What this area is like
Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s most important temples, with a pitch-dark passage under the main hall. Jigokudani Monkey Park, near Yudanaka, is famous for wild monkeys bathing in hot springs in winter.
The monkey park is a 30-minute forest walk from the parking area; wear snow boots in winter.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Zenko-ji Temple
A temple open to all sects for some 1,400 years. Under the main hall, visitors walk a pitch-dark corridor to touch the “key to paradise”.
- Access
- Bus from Nagano Station (about 15 minutes) to Zenkoji Daimon, then about 5 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Okaidan: summer 4:30–16:30, winter 6:00–16:00. Museum and Sanmon gate 9:00–16:00.
- Fee
- Grounds free. Inner sanctuary and Okaidan ¥800; three-building ticket ¥1,500.
- Address
- 491 Motoyoshi-cho, Nagano
Join the early-morning service (O-asaji) at dawn for a memorable start; the time changes through the year.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Wild Japanese macaques in a mountain valley, famous for bathing in a hot spring in winter.
- Access
- Bus from Nagano Station (about 40 minutes) or Yudanaka Station (about 15 minutes) to Snow Monkey Park, then about 35 minutes on foot along a forest trail.
- Hours
- April–October 8:30–17:00; November–March 9:00–16:00.
- Fee
- Adults ¥800; children ¥400.
- Address
- 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Nagano
The trail is icy in winter; wear boots with grip. Monkeys bathe only when it is cold, and never feed or touch them.
How to plan your time here
- Nagano is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. See Zenko-ji in the morning and the snow monkeys in the afternoon.
- Stay at Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen near the monkey park for hot springs and an early start.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.