Pre organized tours are not necessary to enroll into while you are in Shiga Kogen, as the Snowmonkey park is right on the edge of the Shiga Kogen ski resort. You can very easily and cheaply from your hotel or nearby jump on the bus and take it down to the Snowmonkey Park.

Nagaden buses run frequently between Shiga Kogen and Yudanaka where the Snow Monkey Park is located at the base of the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort. After getting off the bus it is approximately a 30-to-45-minute walk to get up to the monkey park. Warm clothes and good hiking waterproof boots of some type are a very good idea along with taking your ski jacket and a warm hat. The snow-covered pathway is often slippery and icy too so be wary of this.

The bus stop is in front of the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum. Buses run throughout the day to and from Yudanaka, please ask your hotel for the latest updated bus timetables.

Entrance is 800yen for adults (18+yrs) and 400yen for Children (6-17yrs).

The park is generally open from 09:00 – 16:00 but hours can vary with weather conditions.

This is a highly recommended half day trip and well worth the little bit of extra effort to get there. The Snow monkeys in Jigokudani as said are right on the door-step of the Shiga Kogen ski resort. Jigokudani, or “Hell’s Valley” in Japanese, walk through the picturesque and peaceful forest to the monkey’s playground. The park has no fences; wild monkeys come down from the mountains to visit and soak in the hot springs to keep warm from the harsh winters. Ask your hotels staff the best way for you to get over to the monkey park.

Monkey photos © Toshio Hagiwara