- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
- Nagano
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 45min)
Zenkoji Temple
Kawanakajima Kosenjo
- Nagano
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 45min)
- Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
- Nagano
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 42min)
- Nagano
- Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 42min)
- Nagano Station East Exit
- Okushiga Kogen Hotel
Adults 2,500JPY,
Children 1,250JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 1h 55min)
About Nagano area
Nagano city is located basically in the north of Nagano prefecture which is surrounded by significantly tall mountains, known as the nickname of the "Roof of Japan".
In 1998, Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The world-class snow resorts of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen Heights and Nozawa Onsen continue to attract winter sports lovers every year. Besides that, Nagano has many popular sightseeing spots such as Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park which is the only place in the world you can see wild monkeys bathing in an onsen. In addition, Nagano has convenient rail/bus and expressway access to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and other major cities.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (altitude 850 meters) is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River sourced from Shiga-Kogen of the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park in northern part of Nagano prefecture. Because of the very steep cliffs and the steam coming out of the springs in everywhere, ancient people called this valley "Jigokudani (Hell valley)".
This area is covered with snow almost one third of the year.
However, such severe environment is a paradise on earth for monkeys to live in. The troops of wild Japanese macaque (they are popularly known as snow monkeys) inhabit here naturally through the ages. Since the establishment of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in 1964, it has been a worldwide popular place for watching the bathing monkeys in a hot spring and observing its unique ecology for researchers and photographers.
Access to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Expressway bus Reservation) → Nagano Station
It can be reached from Nagano Station in 2 ways.
Route 1. Ltd. Exp. + Local bus
Nagano Station (Nagano Electric Railway Ltd. Exp. "Snow Monkey" : Approx. 38 minutes / 1,260 yen) → Yudanaka Station (Nagano Dentesu Bus : Approx. 15 minutes) → Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop (35 min. walk) → Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Route 2. Expressway Bus
Nagano Station (Nagano Dentesu Express Bus for Shiga-kogen(Shiga Highlands) : Approx. 41 minutes / 1,400 yen) → Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop (35 min. walk) → Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
- Nagano
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 45min)
- Nagano
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 45min)
- Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
- Nagano
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 42min)
- Nagano
- Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 42min)
Why don't you travel further from Nagano to Kamikochi?
- Nagano
(Nagano Station East Exit) - Kamikochi
Adults 4,400JPY,
Children 2,200JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 2h 40min)
- Kamikochi
- Nagano
(Nagano Station East Exit)
Adults 4,400JPY,
Children 2,200JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 2h 40min)
About Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple has been primary center of Buddhist faith in Japan for 1400 years. The non-sectarian temple sometimes referred to "Shinshu Zenkoji Temple" to differentiate from other temples named Zenkoji. As believed that a visit there once in a lifetime will ensure a passage into the Land of Happiness, it attracts a number of pilgrims all over the world.
It is worth visiting in Nagano to see the majestic Buddhist architecture of Edo period which has been registered as the National Treasure of Japan.
Travelers intending to visit Zenkoji Temple from JR Nagano Station can do so by taking a local bus departing from Bus Stop 1 at the bus terminal on the Zenkoji Exit side of the station. Nagano Station to Zenkoji Daimon takes around 15 minutes and the bus fare is ¥190.
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
- Nagano
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 45min)
- Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
- Nagano
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 42min)
Visiting Zenkoji temple at night is another way to enjoy the temple.
The temple is lit and presents mysterious look.
Shops in the temple are all closed, but you can still purchase good luck charms at a vending machine.
Why don't you extend your journey to Togakushi?
Travel time : about 1 hour from Nagano, Zenkoji temple by local bus.
When you talk about Togakushi, two things come to your mind are Soba noodle and Togakushi-kodo(trail).
Do not miss eating Soba noodle in Togakushi.
You can taste one of the best soba noodle in Japan!
You will see soba noodle restaurants all over the place in this area.
Recommended hiking trail "Togakushi-kodo"
Togakushi trail is such a healing place. You can gain lots of energy just by walking through greenery trees and feeling the sun shining through trees.
If you walk through the forest for 40 minutes, you will arrive at Togakushi Shrine known as a power spot.
About Kawanakajima Kosenjo (Kawanakajima historic battlefield)
Kawanakajima Kosenjo is considered as a historic battlefield that Takeda force of the Province of Kai was laid its headquarter for the battle with Uesugi force of the Province of Echigo. A statue in the park replicate the moment in which Uesugi Kenshin attacked Takeda Shingen from horseback. It is highly recommended for history lovers.
[Opening hours] 8:30 a.m. - 5:50 p.m.
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
- Kawanakajima Kosenjo
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 30min)
- Kawanakajima Kosenjo
- Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Adults From 4,200JPY to 5,100JPY,
Children From 2,100JPY to 2,550JPY
(Travel time: Approx. 3h 30min)
