A day trip from Tokyo. We took Shinkansen from Tokyo station to Nagano. In Nagano we took a local train to Yudanaka. Then the bus to Shibu Onsen. We took a hike from information stand. The start is rather steep. It is about 30-35 minutes brisk walk to the parking and then about 12 minutes to the park. The walk is worth it! Even outside of main season, we were able to see a lot!!! On the way back we stopped at Shibu Onsen and took a bath. 👍 Quick recommendation - take a bus from the train station and on the way back you can walk.

After a long ( 30 mn) and beautiful walk on a small path through the Forest , you climb to a hot water spring where the monkeys take their bath. They are fascinating and not afraid at all of those many humans who take pictures, sometimes far too close from them . Kids friendly and unique . I recommend greatly.

Stayed at the hotel just down the road, so was able to enjoy a visit to the park without the rush. Loved the mile or so hike into the valley. The macaques were starting to mill around the bridge, and then lots of them frolicking near the onsen. Some visitors were getting a little too close to the monkeys, however attendants were quick to monitor and redirect. A smack/lunch stop at Enza Cafe at the end was a perfect ending. Overall a unique experience.

I found the walk up the road steep and tiring. once up the steps through the forest, it was level and easy going. the paths were icy, so grips on shoes essential. the monkeys were everywhere in the river, the spa, all around. they even came round your feet. we were told it might be busy but not today Well worth a visit but be prepared

Wake up early to visit the monkey park before the arrival of tour groups. The main park area is a steady half-hour climb through the national park forest. No food or drink should be taken into the park and no rubbish should be left behind. Toilets are at the lower bus stop entrance and at the visitor centre/ticket barrier 30 minutes up. Don’t get caught short. There are no other options. The Snow Monkey Pass sold by Nagano-Dentetsu Railway does not offer great value unless you arrive very early on day one of the 2-day ticket and plan to travel to other local towns like Obuse for the Hokusai museum. For the park only it works out better to buy train, bus and park entry separately.

The 1.6km hike up the mountain can be treacherous with young children. Be prepared to carry your child (toddlers) all the way up and down if they refuse to walk. The path is narrow, slippery and muddy, definitely not child friendly. Would advise to wear proper snow shoes, waterproof pants/ski pants, waterproof jacket with hoodie to shield your head from the snow and ice that falls from the trees. If you don’t have snow shoes, you can buy the snow spikes for shoes from the shop at the park entrance. However, despite the long walk, it was all worth it when we got to see the unassuming snow monkey up close. But I would definitely not recommend taking young children here.

Seeing these amazing & unique monkeys live & so close ( only found in Japan) is so different from what one sees on Vblogs or pictures. Nothing beats this extraordinary experience. Definitely worth the trip here. However be warned - you need to walk very far from main entrance to the park entrance ( tiring), about half an hour ONE WAY ( about 1.6km one way ) - along a narrow mountain trek with lots of tourists going both ways. Certain parts are very close to the edge of the mountain. Path is very uneven, slippery & muddy when wet ( rains or snow ). If it rains or snow suddenly while engaging the long trek, can be pretty risky as no shelter. Certainly not recommend for the elderly, young kids or those physically disadvantaged as too risky & physically demanding.

We really enjoyed this trip. Starting up the 1.3 km trail at around 8:45 we took our time, enjoying the snow and the hike through to forest. Most of the way there was nobody else in sight. It's not an overly demanding hike, but on our way down we passed a number of people who were struggling. It's all up hill, not too steep but there are no places to stop and rest, so be realistic. Getting up close to the monkeys was a fantastic experience. We highly recommend it. Start early to beat the crowds.

Unique experience with the most northern monkey population in the world. Monkeys are unbothered by the presence of humans and stroll right by you. Very touristy and crowded, particularly when the buses with those on a day trip arrive around 1pm.

We got up early and arrived 45 minutes after the park opened. If you come in winter you have to park in the lower parking lots. It was extremely packed with humans and monkeys. The park staff throw out feed for the monekys so it's essentially a petting zoo minus the petting. Don't touch the monkeys no matter how close they get to you. The path is icy, ice cleats are recommended if you don't have good boots or are not used to walking on melty snow. You can take a stroller, but the paths are narrow, and you end up hogging the whole path, making it difficult for everyone else to walk by and not fall down the cliff. Overall, I'm glad we went. If we go again, we plan to arrive before opening to try to avoid the crowds.