In short
- The pass costs ¥6,800 and includes standard park admission (¥800 value).
- It covers the direct express bus and the Nagano Dentetsu train routes.
- It works best for visitors making a dedicated day trip from Nagano Station.
In this article
Travel costs add up quickly when planning a trip from Nagano Station to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. The Snow Monkey Pass bundles your rides and entry into one convenient ticket. Here is exactly what it covers so you can see if it saves you money on your itinerary.
How much is the Snow Monkey Pass?
The pass costs ¥6,800 per person.
This flat fee gives you access to the Nagaden transit network for the day, plus one entry ticket to the monkey park. Standard adult admission is ¥800. This means the remaining ¥6,000 covers your round-trip travel from Nagano Station.
What transport does the pass cover?
It includes the direct express bus and the Nagano Dentetsu train line.
You can ride the express bus directly from Nagano Station to the park stop in 41 minutes. Alternatively, take the scenic 60-minute train route to Yudanaka Station, then ride the local bus to the Kanbayashi Onsen trailhead.
Is the Snow Monkey Pass worth it for a day trip?
Yes, if you travel from Nagano Station and return the same day.
The bundled pass simplifies your journey. You skip buying individual transit tickets and avoid paying the ¥800 entry at the gate. To maximize its value, you can ride the train one way and take the express bus back.
Do I need the pass to buy park tickets?
No, you can purchase park admission separately.
Standard entry is ¥800 for adults (18+) and ¥400 for children (6-17). However, starting in August 2026, peak winter entry requires a mandatory online ticket to manage the 2,000-visitor daily cap.
When is the pass not worth buying?
Skip it if you book a guided tour that includes transport.
Guided day trips usually bundle private bus transport directly from Nagano Station. In this case, your tour fee already covers travel and the ¥800 park entry. You also do not need the pass if you travel by rental car.
Does it cover transport from Tokyo?
No, the pass only covers local transit starting from Nagano Station.
You must pay for your Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets from Tokyo to Nagano separately. Once you arrive at Nagano Station, you can purchase the local pass to cover the final leg of your journey to Jigokudani.
Cost breakdown of the Snow Monkey Pass
The pass bundles three separate expenses into a single ¥6,800 ticket.
You receive round-trip local transport and your park ticket. Compare the inclusions below before you decide to buy.
Questions travellers ask
How much does the Snow Monkey Pass cost?
The pass costs ¥6,800. It covers your travel on Nagaden transit from Nagano Station plus your park entry fee.
Can I use the pass on the express bus?
Yes, the pass is valid on the 41-minute direct express bus from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop.
Is park entry included in the pass?
Yes, standard adult admission (normally ¥800) is included. Be aware of the 2,000-visitor daily cap for winter entry starting in 2026.
