JapanTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano

1. What are the most common forms of transportation to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park?

The most common forms of transportation to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park are:

1. Train: Visitors can take the JR Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station and then transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu Line and get off at Yudanaka Station. From Yudanaka, there is a local bus or taxi that takes you to the park.

2. Bus: There are direct buses from Tokyo and Osaka to Yudanaka, which is the closest town to the park. From there, visitors can take a local bus or taxi to Jigokudani Monkey Park.

3. Car: Visitors can rent a car and drive to Jigokudani Monkey Park, but keep in mind that parking is limited and driving conditions in winter can be challenging due to snowy roads.

4. Tour buses: Many tour companies offer day trips from major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto to Jigokudani Monkey Park. These tours often include transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes a guide.

5. Walking/Hiking: For more adventurous travelers, it is possible to hike or walk from Yamanouchi village to Jigokudani Monkey Park. The walk takes about 1-2 hours depending on your hiking speed.

Overall, taking the train or bus is the most convenient and popular way to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park.

2. Are there any direct train or bus routes from major cities in Japan to the park?


1. Yes, Tokyo Disney Resort is accessible by train and bus.

2. There are direct train routes from major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to the resort. The nearest train station is Maihama Station on the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line.

There are also direct bus routes from Tokyo and other major cities to the resort. These include highway buses operated by companies like Highway Bus Reservation and Willer Express. The nearest bus stop is also at Maihama Station.

Additionally, there are overnight buses from Osaka and Kyoto that go directly to the resort. These buses usually depart in the evening and arrive at the park early in the morning.

It is recommended to check with your preferred mode of transportation for available routes and schedules.

3. How long does it take to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park from Nagano Station?

It takes approximately 1 hour to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park from Nagano Station. From Nagano Station, take a direct bus to Kanbayashi Onsen, the nearest bus stop to the park. The bus ride takes around 50 minutes. From Kanbayashi Onsen, it is a 30-minute walk to the park entrance.

4. Is there parking available near the park for those who are driving?


Most likely. However, it is recommended to check the specific park’s website or contact the park directly for information on parking availability and fees.

5. Can visitors take a taxi or private car service to get to the park?


Yes, visitors can take a taxi or book a private car service to get to the park. There may be designated drop-off and pick-up areas for these types of vehicles at the park entrance. Visitors should check with the park’s website or information center for specific instructions and regulations for using these services.

6. Are there any guided tours available that include transportation to Jigokudani Monkey Park?

Unfortunately, I was not able to find any guided tours that specifically include transportation to Jigokudani Monkey Park. However, there are several options for transportation to the park that you can combine with a guided tour.

1. Private Tour: You can book a private tour with a local guide who can arrange transportation to the park for you. Some companies, like TripleLights and Viator, offer personalized tours where you can choose your own itinerary and include transportation to Jigokudani Monkey Park as part of the tour.
2. Train + Bus: From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu train bound for Yudanaka Station. Then, take a bus from Yudanaka Station to Kanbayashi Onsen (the closest bus stop to Jigokudani Monkey Park). You can purchase the combination train and bus ticket at Nagano Station or at any convenience store in Japan.
3. Chartered Taxi: You can also hire a private taxi from Nagano Station directly to Jigokudani Monkey Park. The ride takes around 45 minutes and costs approximately 8,000-10,000 yen one way.
4. Rental Car: If you’re comfortable driving in Japan, you can rent a car from Nagano Station and drive yourself to Jigokudani Monkey Park. The drive takes around 40 minutes and there is parking available near the park entrance.

I hope this helps! Happy travels!

7. Is it possible to rent bicycles or scooters to explore the area around the park?


Yes, it is possible to rent bicycles or scooters at most RV parks for exploring the surrounding area. Some parks may have their own rental services, while others may partner with local bike/scooter rental companies. It is best to check with the specific RV park you plan on staying at for information on renting bicycles or scooters.

8. How far is the nearest airport and how can one reach Jigokudani Monkey Park from there?


The nearest airport to Jigokudani Monkey Park is Tokyo Narita International Airport, located about 265 kilometers away. From the airport, one can reach Jigokudani Monkey Park by taking a combination of trains and buses.

1. Narita International Airport to Tokyo Station: Take the JR Narita Express train to Tokyo Station (approximately 1 hour).

2. Tokyo Station to Nagano Station: At Tokyo Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen line bound for Nagano Station (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).

3. Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station: From Nagano Station, take the Nagaden Express Bus bound for Shiga Kogen and get off at Yudanaka Station (approximately 40 minutes).

4. Yudanaka Station to Jigokudani Monkey Park: From Yudanaka Station, you can either take a taxi or use the local bus service to reach Jigokudani Monkey Park (approximately 15-25 minutes).

Alternatively, visitors can also fly into Haneda Airport in Tokyo and follow a similar route from there. Another option is to take a direct bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo to Yudanaka Station, which takes approximately 4 hours.

9. Are there any restrictions on bringing personal vehicles into the park itself?


Yes, there are some restrictions on driving personal vehicles inside the park. Visitors must have a valid entrance pass and vehicles must remain on designated roads and established parking areas. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited. Additionally, some roads may be closed during certain times of the year or due to weather conditions. It is recommended to check with park authorities before bringing a personal vehicle into the park.

10. Is public transportation easily accessible from nearby accommodations to get to the park?


It depends on the specific location of the nearby accommodations and the park. Some nearby accommodations may have easy access to public transportation that can take visitors directly to the park, while others may require a transfer or multiple forms of transportation. It is best to research the specific location and routes beforehand to determine the most convenient option for reaching the park via public transportation.

