Kusatsu Onsen, Snow Monkeys

Hello everyone,

We plan to travel from Tokyo to Kusatsu on 27th december and sleep there over night. We would be very happy to also see the snow monkeys on one of these two days, but we are not sure how to get there. All the roads seems 4 hours away from Kusatsu Onsen to the snow monkeys.
Does anyone have an idea how to plan these two days to fit in both activities?

Kind regards

The direct road between Kusastu and the snow monkeys is closed due to winter in December. As a result, a big detour will be necessary,. If you use public transportation, then the fastest way is to travel via Karuizawa and Nagano (4-5 hours). If you use a car, winter driving skills may be needed, but could use a shorter route (about 2-3 hours).

I was planning to be in Kusatsu a bit earlier from 11/21-11/23, Do you know if the bus to the snow monkey park will be closed then as well?