Yamanouchi: Getting there and around
How to get to Yamanouchi
Most visitors to Yamanouchi will access the town from Nagano City (how to get to Nagano).
A useful pass for visiting Yamanouchi is the Snow Monkey Pass, a discount ticket that combines unlimited use of Nagaden trains and buses between Nagano and Yamanouchi with admission to the monkey park for 4000 yen. The pass is valid on two consecutive calendar days and covers all trains between Nagano and Yudanaka (including limited express trains), express buses between Nagano and the Snow Monkey Park bus stop and local buses between Yudanaka and Kanbayashi Onsen. It can be purchased at Nagaden Nagano Station.
By train from Nagano
Nagaden (Nagano Electric Railway) operates 1-2 trains per hour between Nagano (underground Nagaden Nagano Station, next to JR Nagano Station) and Yamanouchi (Yudanaka Station). Besides local trains (70 minutes, 1190 yen one way, most connections require a transfer at Shinshu-Nakano Station along the way), there are also a few limited express trains (45 minutes, 1290 yen one way, direct). The trains are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By express bus from Nagano
Nagaden operates express buses between Nagano (East Exit of Nagano Station) and Shiga Kogen. There are five buses per day in summer and 7-8 buses per day in winter. The buses do not stop in central Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen, but they stop at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop (40 minutes, 1800 yen one way) from where the Jigokudani Monkey Park can be reached. In Shiga Kogen, all buses stop at Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki (70 minutes, 2200 yen), and some continue in direction of either Oku Shiga Kogen or Mount Yokoteyama.
By bus from Kusatsu Onsen
From late April to early November, there is one daily bus between Nagano and Kusatsu Onsen, which stops at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop along the way. The bus ride between the Snow Monkey Park bus stop and Kusatsu Onsen takes about 100 minutes and costs 3500 yen.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Getting around
Yamanouchi is a municipality in northern Nagano Prefecture. Western Yamanouchi is relatively flat and consists of the area's populated areas, including the hot spring towns of Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen. East of those towns, Yamanouchi becomes mountainous and only sparsely populated. This is where the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen are located.
Trains go only as far as Yudanaka Station. From Yudanaka Station, buses continue to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop and beyond to Shiga Kogen at least once per hour. From the Snow Monkey Park bus stop a hiking trail leads to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Map of Shiga Kogen in winter:
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Yamanouchi
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Yudanaka Seifu-soA traditional ryokan with wooden building by Yudanaka Station. Unique onsen - private, open-air, apple, leaf baths etc.View siteSponsored -
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Hotel TsubakinoHotel Tsubakino is an onsen ryokan with traditional setting and modern comfort. Enjoy the majestic views of mountains while bathing in the open-air private onsen. 3 min from Yudanaka Station.View siteSponsored -
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Aburaya TosenA modern style ryokan that offers warm hospitality with luxury comfort. Enjoy the rooftop bar, private onsen baths and beer brewery. 8min walk from Yudanaka Sta.View siteSponsored -
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Wafu-no Yado MasuyaA tasteful, authentic ryokan with over 140 year history. Free shuttle to the Monkey Park. Savor the award winning dinner. 100% natural onsen and Free Wi-Fi.View siteSponsored
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AIBIYAOffering a barbecue and ski storage space, AIBIYA is located in Yamanouchi in the Nagano Region, 4.1 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park. Each room at this property features air-conditioning and heating, and low beds with individual lights. All rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor where guests can unwind and relax. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. Ryuoo Ski Park is 6 km from AIBIYA, while Hasuike Pond is 7 km away. A complimentary breakfast is served, consisting of bread, yogurt, seasonal fruits and coffee. Guests will also find a shop featuring local artworks on site.View on Booking.com -
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Yudanaka Onsen YamazakiyaSituated 3 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park, Yudanaka Onsen Yamazakiya offers accommodation in Yamanouchi with access to a hot spring bath. This 3-star ryokan offers free shuttle service and full-day security. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the ryokan, the units come with a tatami and a flat-screen TV. At the ryokan, every unit is fitted with a shared bathroom with slippers and free toiletries. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Ski storage space is available on-site and skiing can be enjoyed within close proximity of the ryokan. Ryuoo Ski Park is 12 km from Yudanaka Onsen Yamazakiya, while Suzaka City Zoo is 24 km from the property. Matsumoto Airport is 104 km away.View on Booking.com -
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SakaeyaLocated in the centre of Shibu hot-spring area and a 5-minute drive from Yudanaka Train Station, Sakaeya offers Japanese-style accommodations. Guests can enjoy the on-site indoor/outdoor public hot-spring bath and wear the provided colourful Japanese Yukata robes. You can watch monkeys bathing in hot-spring water at the Snow Monkey Park, a 10-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each comes with a satellite TV, a safety deposit box and a fridge. They include a private toilet, while bathrooms are shared. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary sweet snack and green tea upon arrival. Guests can relax at the shared lounge or shop for traditional gifts at the souvenir shop. Photocopying and luggage storage services are offered at the front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available at the public areas. A traditional multi-course is served for dinner and a Japanese set-menu for breakfast. Sakaeya Ryokan is a 10-minute walk from Heiwa Kannon and a 20-minute drive from Shiga Kogen Sun Valley Ski Resort. Zenko-ji Temple and JR Nagano Train Station are a 1-hour drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Yudanaka YasuragiA small 6-room inn with Ryokan meals and cosy interiors, Yasuragi is just a few minutes drive to Jigokudani Monkey Park and an 8-minute walk from Yudanaka Train Station. Hot-spring baths are featured. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and free pick-up service from Yudanaka Station is provided. Yasuragi Innfs Japanese-style rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors, futon beds and a flat-screen TV. Each room is air-conditioned. A fridge, an electric kettle and yukata robes are provided. All guests have access to the on-site hot spring public baths, and they can be reserved for private use. (please inquire at the front desk for more information.) Shiga-Kogen Ski Park and North Shiga Ski Park are both a 15-minute drive away. The property offers a free shuttle to nearby locations upon request, including Yudanaka Train Station. Parking is free. There is a convenience store right behind the inn.View on Booking.com -
