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, travelers can access many of the region’s most popular destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Suzaka, Obuse, Joshinetsu Kogen National Park including Shiga Kogen Ski Resort along with Nozawa Onsen, Madarao and more. On this page you will find the following information:
— Types of Express Bus Services
— 25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & Where to Stay
— Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Everything You Need to Know
— Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park
Nagaden operates local buses covering the region in and around Nagano City along with express buses to popular destinations. This page provides information regarding Nagaden’s express buses including services to the Jigokudani/Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. For information regarding local bus services, please refer to our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Local Bus’ page.
TYPES OF EXPRESS BUS SERVICES
Large coaches suitable for up to 44 passengers provide express services to some of the region’s most popular destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. Coaches include spacious luggage storage allowing for transport of large luggage and winter sports gear underneath, with comfortable seating inside the bus.
Express lines include: NAGANO – SNOW MONKEY & SHIGA KOGEN / NAGANO – NOZAWA ONSEN(winter only) / IIYAMA – MADARAO & TANGRAM / IIYAMA – TOGARI ONSEN SKI RESORT (winter only) .
NAGADEN SNOW MONKEY / SHIGA KOGEN EXPRESS BUS
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 reach Bus Stop No.23, simply exit the station via the East Exit and proceed down to road-level using the elevator or stairs to your left, or escalator around to your right. Once at ground level, walk straight ahead and you will find Bus Stop No.23 around 150 meters directly ahead of you. While the monkey park and Shiga Kogen are serviced by the same bus line, it is important to check that the specific service you intend to use goes to your chosen stop, particularly for visitors heading to Shiga Kogen. While most services continue onto Shiga after stopping at the monkey park, not all services do. As a result, we have provided separate timetables – as below.
FARES & TIMETABLE
Costs JPY1,800 per adult / JPY900 per child to the monkey park and between JPY2,200 to JPY2,500 per adult depending on which area of Shiga Kogen you wish to head to.
The Snow Monkey / Shiga Kogen Express Bus operates all year round. However, the timetable varies between seasons. Additional services run in winter to cover increased demand. Nagaden usually updates their winter schedule shortly before the start of the season.
For the current timetable for the express bus to/from the Monkey Park, please see our ‘Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus Timetable’ page.
For the current timetable for the express bus to/from Shiga Kogen, please see our ‘Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable’ page.
TICKETING & TRAVEL PASSES
Tickets are bought directly from the driver once on the bus therefore no advanced booking is required. Recently, the ability to pay via credit card equipped with the tap to pay feature has been included, making the entire experience smoother and more convenient. Some electronic payment methods, such as PayPay, are also able to used.
The Nagaden Express Bus to the monkey park is 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, this pass only covers bus services from Nagano Station to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It does not cover services to Shiga Kogen.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND THE MONKEY PARK & WHERE TO STAY
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 |
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. As Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, and a registered travel agent, we can package your stay in Shiga including accommodation, ski passes, transport, rental, lessons, tours and more! Click on the banner above or head to our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ main page and start planning your next winter getaway in Nagano.
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, 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 |
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 | |
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| 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 | |
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| 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 | |
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| 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.
