INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS FOR THE SNOW MONKEY TOUR

Most people have seen the snow monkeys on TV bathing in the hot springs at Jigokudani about 2 hours from Hakuba. If you want to see the real thing it is very easy to do so on a day tour from Hakuba. You do need to allocate a full day though and to give up a day on the mountain. The tour includes transport, the park entry fee, lunch at a restaurant in the historical town of Obuse with free time after to explore and a trip to the 1,400 yr old buddhist Zenkoji Temple (entry included). To get to the monkeys is a 30-45 minute walk along a forest trail (take sturdy shoes and warm clothing).

SELF GUIDED TOUR

Save a load of ¥ and catch a mix of local and express buses/trains to get to the park. You can pay as you go or there is a 2 day pass for approximately ¥4,000 including unlimited transfers on the public transport below (EXCLUDING THE ALPICO HAKUBA-NAGANO BUS!) and entry to the park. • Option 1. o STEP 1: Alpico Bus from Hakuba to Nagano for ¥3,500 each way (1hr) o STEP 2: Nagaden Express Bus from Nagano to the park each way (¥1800/45mins) o STEP 3: Allow 2 hours for return hike to the monkeys (park entry fee ¥800/400 adults/children (6-17yrs) • Option 2. An extra bus involved but does allow you to get off at Obuse if you want to mimic the tour. o STEP 1: Alpico Bus from Hakuba to Nagano for ¥2,200 each way (1hr) o STEP 2 Nagaden Limited express Train from Nagano station to Yudanaka ( 湯田中駅 ) ¥1,290 each way (45 mins ). o STEP 3 Local bus from Yudanaka ( 湯田中駅 ) to Snow Monkey Park スノーモンキー ¥310 (10 -15mins) o STEP 4: Allow 2 hours for return hike to the monkeys (park entry fee ¥800/400 adults/children (6-17yrs)