If you’re searching “snow monkey park cost,” the frustrating part is that the gate ticket is cheap—but the day can get pricey once you add trains/buses (and especially Tokyo transport). Many travelers also search snow monkey park costs assuming it’s one bundled “attraction price,” when it’s really a stack of small costs that depend on where you’re starting.
The park you’re looking for is officially Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (often called Jigokudani Monkey Park). The monkeys are wild, so your “value for money” depends heavily on timing, weather, and a bit of luck.
Quick Verdict
The entry fee is low (under ¥1,000 for adults), but most people’s total spend is driven by transport and time. DIY is very doable if you’re starting from Nagano and don’t mind the forest walk; if you’d rather have the moving parts handled (transport, lunch timing, and entry), this day trip can be the cleanest option: ➡️[Check availability & prices]. If you want a detailed timing plan to avoid common mistakes (like arriving too late for the day’s best window), use our in-depth guide: ➡️[Snow Monkey Park Review: Is This Nagano Day Trip Actually Worth It?]
Snow Monkey Park entry fee (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen)
As of the park’s published pricing, admission is:
- Adults (18+): ¥800
- Children (6–17): ¥400
- Under 5: free
A couple of practical notes that affect your planning:
- No advance ticket reservation for standard entry—buy it on the day.
- The park says credit cards and electronic money are accepted, but QR/barcode payments aren’t.
The real cost driver: getting there
Most people underestimate two things: (1) local transport fares add up quickly, and (2) the last stretch includes a ~35-minute walk on a trail that can be slippery in winter.
From Nagano Station: two common DIY routes
Option A: Bus (simple, fewer transfers)
From Nagano Station’s east exit, you can take the bus line that stops at Snow Monkey Park. A commonly used service is around 45 minutes and about ¥2,000 one way. From the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, you walk about 35 minutes to the park.
Option B: Train + local bus (good if you want hot spring towns)
Take the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka Station (often listed around 45 minutes, about ¥1,590 one way), then a local bus to Snow Monkey Park (often listed around 8 minutes, about ¥390 one way). You still finish with the same ~35-minute walk.
Which route is “cheaper” depends on your timing and whether you’ll use the line more than once.
From Tokyo: budget for the Shinkansen first
If you’re doing this as a Tokyo day trip, your biggest line item is usually the Tokyo ⇄ Nagano shinkansen. Many fare listings put a one-way reserved-seat ticket in the ~¥8,000–¥9,000 range, but it varies by seat type and conditions. Add your local Nagano transport and the park entry on top.
The important expectation-setting: doing Snow Monkey Park “from Tokyo” is totally possible, but it’s rarely a “cheap day.”
By car: parking costs (and winter limitations)
If you drive, you’ll typically park at Kanbayashi Hot Springs, which has a free dedicated lot for the park, then walk the trail (around 30 minutes / ~2 km). There’s also a closer Jigokudani parking lot in seasons when access is allowed, commonly listed at ¥500, but some access roads can be closed in winter and the approach involves narrow roads.
Accessibility note: the park’s access information states that wheelchairs and carts aren’t usable on either approach because of unpaved sections, uneven surfaces, and steps.
Passes that bundle transport + entry
If you’re trying to reduce mental load (and sometimes save money), the most common bundle is the Snow Monkey 2-Day Pass.
Snow Monkey 2-Day Pass (typical pricing)
A widely published option is:
- Adults: ¥4,000
- Children: ¥2,000
It’s described as covering two days of transport on the relevant Nagano Dentetsu trains/buses between Nagano and the park access area, plus park admission.
This is often the sweet spot if:
- you want flexibility (maybe hot springs in the evening),
- you’ll ride the line more than once,
- you’d rather not buy multiple separate tickets.
You may also see other “Snow Monkey Pass” products online with different names and prices (for example, versions tied to specific bus services). Always read exactly what’s included before assuming it covers entry and the right transport for your route.
Example budgets (so you can sanity-check your plan)
These are ballpark totals for one adult, excluding shopping and optional detours.
A realistic DIY day from Nagano
- Park entry: ¥800
- Transport: roughly ¥4,000–¥5,000 round trip depending on route/tickets
- Food: ¥1,000–¥2,000 (simple lunch + drink)
A common “all-in” spend lands around ¥6,000–¥9,000 for the day.
