Yudanaka Station E-Bike Tour: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen in a Small Group

From Yudanaka, a Cycling Tour to Meet the Monkeys and an Onsen Town

Ride an electric-assist bicycle (an "e-bike") along mountain roads, walk through the forest to watch the monkeys, then head into an old hot spring town. This spring, summer and autumn tour is about enjoying the time in between as much as the scenery itself.

The group is small, with a maximum of 5 guests, and your guide speaks both English and Japanese. With a guide experienced in outdoor tours, you'll explore the nature and streetscapes of the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen area.

Please note that e-bike rental, admission to Jigokudani Monkey Park, and food and drink are not included in the tour fee.

First, Pick Up Your E-Bike at Yudanaka Station and Set Off

Your journey begins at Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway. After picking up your e-bike, you'll head out with your guide along roads winding through the mountains.

The electric assist supplements the power of your pedaling. Even on slopes, you can ride with less effort, leaving you free to enjoy the trees and houses along the way.

Part of the joy of cycling is feeling the scenery shift from town to mountains, along with the seasonal breeze and air. The ride to your destination becomes part of your travel memories.

From Bike to Foot: Walking Through the Forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Reaching Jigokudani Monkey Park involves a section on foot. Once you step off your bike and walk the forest path, you'll feel the trees and mountain air at a different pace from when you were riding.

At the park, you'll watch wild Japanese macaques living in their natural habitat. They spend time with their group, groom one another, and rest wherever they like. Beyond the famous sight of monkeys in the hot spring, take a moment to notice their ordinary daily life.

The surrounding scenery changes with the seasons too: fresh spring greens, deep summer green, and autumn colors. It's a time to enjoy the forest landscape and the monkeys' lives together.

Next, Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen: Ryokan Streets and Lunch

After watching the monkeys, you'll head to the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen area. The scene shifts from mountain nature to the streets of a historic hot spring town.

Take in the atmosphere as you look at the wooden ryokan (traditional inns) and narrow alleys. In the details of the roofs, windows and eaves, you can feel the character of an onsen town that has been preserved for generations.

In Shibu Onsen, there's time to stroll and to have lunch (at your own expense). After cycling and walking in the forest, take a break and savor your time in the onsen town.

Finally, Back to Yudanaka Station to Savor the Onsen Afterglow

The tour ends back at Yudanaka Station. After exploring mountain roads and the onsen town, you can also relax at the foot bath near the station.

If you have time, enjoy a classic onsen-town break before catching your train. If you'd like to use the foot bath, it's handy to bring a small towel.

Looking back on the roads you cycled, the monkeys you met in the forest, and the ryokan streets, you'll close out your day in Yudanaka.

FAQ

■ Where do we meet, and how long does the tour take? We meet at Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway. The tour runs about 4.5 hours, departing at 10:00 and returning at 14:30. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure, and check the latest meeting time and place in the information sent after booking.

■ What is included in the price? The guide's services are included. E-bike rental, admission to Jigokudani Monkey Park, meals, drinks and other personal expenses are extra.

■ Can I join if I'm not used to cycling? The e-bike uses an electric motor to assist your pedaling. If you're unsure about riding a bike at all, please ask before booking whether you can take part. Please also check requirements such as age and height on the plan you book.

■ Do we ride all the way to the park? No. Visiting the park involves a section on foot. If you use the walking trail from the Kamibayashi Onsen side, it takes about 30 minutes one way. Please confirm the actual route and walking time with your guide, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

■ Will I definitely see the monkeys, or monkeys in the hot spring? These are wild monkeys, so there are days when they don't appear at the park. Whether they bathe in the hot spring also depends on the temperature and the monkeys' behavior. In spring, summer and autumn, watching them in the forest and observing their interactions is part of the enjoyment.

■ Is a hot spring bath included? This tour focuses on strolling through the onsen town. You can enjoy the foot bath near the station, but if you'd like to bathe at a ryokan or bathing facility, please check the available times and fees in advance.

■ What happens in rain? Please check the conditions for rainy days on the plan you book. If the operator cancels the tour due to severe weather or similar reasons, you can request a reschedule or a full refund.

Before You Book

• Tour dates and meeting time at Yudanaka Station
• Additional costs such as e-bike rental and park admission
• Riding requirements such as age and height, and the walking sections
• Comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, and the rain and cancellation policy

Prices and itineraries may change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Set off by e-bike from Yudanaka Station, walk the forest path to watch the monkeys' lives, then head into the onsen town. Each time your pace changes, the Shinshu scenery looks different.

Spring's fresh greens, summer's lush green, autumn's colors. Whether it's the roads you ride while feeling the seasonal air or the time spent in the ryokan streets, these are memories only this journey can give you.

Why not set out on a cycling trip from Yudanaka that makes the journey to the monkeys part of the experience?

Details and availability are available at Yudanaka Station Snow Monkey & E-Bike Cycling Tour.