘onsen’ (hot spring) town is something of a must-do activity when coming to Japan. Making use of Japan’s abundance of natural thermal water, many hot spring towns... -
May 7, 2017
Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen: ‘Ashi-yu’ (Footbaths)
As traditional hot spring towns, both Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen have natural thermal foot-baths that can be used by anyone, free of charge. Known as 'ashi-yu' in Japanese, they are often located ... -
May 7, 2017
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE SNOW MONKEY AREA
Even though this region is called the Snow Monkey area, we have more than six months without snow. Our Spring, Summer, and Autumn all have their own attractions. In this article we will expand on the ... -
May 1, 2017
Kanbayashi Onsen Sendayaki (Fire Festival)
The Kanbyashi Onsen Sendayaki is a small but fascinating fire festival taking place in February each year. The event sees members of the ‘Mitake-kyo Chusei-kosha’ – a Shinto sect that worships Mount O... -
April 28, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: 2017/4/28 CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
The blossoms are finally blooming in the town of Yamanouchi, the town closest to the Snow Monkey Park. Here are a few photo's to give you an impression of the colorful trees. Here you... -
April 21, 2017
SNOW MONKEY AREA CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE: APRIL 21ST 2017
Most of Japan have now seen the last of the sakura blossoms. The cherry flowers in places like Tokyo and Kyoto have fallen from the trees. The trees in Yamanouchi (also known as the snow monkey area) ... -
January 14, 2017
WHAT TO DO WHEN TAKING A BREAK FROM SKIING/SNOW BOARDING
... -
October 17, 2016
Shibu Onsen: Origami Workshop
What often comes to mind when thinking about Japanese arts and crafts, is origami, the craft of folding paper in shapes. In Shibu Onsen, a traditional little town, there is a shop where a huge variety... -
September 22, 2016
WINTER IS COMING: SNOW MONKEY VERSION
Autumn is only just starting, but here in Japan's mountainous region winter will come sooner than you think. Some of you reading this might be in the process of planning your trip to the snow monkeys ... -
July 18, 2016
Japanese Dining GOEN
The town of Yamanouchi, also referred to Yudanaka or the Snow Monkey town, has a new Japanese dining restaurant right in front of Yudanaka Station called "GOEN". They bring you a variety... -
May 10, 2016
INFORMATION ABOUT ONSEN IN THE AREA
Wanting to enter an onsen, a Japanese hot bath, but feeling insecure about how to? Then please look at the 'How to' article to learn the basics!Here we will introduce you to some of the onsen in t... -
May 10, 2016
How To: Bathe at an ‘Onsen’
Love taking baths? Then the Japanese 'onsen', or hot spring bath in English, is perfect for you. An onsen is not just for washing but also for relaxing your muscles. It is also quite good for your h... -
December 10, 2015
WHAT IS SNOW MONKEY RESORTS ?
“Snow Monkey Resorts” refers to numerous resorts nestled within northern Nagano prefecture in Japan, home of the world famous Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen). Our landscape, which... -
December 5, 2015
D-LINE
D-Line is a pub/cafe-style place with some really good pizza and cocktails. You will find it just 1 minute away from Yudanaka station.The staff are friendly and helpful, the drink and food menu ex... -
December 1, 2015
Shibu Onsen Bathhouse No.9: the ‘O-yu’
The ninth and largest of the nine 'public' bathhouses of Shibu Onsen, the 'O-yu' is the only hot spring that can be used by both day-visitors and those staying at a guesthouse. Though called 'public'... -
December 1, 2015
World Peace Kannon
The Sekai Heiwa Kannon (World Peace Buddha Statue) is 25 meters tall and is set upon a hill overlooking the town of Yudanaka. This bronze female statue is dedicated to world peace and is found on the ... -
November 30, 2015
Onsen Kaede No Yu
This hot spring facility is found directly on the other side of Yudanaka Station. A lot of locals visit this onsen because it is one of the most attractive onsen in the area, with both an outdoor and ... -
November 25, 2015
Onsen Toomi-No-Yu
Toomi-No-Yu is an onsen attached to Hotel Selan in Yomase. It has an open air bath from where you can see the entire area stretched out beneath you. If bathing with strangers is not your thing, there ... -
November 25, 2015
Issa’s Pathway
Issa-no-Komichi is a path named after the renowned haiku poet, Issa Kobayashi (1763-1868), formerly known as Nobuyuki Kobayashi. Issa frequented Yudanaka to use the hot springs and gather people toget... -
October 3, 2015
SEKIEI DRIVE-IN
They offer various Japanese food.... -
May 5, 2015
Yudanaka To Obuse Cycling
Obuse is a beautiful town where you can spend half a day roaming around, taking in the environment and trying all kinds of delicious treats. But why go there by train if you can have a beautiful cycle... -
May 18, 2014
Jigokudani Monkey Area: International ATM
If you are at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Kanbayashi area, or Shibu Onsen area, there is no ATM around that accepts international bank cards. You'll have to travel back to Yudanaka to get access ... -
December 3, 2010
Yudanaka Onsen Area
As the immediate area around Yudanaka Station, staying in Yudanaka is a convenient option for visitors using the train to and from Nagano City. Yudanaka itself is somewhat unassuming but holds an i... -
December 3, 2010
Shibu Onsen Area
Located between Yudanaka Onsen and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen boasts at 1300-year history and numerous guesthouses. Most have their own in-house onsen and many even have their own sour... -
August 5, 2010
Mizubasho Festival At MT Ryuoo
Take a ride on one of the world's biggest gondolas to the top of Mt. Ryuoo. The Skyland Express Vessel holds an incredible 166 people. At the summit (1,930m) enjoy panoramic views and a marshland cove... -
April 20, 2010
Yamanouchi’s Firework Festival
Fireworks festivals are held all over Japan and the town of Yamanouchi, also known sometimes as the Snow Monkey Town, is no exception and has its own fireworks festival held every year on the second S...
