Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information for the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nagano Electric Railway's A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY," which connects Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, the necessity of ticket issuance, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as an access route to Jigokudani Monkey Park and Yudanaka Onsen, and key points to check before your trip have been compiled. A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. The train's name comes from the fact that Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park are known worldwide as "Snow Monkeys." The 2100 series trains used are repurposed 253 series trains that previously operated as the JR East Limited Express "Narita Express." The A Limited Express stops only at major stations, offering the fastest travel time from Nagano to Yudanaka. With a limited express ticket, you can use unreserved seats; seat reservations are not required. It is used as a major means of access to the Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen area and Jigokudani Monkey Park. Since there are trains and destinations with similar names, it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales terms may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "SNOW MONKEY" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. The train's name comes from the fact that Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park are known worldwide as "Snow Monkeys." The 2100 series trains used are repurposed 253 series trains that previously operated as the JR East Limited Express "Narita Express." The A Limited Express stops only at major stations, offering the fastest travel time from Nagano to Yudanaka. With a limited express ticket, you can use unreserved seats; seat reservations are not required. It is used as a major means of access to the Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen area and Jigokudani Monkey Park. Since there are trains and destinations with similar names, it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"?

The "SNOW MONKEY" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, named after the Japanese macaques of Jigokudani Monkey Park. The Nagano Electric Railway is a private railway that operates the Nagano Line, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station, and is affectionately known as "Nagaden." Along the line, there are many attractions such as Obuse's chestnut confectionery, the warehouse district of Suzaka, and the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen hot spring resorts. The 2100 series train used for the "SNOW MONKEY" is a vehicle that was acquired from the 253 series, which formerly operated as the JR East Limited Express "Narita Express." Inside the train, there is a special car called "Spa Saru~n" that utilizes the former Green Car private compartments. An additional fare is required to use the private compartments. The difference between the A Limited Express and the B Limited Express is the number of stops; the A Limited Express stops only at major stations.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" lies in the fact that you can ride in former "Narita Express" train cars and that it has few stops, making it very fast. The sight of these train cars, which once served as airport access trains, running through the mountainous regions of Shinshu is popular with railway enthusiasts. The train also features a special car that utilizes former Green Car private compartments. At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can observe Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs up close, and the winter scenery is world-famous. Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are historic hot spring resorts known for their nine public baths. The cobblestone streets of Shibu Onsen offer a charming atmosphere where you can enjoy strolling around in a yukata. From the train windows, you can enjoy the rural landscape of Nagano with its apple orchards and the mountain ranges stretching into the distance. Obuse, along the route, is known for its chestnut confections and its connection to Katsushika Hokusai.

Timetable for the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

*The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" operates several round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Yudanaka Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Nagano Station) Timetable

The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" operates several round trips per day. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest timetable on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" may have varying operating days and frequency depending on the season. The train cars used will also vary from day to day, and some services may use "YUKEMURI" train cars. During winter, delays may occur due to snowfall.

Route of the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

Main Sections

• Nagano Station to Suzaka Station (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line)
• Suzaka Station to Shinshu-Nakano Station (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line)
• Shinshu-Nakano Station to Yudanaka Station (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line)

Jigokudani Monkey Park is accessible by bus and on foot from Yudanaka Station. From the parking lot, it's about a 30-minute walk up a mountain path to reach the park. While monkeys bathing in the hot springs are most commonly seen in winter, monkey observation is possible year-round. There's a footbath in front of Yudanaka Station, allowing you to enjoy a hot spring experience immediately upon arrival. Shibu Onsen's nine public baths operate on a system where guests are given keys. Obuse boasts long-established chestnut confectionery shops and the Hokusai Museum, making it a pleasant place to stroll. Zenkoji Temple is also easily accessible from Nagano Station. Since travel to surrounding tourist attractions mainly relies on buses and walking, it's advisable to check local transportation options beforehand. Tourist information centers are often located near stations where maps and brochures are available.

Stations Served by the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

Main Stations Served

• Nagano Station
• Suzaka Station
• Shinshu-Nakano Station
• Yudanaka Station

*Stations served may vary depending on the train.

