[2025 Yamanouchi Attraction] Travel Guide for Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) (Updated Apr)

#hotsprings #100waysoftravel Hotspring vacation is very popular in Japan, but have you ever wondered monkeys enjoying hot spring? At Nagano near Shibu Onsen, there is this place called Jigokudani Yaen Koen, which is a hot spring area and the ones using it are not humans, but monkeys. That area is a wild hot spring area with no ryokan or resorts, which is why wild monkeys are usingbthem purely for their own leisure especially during the cold winter. Those apes are also not afraid of humans, probably due to the fact that many tourists visiting there. It is a very interesting site and I hope to visit there again.

On a cold winter day covered in white snow, we arrived at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan, hoping to witness the famous snow monkeys firsthand. As I entered the park, snowflakes gently fell from the sky, adding a touch of magic to this tranquil white world. Upon stepping into the park, we saw a group of adorable wild Japanese macaques playing in the snow. Their furry bodies stood out against the white snow, and their warm fur seemed to tell a story of the cold. Next, we walked to the famous hot spring pool. The snow monkeys here seemed completely indifferent to the outside world, leisurely soaking in the steaming hot springs. They occasionally stirred the water, enjoying the warmth and comfort. Watching their relaxed demeanor, our mood also lightened, as if we too had become part of this serene world, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the moment. The snow monkeys' leisurely attitude taught us that in life, it's okay to slow down and enjoy every moment. This trip to Jigokudani has become one of our most cherished memories.

#naturalscape A photo of a monkey bathing in a hot spring in heavy snow has attracted countless tourists to visit the extremely popular attraction "Jigokudani Monkey Park" in Nagano Prefecture. Established in 1964, it is a park with a natural environment without fences or cages, where you can observe wild Japanese macaques up close. Transportation guide: Jigokudani Monkey Park is located deep in the mountains. No matter where you depart from Japan, please arrive at "JR Nagano Station" first. The easiest and most convenient way is to take the Nagaden Express and get off at the East Exit Bus Station No. 4 (bus The stop sign says Nozawa Onsen. Madarao Plateau direction, Shiga Kogen direction) Take the bus "bound for Kuma no Yu. Inkawa" for 45 minutes and get off at "Snow Monkey Park (SNOW MONKEY PARK)/Kamibayashi Onsenguchi". It takes 45 minutes. , follow the signs and walk for about 40 to 60 minutes to get there. It is highly recommended to purchase the "SNOW MONKEY PASS" snow monkey pass, which includes round-trip transportation and admission to the park. There are not many fixed flights, so be sure to check the return timetable before setting off. I arrived in Nagano at the end of February. The weather was nice and warm. I took the Nagaden Express Bus to reach the mouth of Kamibayashi Hot Spring. Then I followed other tourists and walked along the winding trail for about 40 minutes. There were cliffs on one side and steep slopes on the other. There are no railings at all, which is indeed a bit dangerous in the snow season. The walkway is relatively flat and there are steep stairs until you reach the entrance of the park. After passing the ticket gate of the cabin, you officially enter the Wild Monkey Park. Although they are wild macaques, feeding is prohibited! Along the way, there will be some small macaques lying or sitting on free piles of stones for sunbathing. There are more macaques near the hot spring area. The weather is nice today and the snow has melted, so there are no macaques to take a dip in. There will be staff present secretly throwing feed into the hot spring pool to attract the macaques, which can also satisfy the tourists who come all the way to see the macaques. I have to say that in this wild macaque park, I didn’t see cleaning staff, but no matter whether I walked or walked on the cliff, I couldn’t see the macaque excrement, and there was no strong smell. Macaques should be very used to people walking around. They won't attack or snatch things. They just do their own thing. Even Japanese macaques are very polite. Nagano Prefecture is one of the cities with the largest amount of snow in Japan in winter. When you come to Jigokudani Wild Park in winter, you must wear warm clothes or waterproof snowshoes. There are no rest seats in the natural environment, let alone lockers. The lighter the better. Well, everyone is welcome to visit Nagano. #familytravel # Hell Valley Monkey Park # Nagano # Shanglin Hot Spring # Snow Monkey # Japan # 100 Ways to Travel # Natural Landscape

