Nagano is the transport hub of the Chubu Highlands, well-connected to Tokyo by Shinkansen and positioned as a gateway to the Japan Alps. Most visitors come for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or as a stop on the Hokuriku arch route (Tokyo–Nagano–Kanazawa–Kyoto). Navigating the city itself is simple; getting to the snow monkeys requires a bit more planning.
Getting to Nagano
From Tokyo (Shinkansen - fastest option)
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the primary connection between Tokyo and Nagano.
| Service | Journey Time | Fare (2026 approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Kagayaki (direct, limited stops) | 1h 20min | ¥8,340 |
| Hakutaka (semi-express, JR Pass OK) | 1h 40–50min | ¥8,340 |
JR Pass holders: Use the Hakutaka - the Kagayaki is not covered by the standard JR Pass. Trains run approximately every 20–40 minutes during the day.
Budget option: Shinjuku–Nagano highway buses depart from the Busta Shinjuku terminal above Shinjuku Station (operated by Alpico, Willer, and others). Journey time is 3–4 hours depending on traffic; fares start from approximately ¥2,500 one-way. Best booked in advance online.
From Osaka or Kanazawa
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) connects Kanazawa to Nagano in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (¥5,690, JR Pass eligible). From Osaka, take the JR Thunderbird to Kanazawa (2h 15min), then change to the Shinkansen to Nagano. Total: approximately 3h 30min.
For private transfers or groups connecting multiple Japan Alps destinations, Kiwitaxi covers the Nagano–Hakuba–Matsumoto corridor with fixed-price vehicles.
Getting to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
The Snow Monkey Park at Jigokudani Yaen-koen is Nagano’s most famous attraction and requires a multi-stage journey.
Step 1 - Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden)
Board the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station (the Nagaden entrance is inside the JR station building, follow signs for 長野電鉄). Take the Yudanaka Line to Yudanaka Station.
- Journey time: approximately 40 minutes
- Fare: ¥1,290 (as of 2026; exact cash required - Nagaden does not accept Suica or other national IC cards)
- Frequency: approximately every 30–60 minutes
Note: Have cash ready before boarding Nagaden - there are ATMs at Nagano Station.
Step 2 - Bus from Yudanaka to Kanbayashi Onsen
From Yudanaka Station, take the Alpico Bus toward Kanbayashi Onsen.
- Journey time: approximately 10 minutes
- Fare: approximately ¥170
- Frequency: every 30–60 minutes (limited on some days - check the timetable at Yudanaka Station)
An alternative is to walk from Yudanaka to the trailhead (approximately 40 minutes on a flat road), or take a taxi from Yudanaka Station (approximately ¥1,000–¥1,200 to the Kanbayashi Onsen area).
Step 3 - Forest trail to the park
From the Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop, follow the signposted trail through cedar forest to the park entrance. The trail is approximately 1.6km (30 minutes). It is unpaved and involves some slopes - wear shoes with grip. The path is manageable in light snow but can be icy in January and February.
Park entry fee: approximately ¥800 as of 2026 (adults). No reservation required. The park is open year-round; macaque numbers and hot spring bathing are most frequent November to April.
Timing: Arrive by 9:00–10:00 if possible. Midday groups are large in peak season. Late afternoon (after 14:00) tends to be quieter.
Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) - Full Network
Beyond Jigokudani, Nagaden connects Nagano to the Shiga Kogen ski area and the Yudanaka Onsen hot spring town.
Key stations:
| Station | Attraction | Distance from Nagano |
|---|---|---|
| Zenkoji-Shita | Zenkoji Temple (5 min walk) | 3 min |
| Yudanaka | Jigokudani access, Yudanaka Onsen | 40 min |
| Shiga Kogen | Ski resort access (winter only) | 50 min + bus |
Note: Cash fares only on Nagaden. Purchase tickets at the station machine before boarding.
JR Trains from Nagano Station
Nagano Station is a major regional hub with good connections across the Chubu region.
| Destination | Line | Time | Fare (2026 approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matsumoto | JR Shinonoi Line | 50 min | ¥830 |
| Karuizawa | Hokuriku Shinkansen (Asama) | 25 min | ¥2,800 |
| Niigata | JR Shinetsu Line | 2h 15min | ¥3,190 |
| Nagoya | JR Shinonoi + Chuo Line | 3h | ¥5,940 |
JR Pass covers all JR services from Nagano, including the Shinkansen to Karuizawa and onward connections.
Local Buses in Nagano City
Alpico Bus and Kawanakajima Bus operate routes within Nagano city. The key tourist route is the Zenkoji Express Bus that runs from Nagano Station (bus stop 1) directly to Zenkoji Temple.
- Fare: approximately ¥190 one-way (IC cards may or may not be accepted - have coins)
- Journey time: 10–15 minutes
- Frequency: every 15–30 minutes
Zenkoji Temple (善光寺) is also walkable from the station in 30–35 minutes along Chuo-dori - a pleasant walk lined with shops and restaurants.
Walking Nagano City
Nagano’s central sights cluster around two zones: Nagano Station and the Zenkoji approach (Chuo-dori).
Key walking distances:
| From | To | Walking time |
|---|---|---|
| Nagano Station | Zenkoji Temple | 30–35 min (Chuo-dori) |
| Nagano Station | Nagaden entrance | 3 min (inside JR building) |
| Zenkoji Gate | Main hall | 5 min through仲見世 approach |
The Monzen-machi (gate town) district around Zenkoji is compact and walkable in 1–2 hours, including the main hall, the san-mon gate, and the morning prayer ceremony (6:00–7:00 daily).
Taxis
Taxis are available from Nagano Station. Standard fares as of 2026:
- Station → Zenkoji: approximately ¥700–¥900
- Station → Yudanaka (direct, skipping Nagaden): approximately ¥8,000–¥10,000
Nagano taxis accept payment by IC card at most companies. The GO app operates in Nagano Prefecture.
Transport essentials for Nagano: The Japan Rail Pass covers the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano and the Shinonoi Line to Matsumoto - if you’re on the Hokuriku arch itinerary (Tokyo → Nagano → Kanazawa → Kyoto), the pass pays for itself quickly. Have cash for Nagaden and local buses. For private transfers from Tokyo or ski resort connections in winter, Kiwitaxi covers the Nagano area. Snow Monkey Park entry must be paid in cash at the gate.
Plan Your Trip
- Flights - Find the best fares to Japan
- Hotels - Search hotels in Nagano on Booking.com
- Travel Insurance - Get covered before you go
- eSIM - Stay connected from landing
- Car Rental - Compare prices across providers
See also: Nagano travel guide · Things to do in Nagano · Where to stay in Nagano · Getting around Japan · Japan Rail Pass guide