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Wafu-no-Yado MASUYAOn just a 5-minute drive from Yudanaka Station, Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA features beautiful Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms boast a private outdoor hot spring bath. Masuya Wafu no Yado is a 15-minute drive from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, as well as from the Heiwa Kannon (Peace Statue). Zenko-ji Temple is an hourfs drive away. The spacious, bright rooms at Masuya are comfortably furnished with tatami-mat flooring and traditional futon bedding. They come with a seating area, satellite TV and a fridge. Guests at the Wafu no Yado can soak in spacious indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, or take a flower pressing class. Ladies can choose from 50 colourful gowns to use. The Japanese hot spring experience is complete with award-winning multi-course dinners, served in private dining rooms. Delicious local specialities can also be ordered separately.View on Booking.com -
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SenjukakuBoasting open-air hot spring baths, a heated indoor pool and beautiful Japanese gardens, Senjukaku offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation that has a historic charm. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a 15-minute drive away. Offering mountain views, all rooms are fitted with traditional tatami (woven-straw) flooring and a low table with seating cushions. In-room amenities include a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. While staying at Senjukaku Ryokan, guests can unwind at the spacious public bathing area or reserve one of the cosy family baths for private use. There is an art gallery space at the lobby, showcasing Japanese drawings. A gift shop is also available on site. The ryokan serves various seasonal Japanese dishes, prepared with organic vegetables and local beef. The property offers free pick-up shuttles from Yudanaka Station, an 8-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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SuminoyuLocated in the Shibu hot-spring district, guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths at Suminoyu. Massages can be requested and a footbath is also available for extra relaxation. A free shuttle is offered from Yudanaka Train Station, which is a 10-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A TV, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are provided in each. Rooms come with a private toilet but bathrooms are shared. Free Wi-Fi is accessible at the lobby and local products can be purchased at the gift shop. Luggage storage is available. Japanese dishes featuring local ingredients are available at the ryokan. Dinner is served in a private dining room. Suminoyu Inn is a 10-minute drive from Snow Monkey Park and a 25-minute drive from Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. Heiwa Kannon is a 15-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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Yudanaka Tawaraya RyokanA 5-minute walk from Yudanaka Train Station, Tawaraya offers Japanese-style accommodations with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and wear colorful Japanese Yukata robes. Massages can be requested for an extra cost. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A safety deposit box, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Rooms come with a private toilet but bathrooms are shared with all other guests. An outdoor hot-spring bath can be reserved for private-use and guests can enjoy looking out into the traditional garden. Dry cleaning and daily newspaper services are available at the front desk. Local products can be purchased at the souvenir shop. Traditional multi-course meals featuring local ingredients are served for dinner and a Japanese set-menu for breakfast. All meals are served at the dining room. Tawaraya Ryokan is a 10-minute drive from Snow Monkey Park and a 15-minute walk from Heiwa Kannon. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is a 30-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel TsubakinoA 3-minute walk from Yudanaka Station, Hotel Tsubakino features indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with a vista of snowy mountain peaks. The hotel offers Japanese-style rooms with free Wi-Fi. From Tsubakino Hotel it is a 40-minute drive to Jigokudani Monkey Park, as well as to the Hokusai-kan Museum in Obuse Town. Guestrooms feature tatami-mat flooring and traditional futon bedding. They are fitted with a TV and an electric kettle. En suite bathrooms come with a shower. Tsubakinofs hot-spring baths are public or reservable for private use, for a fee. Massage service is available. The hotel houses a souvenir shop. Hotel Tsubakinofs restaurant serves Japanese multi-course dinners featuring Shinshu beef and fresh local vegetables. For breakfast, guests can opt between Western and local dishes.View on Booking.com -
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YorozuyaLocated within 4.1 km of Jigokudani Monkey Park and 10 km of Ryuoo Ski Park in Yamanouchi, Yorozuya features accommodation with seating area. This ryokan provides free private parking, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The ryokan features a hot tub and a lift. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath. At the ryokan, all units come with bed linen and towels. An ? la carte breakfast is available daily at the ryokan. A minimarket is available at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Suzaka City Zoo is 23 km from Yorozuya, while Zenkoji Temple is 29 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 104 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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