From Karuizawa: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park
As a convenient stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – which runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa via Nagano – Karuizawa is a popular mountain town for both Japanese and international visitors. From Karuizawa it’s a simple onward journey to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. On this page you will find the following information:
— Where is the Jigokudani Monkey Park?
— Directions to the Park from Karuizawa
— Accessing the Park via Nagano Station
— Monkey Park General Information
— 25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & Where to Stay
— Tours and Charters from Karuizawa to the Monkey Park
In summer, the altitude and beautiful setting of Karuizawa offers a welcome escape from the heat and humidity of Tokyo while in winter, the town’s small ski resort and many excellent hotels and restaurants offer comfort and a little taste of Tokyo nestled within a snow-covered mountain landscape. Between those seasons, spring and autumn also offer beauty and escape from the cities with Karuizawa increasingly popular for its expansive Prince Karuizawa Shopping Plaza, located right next to the station.
From Kaurizawa, regional destinations including Kusatsu Onsen, Mt Asama and Mt Kusatsu-Shrine are all within the boundaries of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and readily accessible. Only 30 minutes by shinkansen from Nagano City, Karuizawa is also within easy reach of the many ski resorts of Nagano and the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park. For tips and suggestions of what to do while in the area, please refer to our ’25 Things To Do Around Karuizawa & Where To Stay’ page.
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Our group tours run throughout the year, including multiple tours to the monkeys. We can also arrange private tours and charters to the park along with any destination in the region, and as a registered travel agent, we can package transport, accommodation and more together so you save and get the most out of your time at the park, Nagano and beyond – scroll to the bottom for details.
WHERE IS THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK?
The Jigokudani Monkey Park – often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park – is around 35KM / 50-minutes to the north-east of central Nagano City and around 100KM / 2-hours drive (despite being quite close geographically) from Karuizawa. Open every day, the monkeys come to the park through the year making it one of Nagano’s most popular attractions. When heading to the park using public transport from Karuizawa Station, it will be easiest to do so from Nagano Station, from where an express bus runs directly to Kanbayashi Onsen – where the park is located – or 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. The park 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.
DIRECTIONS TO THE PARK FROM KARUIZAWA
From Karuizawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen – Asama service – to Nagano Station. It takes 30 minutes and costs JPY3,210 for a non-reserved seat. Further details regarding how to use the shinkansen can be found on our ‘Hokuriku Shinansen’ page with timetables to and from Karuizawa available on our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page. This service is covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, JR East Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. Once in Nagano, follow the directions below.
ACCESSING THE PARK VIA NAGANO STATION
Once at Nagano Station, you have two choices to reach the park – express bus or train*:
1 / Use the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus directly from the station to the monkey park
2 / Take a train on the Nagano Dentetsu Line followed by a Nagaden local bus to the park
Starting from Nagano Station, the express bus costs JPY1,800 each way and takes 45 minutes (to the park) and 55 minutes (back from the park). In comparison, the express train from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station takes around 45 minutes and costs JPY1,290, followed by an 8 minute local bus ride, costing JPY310 – meaning that the option of an express train + local bus will cost a total of JPY1600 and take at least 55 to 60 minutes (depending on train and bus timetables). Please note, the Nagaden express bus, train and local buses are not covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, JR East Pass or JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.
*Not sure which option is best of you? See our ‘How To Get To the Jigokudani Monkey Park’ main page for suggestions of what works best.
1 / USING THE NAGADEN EXPRESS BUS
The Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus operates from Bus Stop No.23, on the east side of the station. Simply line-up for the bus and once onward you buy your ticket directly from the driver – JPY1,800 each way – and cash only. To check the bus schedule, see our ‘Nagaden Express Bus Timetable’ page.
2 / USING THE NAGANO DENTETSU LINE
Using limited express services on the Nagano Dentetsu Line, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs JPY1,290. Local services from Nagano to Yudanaka are only slighter cheaper – at JPY1190 – but take substantially longer and require passengers to transfer trains. As such, we always recommend using an express service to reach Yudanaka. For the train schedule, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page.
Once at Yudanaka Station you need to jump-on a Nagaden local bus for the final leg of your journey to the park. Two local bus lines – the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line – head to stops nearby the monkey park. The ride is only around 8 minutes and costs JPY310 per adult and JPY160 per child. The ride back from the park takes a little longer – around 15 minutes – due to a different route and stops. Yudanaka is a small station and the buses operate from directly outside. You can’t miss them! For the local bus schedule, please refer to our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus Timetable’ page.
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 and more. We hope you enjoy your visit with our favourite furry friends.
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.
TOURS AND CHARTERS FROM KARUIZAWA TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK
The Snow Monkey Park makes for a great day trip from Karuizawa, due to its close proximity and ease of access. For this reason, those travelers staying in Karuizawa for a few days are likely to want to visit the park and see what all the talk is about. Luckily, we offer multiple options for just that scenario, including group tour, private tours, and charters.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
While not offering pickup from Karuizawa, this tour is designed to allow time for you to reach Nagano Station by bullet train. With a tour of Zenkoji Temple, Nagano’s most famous temple, and a delicious lunch, this tour starts of strong and only gets stronger with an afternoon trip to the Snow Monkey Park. You will then be able to take the Shinkansen back to Karuizawa, or even Tokyo, after the tour finishes.
Private Tour
| [START FROM KARUIZAWA] Private Snow Monkey Tour | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:30 onward |
| Meeting Place | Any location in Karuizawa |
| Price | ¥160,000 ~ / group |
For those who want a more personalized experience, we also offer a private tour including pick up and drop off directly from Karuizawa. With a similar itinerary to the above group tour, this private tour lets you enjoy the highlights of Nagano at your own pace with your guide always ready to answer any questions you have.
If you do not need a guide, fear not, for we also have charter only services! With pick up from Karuizawa and the ability to take you to wherever you would like to go in Central Japan, or even farther to places such as the Haneda and Narita Airports in Tokyo, we are here to help make your travel a breeze. Please inquire for information on pricing and availability.
