– Private and Flexible Tours from Nagano
If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka and dream of seeing the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen) in Nagano, it is absolutely possible — with a little planning.
🚄 Getting to Nagano from Kyoto or Osaka
To visit the Snow Monkey Park, you’ll first need to travel to Nagano Station by Shinkansen bullet train.
From Kyoto or Shin-Osaka Station, take the Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to reach Nagano.
The entire trip takes about 4 to 4.5 hours one way.
🕗 Why Regular Group Tours Don’t Work for Same-Day Visits
There are several ready-made group tours to the Snow Monkey Park. Examples are Nagano, Snow monkey park, Zenkoji temple English Guide Tour and Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour. However, most of them depart early in the morning from Nagano Station.
This means that travelers starting from Kyoto or Osaka on the same morning cannot arrive in time to join these tours. Even the earliest Shinkansen connection would reach Nagano after the tour has already departed.
🚐 Private Tours: Flexible, Comfortable, and Made for You
If you book a private guided tour, we can arrange the departure according to your arrival time in Nagano.
Your driver and English-speaking guide will meet you at Nagano Station and take you directly to the Snow Monkey Park — with flexibility to adjust the schedule, pace, and additional sightseeing spots.
This makes it possible, though quite a long day, to visit the Snow Monkey Park from Kyoto or Osaka in one day.
However, we recommend staying one night in Nagano for a more relaxing experience — especially in winter, when trains or roads may be delayed due to snow.
🏔️ Recommended Plan: One Night in Nagano
A typical and comfortable plan would be:
- Day 1: Travel from Kyoto/Osaka to Nagano by Shinkansen, then join a private afternoon tour to the Snow Monkey Park.
- Overnight: Stay in Nagano or nearby onsen town (e.g., Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen).
- Day 2: Return to Kyoto or Osaka, or continue your journey to Takayama or Kanazawa.
This itinerary allows you to enjoy the monkeys, snow scenery, and local hot springs without rushing.
🏞️ Custom Multi-Day Options
If your schedule allows, we can arrange 1- or 2-night custom private tours that include Takayama, Shirakawago, and Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park in a single itinerary.
These routes connect the best of Japan’s mountain culture, historic villages, and wildlife experiences, all with private transport and a knowledgeable local guide.
💬 Summary – What You Need to Know
- ❄️ Destination: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (Nagano Prefecture)
- 🚄 Access: Shinkansen from Kyoto/Osaka to Nagano Station (approx. 4–4.5 hours)
- 🧭 Group tours: Depart early from Nagano → not suitable for same-day travelers
- 🚐 Private tour: Flexible start time, perfect for customized itineraries
- 🏨 Recommended: Stay 1 night in Nagano for comfort and snow safety
- 🏯 Optional routes: Combine Takayama, Shirakawago, and Nagano for a scenic 1–2 night trip
📩 Contact Us
To arrange your private Snow Monkey Park tour from Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagano,
please [contact us here].
We will help you design a personalized route that fits your travel schedule and interests.