Embark on a Journey to Discover the Enchanting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park- Your Ultimate Guide to Getting There

How to Get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a trip to the enchanting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Japan? If so, you might be wondering how to get there. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

1. Traveling by Train

The most convenient way to reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is by train. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1.1. Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano Station. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
1.2. From Nagano Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Line (Limited Express “Hokuhoku”) bound for Yudanaka.
1.3. Get off at Yudanaka Station, which is the nearest train station to the park.
1.4. From Yudanaka Station, it’s a 15-minute bus ride to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Buses leave every 30 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about waiting too long.

2. Traveling by Bus

Alternatively, you can also reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by bus from Tokyo. Here’s how:

2.1. Take a bus from Asakusa Bus Terminal in Tokyo to Yudanaka. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours.
2.2. Get off at Yudanaka Station, and then take the bus to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, as mentioned in the previous section.

3. Traveling by Car

If you prefer driving, here’s the route to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park:

3.1. From Tokyo, drive on the Tomei Expressway to the Chikuma Interchange.
3.2. Continue on the Chikuma Expressway and take the Karuizawa Interchange exit.
3.3. Merge onto the Chino Expressway and continue towards Yudanaka.
3.4. Once you reach Yudanaka, follow the signs to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

4. Tips for Visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Before visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, here are some tips to keep in mind:

4.1. The park is open year-round, but the best time to see the snow monkeys is from November to March when they are most active.
4.2. Dress warmly, as the park is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters and can be quite cold.
4.3. Be respectful of the snow monkeys and keep a safe distance from them to avoid causing them stress.
4.4. Purchase your tickets online to avoid long lines at the entrance.

By following this guide, you’ll have a hassle-free trip to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Happy travels!