Using the Snow Monkey 2-Day Pass
- Pass (includes entry + covered transport): ¥4,000
- Food: ¥1,000–¥2,000
Many travelers end up around ¥5,000–¥7,000 for the day (with extra value if you use the second day or add stops).
Coming from Tokyo (same day)
- Tokyo ⇄ Nagano shinkansen: often ~¥16,000–¥18,000 round trip (varies)
- Local transport + entry + food: often ~¥6,000–¥9,000 combined
That can easily become ~¥22,000–¥27,000+ for the day, depending on choices.
DIY plan: a realistic day from Nagano Station
This is a simple, repeatable flow that keeps you out of “missed connection” chaos.
Suggested timing (works in most seasons)
Morning
Aim to leave Nagano Station with enough buffer for bus/train frequency. If you’re going in winter, build in extra time for slippery walking conditions.
Midday
Arrive at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, then do the ~35-minute forest walk. Budget time for photos and short stops—rushing makes the walk feel harder than it is.
At the park
Most people spend 45–90 minutes inside. Remember: the monkeys are wild. Sometimes they’re all over the bath; sometimes they’re higher up in the valley or simply not in the “iconic photo” spot.
Afternoon
Walk back, return to Nagano, and decide whether you want a Zenko-ji stop, a quick café break, or a hot spring town detour.
If you’d rather skip the transfers and timing math—and just follow a set flow with transport, lunch, and entry handled—this tour is the straightforward alternative: ➡️[View tour details].
Zenko-ji Temple costs (if you’re pairing it with the monkeys)
Zenko-ji is easy to combine with Snow Monkey Park because it’s in Nagano City.
- The temple precincts and outer areas are free to enter.
- For the inner worship area / underground passage / related admissions, you generally need an Inner Sanctuary admission ticket, commonly listed at ¥600 for adults (with discounted student pricing).
If you’re watching your budget, Zenko-ji can be a “high value, low cost” add-on—especially if you’re already passing through Nagano Station.
When a guided day trip makes sense (and what you’re paying for)
DIY is often cheaper. A guided day is usually about buying back time, reducing uncertainty, and bundling logistics.
What this day trip includes (at a glance)
Based on the tour listing you shared, it typically includes:
- Transport between stops (starting/ending at Nagano Station, with seasonal options on some dates)
- An English-speaking guide
- Snow Monkey Park entry fee
- Lunch (vegetarian options available)
- Sake tasting
Common “not included” items to notice:
- Bullet train tickets (if you’re coming from Tokyo)
- Optional entry to Zenko-ji’s inner sanctuary areas
- Extra snacks/drinks
It’s also commonly listed with free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a duration in the 8–12 hour range (exact timing varies by date).
FAQ
How much is Snow Monkey Park entry?
Typically ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children (6–17), with under-5s free. Check the official park site before you go in case of updates.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
For standard entry, the park generally indicates no advance reservation—you buy tickets on the day. Some transport passes or tours should be booked in advance if you’re using them.
Is the Snow Monkey 2-Day Pass worth it?
It’s often worth it if you want simplicity or plan to use the covered transport more than once. If you’re doing a single direct round trip with minimal extras, separate tickets can be fine.
What if the monkeys aren’t in the hot spring?
It happens. They’re wild, and conditions change. You can still usually see monkeys somewhere in the area, but the classic “bathing” scene isn’t guaranteed.
How long is the walk to the park?
From the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, plan on about 35 minutes each way. In winter it can feel longer because you’ll naturally slow down on icy sections.
Is Snow Monkey Park accessible for wheelchairs?
It’s generally not wheelchair-friendly due to the nature of the trail and uneven surfaces. If accessibility is a concern, plan alternatives or consider destinations with fully paved access.
Bottom line
The “Snow Monkey Park cost” headline number is small—but your real total depends on where you start, what transport you choose, and whether you bundle with passes or a day trip. If you’re already in Nagano, DIY is straightforward and often the best-value route. If you’re trying to do it smoothly in limited time (or in deep winter), a guided day can remove a lot of friction: ➡️[View tour details].