11. Can visitors expect traffic congestion or delays when traveling by car during peak season at Jigokudani Monkey Park?

It is possible that visitors may experience some traffic congestion or delays during peak season at Jigokudani Monkey Park, particularly on weekends or national holidays. The park is located in a remote area and has limited parking, which can lead to traffic build-up on the narrow access road. It is recommended to plan for potential delays and arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and find parking easily.

12. Are there any alternative modes of transportation, such as boat rides, that can be used to access the park?

Yes, some parks may offer boat rides or water taxis as an alternative mode of transportation to access the park. This may be an option in parks that have waterways or lakes within their boundaries, such as Everglades National Park or Acadia National Park. These boat rides can provide a unique and scenic way to explore the park and reach certain areas that may not be accessible by land. However, these options may not be available year-round and may require additional fees. It is best to check with the specific park for more information on alternative modes of transportation.

13. Is there a parking fee at Jigokudani Monkey Park and if so, how much does it cost?


There is no parking fee at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. However, if you are visiting by car, there is a nearby paid parking lot called “Shibu Onsen Paid Parking Lot” with a fee of 600 yen for a full day.

14. How do visitors navigate the walking trails within the park?


Visitors can navigate the walking trails within the park using maps and signage provided at the entrance or visitor center. Some parks may also have brochures with information about specific trails and landmarks. Trail markers, such as colored blazes on trees or signposts, are also commonly used to help visitors stay on designated paths. In addition, some parks offer guided tours or interpretive programs that can provide a more structured experience for exploring the trails. It is recommended to plan and prepare for your hike before setting out, including having a map and understanding the difficulty level of the trails you plan to take.

15. Are there any wheelchair accessible options for transportation in and around the park?


Yes, there are wheelchair accessible transportation options available in Yellowstone National Park. The park’s shuttle buses and tram tours are both wheelchair accessible. Additionally, visitors can rent a wheelchair from the visitor centers or bring their own mobility devices to explore the park’s many trails and boardwalks.

16. Can visitors bring their own bikes or other recreational vehicles into Jigokudani Monkey Park?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own bikes or other recreational vehicles into Jigokudani Monkey Park. The park is only accessible by a designated walking path and bicycles are not allowed on the path for safety reasons. Additionally, the park is located in a protected nature area and bringing in your own recreational vehicles can damage the environment.

17. What is the weather typically like around Jigokudani Monkey Park and how does that impact transportation options?


The weather around Jigokudani Monkey Park is typically cold and snowy in the winter (December-February), with temperatures ranging from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius. In the spring and fall, the weather is mild with occasional rain showers, while summers are warm and humid.

The cold winter weather can impact transportation options as there may be delays or closures due to heavy snowfall. Roads may be slippery and difficult to navigate, so it is important to take appropriate precautions when driving. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, may also experience delays or cancellations due to extreme weather conditions.

In addition, the walking paths around the park may become slippery in winter, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear for hiking in snowy conditions.

18. Are there any age restrictions for using certain forms of transportation in and around Jigokudani Monkey Park?


There are no specific age restrictions for using transportation in and around Jigokudani Monkey Park. However, some modes of transportation, such as hiking trails or cable cars, may not be suitable for very young children or individuals with mobility issues. It is always recommended to check the specific requirements and safety guidelines of each mode of transportation before traveling to the park.

19.Are there any notable landmarks or points of interest along the way when traveling by public transportation to Jigokudani Monkey Park?


Yes, there are several notable landmarks and points of interest along the way when traveling by public transportation to Jigokudani Monkey Park:

1. Yudanaka Station: This is the final stop on the Nagaden train line and the closest station to Jigokudani Monkey Park. The station itself has a traditional Japanese design and is a popular spot for photos.

2. Shibu Onsen: This charming traditional hot spring town is located just before Yudanaka Station. It is known for its old-fashioned streets lined with historic ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and public onsens (hot spring baths).

3. Snow Monkey Express Bus Stop: From Yudanaka Station, visitors can take the Snow Monkey Express Bus directly to the park entrance. This bus stop also serves as a popular photo spot, with many tourists stopping to take pictures with the snow monkey statue.

4. Kanbayashi Onsen: This small onsen town lies at the foot of the trail leading up to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Many visitors stop here for a quick bite or to purchase souvenirs before heading up to see the monkeys.

5. Trailhead of Jigokudani Monkey Park: The starting point of the 1.6-kilometer hike up to the park itself is marked by a large red torii gate (traditional Japanese gate). From here, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk through a picturesque forest before reaching the park.

6. Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Jigokudani Monkey Park): Finally, after about a 30-minute walk from Kanbayashi Onsen, visitors will reach the famous park where they can see wild Japanese macaques relaxing in hot springs scattered throughout the snowy landscape.

7. Jigokudani Ryuo Parking Lot: For visitors who choose to drive, this is a popular parking lot located near the park entrance. It provides easy access to the trailhead and also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

20. Are there any additional transportation tips or considerations visitors should keep in mind when planning a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park?

– It is recommended to purchase a JR (Japan Rail) Pass or regional rail passes in advance for discounted travel within Japan.
– Jigokudani Monkey Park can be visited year-round, but it is particularly popular during the winter months when the monkeys are more likely to soak in the hot springs.
– There may be a short walk from the bus stop or parking lot to the entrance of the park, so wear comfortable shoes and bring appropriate cold weather gear if visiting in winter.
– The park is open from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM.
– Visitors should refrain from touching or feeding the monkeys, as they are wild animals and can become aggressive if provoked.
– It is prohibited to bring outside food into the park. There is a small restaurant near the entrance where visitors can purchase snacks and drinks.
– Take caution when walking around the snow-covered park in winter, as paths may be slippery.
– The area may experience heavy snowfall during mid-winter, so check weather conditions and transportation schedules before planning a trip.
– Remember to always follow proper etiquette while using public transportation, such as giving up seats for elderly or disabled passengers and keeping noise levels low.