Navigate to the Kanbayashi entrance
Use the official parking/entrance near Kanbayashi Onsen, not the park itself. The official access guide lists free dedicated parking and an approximately 30-minute walk.
The trail is not a paved city path
The approach includes unpaved and uneven surfaces, steps, snow and ice. Wear suitable footwear. The official guide states that wheelchairs and carts cannot use the approach.
Do not use the Shibu forest road in winter
The narrow road from Shibu Onsen to Jigokudani parking is difficult for passing vehicles, unavailable to large vehicles and completely closed in winter. Follow current official access instructions.