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 Japan’s largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Services to & from Yudanaka Station
— Bus Services to & from Yudanaka Station
— Snow Monkey Park General Information
— 25 Things to Do Around the Monkey Park & Where to Stay
— Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park
Located in the centre of Yudanaka Onsen – part of Yamaounchi town – it is the nearest train station to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and nearby Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and surrounding Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. From the station, the ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen are also within easy reach. As such, the station sees heavy traffic – particularly in winter – as visitors from all over the world use the station enroute to the monkeys and Shiga Kogen.
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator offering both group and private tours to the park along with the option of just transport and/or accommodation. Our vehicles and drivers are all fully certified and our guides are all locally-based. For more information, scroll to the bottom of the page.
TRAIN SERVICES TO & FROM YUDANAKA STATION
Yudanaka Station is the terminus of the Nagaden Line – which run and from Nagano Station and includes the following stations:
NAGANO / SHIYAKUSHO-MAE* / GONDO / ZENKOJI-SHITA / HONGO* / KIRIHARA / SHINANOYOSHIDA* / ASAHI* / FUZOKUCHUGAKUMAE / YANAGIHARA / MURAYAMA / HINO / SUZAKA / KITASUZAKA / OBUSE / TSUSUMI / SAKURASAWA / ENTOKU / SHINSHU-NAKANO / NAKANO-MATSUKAWA / SHINANO-TAKEHARA / YOMASE / KAMIJO / 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 express services stop at all stations marked red.
Multiple express and local services run from/to Yudanaka Station and Nagano Station every day. Whether you intend to use either service, all seating is non-reserved. Ticket machines and a ticket window are available at Yudanaka Station immediately next to ticket gates. As a single-track station, access to the platform is only through one side of the station, meaning that you can’t get lost. The station is open to the elements with a waiting room open to the public – a good option in winter when the weather will be cold. In winter, staff with basic English should be on-hand to assist. Regardless of whether they are, or the time of year you visit, staff are friendly and will always do their best to assist.
For an overview of the Nagano dentetsu Line – including types of services, seating, fares, ticketing and travel passes, and directions to the Nagaden office and ticket gates, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line’ page. For a listing of daily train services, see our ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable’ page.
BUS SERVICES TO & FROM YUDANAKA STATION
Two public bus lines operate from directly in front of Yudanaka Station: the Kanbayashi Line and Shiga Kogen Line. Either service will drop you nearby the Jigokudani Monkey Park – buses stops are at the bottom of Kanbayashi Onsen, only 7 to 10-minutes walk from the park – and costS JPY310 per adult and JPY160 per child. The Shiga Kogen Line transports visitors to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort– via the monkey park – with travel time and costs dependent on where in the resort you are headed. As a guide, the following stops are included*:
For further regarding how to use the local bus services, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus’ page.
*Please note, due to weather and road conditions in winter, services can be delayed and travel times can be extended.
(WINTER ONLY) RYUOO SKI PARK SHUTTLE BUS
Yudanaka Station is the nearest major station to the four ski resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen. All four resorts are within 20-minutes drive of the station, with the largest of the four – Ryuoo Ski Park – operating a free shuttle bus to and from Yudanaka Station every day through winter. The bus operates from directly outside the station:
Please note, times for the Ryuoo Shuttle Bus can vary between seasons.
TAXIS & PUBLIC PARKING
A taxi stand is directly across from the station. For people driving themselves, Yudanaka is a small station and finding a park nearby should not be difficult. Avoid parking directly in front of the station, as many nearby guesthouses run shuttles to and from the station to collect and drop-off guests. This area can be hectic during winter, therefore its best to park elsewhere. If you drive past the station and directly ahead, you will see an open parking area lower on your left-hand side. Just look for the other parked cars. You can park there free-of-charge.
FACILITIES AT THE STATION
Don’t expect much. Yudanaka Station is small and outside of winter, is usually quiet. As a result, the station doesn’t have much in the way of facilities other than:
KAEDE-NO-YU
OK… the station doesn’t have a lot but it does have its own ‘onsen’ (natural hot spring) – try to find one of those in Tokyo or Shinjuku Stations! Kaede-no-Yu is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 (last entry at 20:30), and costs JPY300 to use. The hot springs are segregated by gender with access to the onsen on the backside of the station. Directly in front of the hot spring entrance, a public foot onsen is free to use while you wait for your train. Enjoyable any time of year, this is a great way to kill time and feel all the better for it.
JAPANESE DINING GOEN
Directly across from the station, Japanese Dining GOEN is a popular restaurant with both locals and international visitors. GOEN’s menu is built around taste! Offering all the best Japanese staples including yakitori, tempura, and wagyu beef along with Western favorites, there’s something for everyone.
THE SNOW MONKEY PASS
Valid for use for 2 days following activation, the Snow Monkey Pass allows for unlimited use on the Nagaden Dentetsu Line, Nagaden express and local buses along with one entry to the Jigokudani Monkey Park*. Passes costs JPY3600 per adults (13+) and JPY1800 (6-12). Children under the age of 6 can ride Nagaden trains and buses and enter the park free of charge. Passes can be purchased at the following stations: Nagano / Gondo / Suzaka / Obuse. or further information, please refer to our ‘Snow Monkey Pass’ page.
*Please note, this pass does not cover express bus services to Shiga Kogen.
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, how to get there 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 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.
