Matsumoto day trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Hi,

I will be heading to the snow monkeys on a day trip from Matsumoto during early April. I'm not sure which is better - heading to the park by taking bus from Nagano station or bus from Yudanaka station.
Which do you suggest?

Also how many hours do you think I will be spending there? Will there be any surplus time for me to visit other places within the region (i.e. Nagano city) before heading back to Matsumoto by 5pm?


Thanks.

Easiest is getting the train Matsumoto to Nagano and then the bus (just one transfer). From Nagano to the monkeys and back takes a few hours. We visited the park in the morning and had time for lunch (soba) before getting the bus and train back to our accommodation near Nagano - time for an afternoon onsen :)