B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nagano Electric Railway's B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY", which connects Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, whether a physical ticket is required, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as access to Obuse, Suzaka, and Jigokudani Monkey Park, and we've compiled key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. Nagano Electric Railway's limited express trains are divided into A Limited Express trains with fewer stops and B Limited Express trains with more stops. The B Limited Express stops at major stations along the line, such as Obuse Station, making it convenient for those who want to enjoy the scenery along the line by making stops along the way. The 2100 series train used is a vehicle that was acquired from JR East's 253 series, which previously operated as the Limited Express "Narita Express". If you purchase a limited express ticket, you can use the unreserved seats, and seat reservations are not required. This train is suitable for itineraries that combine strolling around Obuse town with sightseeing at Jigokudani Monkey Park. Since there are trains with similar names and destinations, it is advisable to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is the B 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 Sarun" that utilizes the former Green Car private compartments. An additional fare is required to use the private compartments. The B Limited Express has more stops than the A Limited Express, and also stops at Obuse Station.

Train features and popular points

The appeal of the B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" lies in its use of former Limited Express "Narita Express" train cars and its access to major stations along the line, such as Obuse. Obuse is known as a town lined with famous chestnut confectionery shops and is a popular tourist destination for strolling around town. At the Hokusai Museum, you can admire works created by Katsushika Hokusai in his later years. 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. Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort known for its nine public baths. Suzaka is a town with many storehouse-style buildings and a history of prosperity from the silk industry. From the train windows, you can enjoy the rural landscape of Nagano with its apple orchards and the mountain ranges stretching into the distance.

B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" Timetable

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

Downbound (towards Yudanaka Station) timetable

Timetable for northbound trains (towards Nagano Station)

The B 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 schedule 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 B 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 the "YUKEMURI" train cars. During the winter, delays may occur due to snowfall.

B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" Operating Sections

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)

Obuse Station is the gateway to Obuse, the town of chestnuts. In Obuse, you can enjoy chestnut confections such as chestnut yokan and chestnut okowa, which are lined with long-established shops. At the Hokusai Museum, you can admire original paintings by Katsushika Hokusai and ceiling paintings of festival floats. Suzaka is known as a town of storehouses, and there are many art museums and historical sites housed in old buildings. Jigokudani Monkey Park is accessible by bus and on foot from Yudanaka Station. The cobblestone streets of Shibu Onsen are a charming townscape where you can enjoy strolling around in a yukata. There is a footbath in front of Yudanaka Station, so you can enjoy the hot springs feeling as soon to as you arrive. As you will mainly be traveling to the surrounding tourist attractions by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There may be a tourist information center near the station where you can get maps and brochures.

B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" Stops

Main stops

• Nagano Station
• Gondo Station
• Hongo Station
• Shinano-Yoshida Station
• Asahi Station
• Obuse Station
• Suzaka Station
• Shinshu-Nakano Station
• Yudanaka Station

*Stops may vary depending on the train.

B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" Fares

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 B Limited Express "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. Seating is unreserved, and seat reservations are not required if you purchase a limited express ticket. 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. Limited express fares on private railways are set according to the section of travel and do not fluctuate with peak season and off-peak season 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 with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Differences from Limited Express A

Nagano Electric Railway's limited express trains are divided into A Limited Express and B Limited Express trains based on the number of stops. A Limited Express trains stop only at major stations, while B Limited Express trains stop at more stations, including Obuse Station. The limited express fare is the same, but the B Limited Express takes slightly longer. If you plan to stop at Obuse or Suzaka, choosing a B Limited Express is convenient.

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

Purchase at Ticket Offices or Ticket Machines

Ordinary seats are unreserved, and you purchase your basic fare ticket and limited express ticket at ticket machines or ticket offices at stations. Reserved private compartments on the "SNOW MONKEY" train can be booked for 1,200 yen per compartment through the Nagano Electric Railway official website. Even if you reserve a private compartment, you will still need to purchase a basic fare ticket and limited express ticket separately.

 

 

Purchase on board

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 peak 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 and sightseeing in the Obuse and Yudanaka areas.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" is a Nagano Electric Railway train and is therefore not covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS. Even if you travel to Nagano Station using the JAPAN RAIL 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.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

Ordinary seats are unreserved, so a seat reservation ticket is not required. Please purchase your basic fare ticket and limited express ticket at a ticket machine or ticket office at the station. If you have reserved a private compartment seat online, please have the screen showing your reservation details ready and purchase the basic fare ticket and limited express ticket separately.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

As of 2026, Suica, PASMO, and other transportation IC cards cannot be used as basic fare 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 also not supported for boarding.

B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" Seat Information

Seat Types

The B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" has all unreserved seating. Private compartments are available for an additional fare. During peak season, the train can get crowded, so it's best to head to the platform with plenty of time to spare. When booking, you may be able to choose between window and aisle seats. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

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 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

There may be luggage storage space inside the vehicle.

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.

 

 

Enjoy Station Bento Boxes and Onboard Gourmet Food on the B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

On the B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY," there is no onboard sales service. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks around Nagano Station before boarding. Obuse offers a wide variety of chestnut sweets, including chestnut yokan and chestnut kanoko. Nagano is known for its soba noodles and oyaki. In Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, there are many shops selling onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns). 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 B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY"

The B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" has unreserved seating, so you cannot reserve a seat. The stops are different from the A Limited Express, so please check the stops before boarding. The train cars used vary from day to day, and sometimes the "YUKEMURI" train cars are used. It takes more than 30 minutes by bus and on foot to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park, so please allow plenty of time. 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 schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. It makes more stops than the A Limited Express, making it a convenient train for those who want to visit Obuse or Suzaka. It uses the former Limited Express "Narita Express" 2100 series train, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable trip through Shinshu.

Enjoy a trip exploring the towns and hot springs of Shinshu on the B Limited Express "SNOW MONKEY," which also makes a stop in Obuse.

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.