To reach Snow Monkey, Shiga Kogen, start your journey at Nagano Station. Although there are no direct buses from Tokyo or Osaka, you can take the express bus from the East exit of Nagano Station without a reservation.
Other option, from Hakuba, Nozawa or Myoko has a shuttle bus service to the monkey park directly.
If the bus is crowded, you may have to wait for the next one, so it’s best to line up early. Departure times are punctual.
In 2023, the journey from Nagano Station to Snow Monkey takes about 1 hour and costs 1800 yen, to Shiga Kogen Michi-no-eki takes 1.5 hours and 2200 yen, and to Okushiga takes 2 hours and 2450 yen.
The express bus does not stop at Yudanaka Station. If you stay at Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen, you should take the Nagano Dentetsu line(not JR).
Although there are local buses to Snow Monkey from Yudanaka Station, they run infrequently. So the direct express bus is the easiest option.
Local bus timetable in Yamanouchi town; https://www.nagadenbus.co.jp/news/96a9d0d70c1c47bbadf78f03ec6a8dbfaae1324a.pdf
Snow Monkey bus stop is the nearest stop to the park.
Some my guests who hate walking inquired about the more closer bus stop or calling taxi. This is strange question, they will be coming to see monkeys in their natural habitat!
From the Snow Monkey bus stop, a walk through the forest around 30 mins is necessary. The path may be icy or melting thawed snow.
If you miss the last bus, take the train to Yudanaka Station. The last train leaves Nagano Station at 22:14. Travellers booking in Shiga Kogen have no way to get to the mountains. Some taxis will carry you, but many will refuse. Make a plan to arrive early!
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