Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
by WenJIGOKUDANI YAENKOEN 地獄谷野猿公苑
LOCATION: Yudanaka Shibu Onsen, Yamanouchi town, Nagano prefecture, Japan
DISTANCE: About 33km from Nagano city, 7km from Yudanaka station, 2.5km from Shibu Onsen
HOURS: Summer (April-October) 8:30am-5:00pm | Winter (November-March) 9:00am-4:00pm
Experience the wonder of wild monkeys bathing in a steaming hot spring.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, nestled in Japan's Nagano Prefecture, offers visitors a truly unique experience. The park hosts Japanese macaques, famously known as snow monkeys, providing a rare opportunity to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Winter transforms the park into a magical landscape, with snow-covered trees and steaming hot springs.
The park’s main attraction is the sight of snow monkeys soaking in the warm waters. These playful animals exhibit fascinating behaviors, from grooming each other to frolicking in the snow. Capturing these moments on camera is a popular activity among visitors. While the hike to the park can be challenging in winter, the reward of encountering these wild animals makes the journey worthwhile.
The heavy snow covers the ground for 4 months a year. This place is only accessible via a narrow 2 kilometer footpath through the forest. It is famous for the wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys). The monkeys are fed by park attendants everyday so you can see them in the hot springs all year round.
It's 1.6km hike to the monkey park. It's not an easy hike, especially if it's raining or snowing, as it's very icy and slippery uphill (about a 45 minute walk). Be sure to wear proper shoes or you can rent a cramp-on as well. There are a very narrow ramp on the left.
Entrance is on top of the hill, there are a small gift shop and toilets in the building. Then you walk down to the river, where the monkeys are feeding, playing, and bathing in the onsen. While we were there it snowed heavily, there was a layer of snow on my eyelashes at times!
Discover the enchanting sight of monkeys bathing in nature's jacuzzi.
There are literally hundreds of monkeys running up the snowy slopes, in the river and bathing in the onsen. They looked so relaxed. Remember NO food is allowed near the monkeys as they will try to take it from you! Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park was definitely a highlight of my Japan trip. The journey there was an adventure in itself – a snowy hike through a stunning winter wonderland. But the moment I caught my first glimpse of the monkeys soaking in the natural hot spring, I knew it was all worth it. These little guys were incredibly curious and playful. I couldn't believe how close I was able to get.
It was surreal watching these wild creatures relax in the same way humans do. It felt like a glimpse into a hidden world. The park itself was beautifully preserved, and it was clear that a lot of care goes into protecting both the monkeys and the environment. I left feeling a deep respect for these animals and their ability to thrive in such harsh conditions.
See monkeys plunge into a soothing hot spring.
Seeing snow monkeys soaking in a natural hot spring is something I'll never forget. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park was truly a magical experience. The hike through the snowy forest was invigorating, and the moment I caught sight of those adorable creatures, I was in awe. Watching their playful antics and their utter relaxation in the warm water was incredibly heartwarming.
It felt like I was witnessing a secret world. While it was crowded, the park was well-managed, and I appreciated the efforts to protect both the monkeys and the environment. A definite bucket list item!
Next, we are going to visiting the Daio Wasabi farm~