Fares for the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

Representative Section Fares

Reserved seats on the A Limited Express cost 300 yen per seat, while reserved private compartments on the "SNOW MONKEY" cost 1,200 yen per compartment.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "SNOW MONKEY" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express fare. Nagano Electric Railway's limited express fares are set at a nearly uniform amount, making them easy to use. Ordinary seats are unreserved, but on A Limited Express trains, some seats can be reserved for 300 yen per seat. In addition to seat reservations, a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket are required. There is an additional fare for using private compartments (special cars). When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express ticket. Private railway limited express fares are set according to the section traveled and do not fluctuate with high and off-peak seasons like JR. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

About the Private Compartment ("Spa Saru~n")

The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" features a special car utilizing former Green Car private compartments. Using a private compartment requires an additional fare on top of the regular limited express fare. Since the number of private compartments is limited, it's advisable to check in advance if you wish to use one. Private compartments are not available on services using "YUKEMURI" train cars.

How to Buy Tickets for the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

Purchase at Ticket Offices or Ticket Machines

Some seats on the A Limited Express trains can be reserved through the Nagano Electric Railway official website. Only reserved seat tickets can be reserved. The basic fare ticket and limited express ticket must be purchased on the day of travel at ticket machines or ticket offices at the station. Reserved seats can be reserved from 31 days before the date of travel until 10 minutes before the departure time from the starting station.

 

 

Purchase Onboard

If the station ticket office is closed or you are boarding from an unmanned station, you may be able to purchase a limited express ticket on board. Since it is unreserved seating, seat reservations are not required. Ticket machines are often multilingual, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. During high season, ticket offices can get crowded, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen with admission tickets to Jigokudani Monkey Park.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" is a Nagano Electric Railway train and is therefore not covered by the JR Pass. Even if you travel to Nagano Station using the JR Pass, you will need to pay the basic fare and limited express fare separately for travel on the Nagano Electric Railway line. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before you travel.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

If you are using an unreserved seat, you will need to purchase a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket at a ticket machine or ticket office at the station. Even if you reserve a reserved seat online, you will still need a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket in addition to your reserved seat ticket. Please make sure you have your reservation screen and purchased tickets ready when you board the train.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?

As of 2026, Suica, PASMO, and other transportation IC cards cannot be used as tickets at Nagano Electric Railway ticket gates. Please purchase your basic fare ticket and limited express ticket at ticket machines or ticket offices at stations. The introduction of transportation IC cards is scheduled for spring 2027.

Contactless payment via credit card is not supported for boarding the train.

Seating Information for the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

Seat Types

On the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY," most seats are unreserved, but some seats in Car 1 can be reserved for an additional fare. Also, private reserved compartments are available for an additional fare. If you wish to use a reserved seat or private compartment, you will need a separate reservation ticket in addition to your basic fare ticket and limited express ticket. When making a reservation, please check the availability of seats and select your desired seat.

Distinctive Seating

The 2100 series trains have been refurbished for the Nagano Electric Railway while retaining the interior design from their time as the Limited Express "Narita Express." The seats are equipped with reclining functions, providing a comfortable ride. The private compartments are suitable for group use. The sight of trains that once ran as airport limited express trains heading to mountain hot spring resorts is unique. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Some trains have luggage racks inside. This is a remnant of their days as airport limited express trains, where luggage space is provided.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Nagano Electric Railway in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

 

 

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

On the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY," there is no onboard sales service. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks before boarding, around Nagano Station. Nagano is known for its soba noodles and oyaki (stuffed dumplings). In Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, there are many shops selling onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns). Chestnut confections from Obuse are also popular as Nagano souvenirs. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" has unreserved seating, so you cannot reserve a seat. The train cars used vary from day to day, and sometimes "YUKEMURI" train cars are used. It takes more than 30 minutes by bus and on foot to reach Jigokudani Monkey Park, so please allow plenty of time. The mountain path to the monkey park is covered in snow during the winter, so you will need non-slip shoes. Monkeys are wild animals, so please be careful not to get too close or feed them. Before boarding, please check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Checking the train timetable on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. It is operated using the former Limited Express "Narita Express" 2100 series trains and is characterized by its express service with fewer stops. It is used as transportation for trips to Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs.

Enjoy a trip to Shinshu aboard the A Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY," which takes you to the land of snow monkeys that are attracting attention from all over the world.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.