#100waysoftravel Sharing some amazing photos I took on the trail towards the snow money park in Nagano 🇯🇵! Honestly, the trail is really pretty! So take your time to enjoy the scenery along the way, you will be missing out if you are only focusing on the snow money but forgot to take the time to admire the beautiful nature landscape along the way! 📍Address: Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen), 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan

Getting There - Nagano Attractions - Snow Monkeys 🙉

The Japanese Macaques, more popularly known as the Snow Monkeys, inhabits this park located in the forests of the Jigokudani valley in Yamanouchi. The monkeys love to gather around this man-made onsen pool and it is really interesting to watch them interact and socialize with each other while soaking in the warm pools. The best time to visit this place is during winter months, when the whole place will be covered in snow. The walk to the onsen pool is quite a long but very scenic one. It was very enjoyable walking through the forest trees all covered in snow and the scenic river landscape. #momentssg #nyedestinations #japan

If I could only recommend one place to visit during Winter in Tokyo area, the Jigokudani Money Park will be my choice without a doubt! Located to the nearest city, Tokyo, the monkey park is easily accessible via public transport, and the exact bus/train information can be found easily online. I will highly recommend to plan your trip early in advance so as to not miss any schedule! Once reaching the entrance, there will be a 20mins walk before reaching the park where the snow monkeys live. This 20mins walk is one of the most enjoyable, easy hike because of how beautiful the whole place is when covered with snow. And once you reach the monkey park, that’s where the real fun begins! You will be able to look at the natural habitat and behavior of these snow monkeys, and because nothing is caged, these cute ones may even come running next to you! Just be careful not to do anything that may irritate them. The park although is opened all year round, but I will HIGHLY recommend to visit during the winter season as these place looks the absolute best in snow. One extra tip for those photographers. Make sure to bring a tele zoom lens so you can take photos of the monkey close up! It makes me feel like a Natgeo photographer for a moment! 😂 #unforgettableexperiences #momentssg #japan #tokyojapan #hiking #nationalpark #unforgettableexperiences

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is located at northern Nagano, Japan. It offers visitors the unique experience of seeing wild monkeys bathing in a natural hot spring. The park has one man-made pool around which the monkeys gather, located a few minutes walk from the park entrance. Visitors will likely already encounter monkeys along the path to the pool. Although the park is open all year round, the bathing monkeys are particularly photogenic when the area is covered in snow. There is usually snow in the region from December to March, and the best timing for a visit is January and February. #givethanks #givethanks

In fact, I knew very early on that the Hell Valley Wilderness Court was recently able to make a trip. Walking to the Yeyuan Court is still a bit of a distance, but when you get there, you can see the monkeys. Since the beginning of the protection work, the monkeys are not afraid of tourists, we can all see them in the hot spring pool and it is very comfortable and comfortable. The visit is very good all year round. If you want to see the monkey bath and snow, then choose winter, and you can also find the expression that monkeys enjoy. Transportation: Depart from Nagano City, take the Nagano Electric Railway and get off at Yudanaka Station (note that only the red and green trains in the tram stop can get to the hot springs, that is, about one hour), then sit The bus takes about 10 minutes to Shanglin Hot Spring Station. There are clear road signs to the Hell Valley Wilderness Court, which is about 30 minutes (1.8 km) on foot.

Nagano Hell Valley Monkey Hot Springs Day Tour Winter Go to Nagano Prefecture, encounter heavy snow, this time is the best time to see monkey hot springs. Outside the long gun and short gun, the hot spring pool, the monkeys are relaxing in the hot springs. The monkeys in the wild park of Hell Valley are so calm. tips: 1. Recommend monkey pass, you can buy tickets in Changye and change to Tangtianzhong, including round-trip transportation, monkey hot spring tickets. 2. Monkey Hot Spring is in the park. It takes about 30 minutes to walk. The mountain roads are all dirt roads. When the snow is thick, you can touch the ankles. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes. 3. If there is no suitable shoes, there are snowshoes in the souvenir shop at the entrance of the park, 800 yen 4. There is plenty of time to spend hot springs in the hot springs outside the park, Japan is a bare soup, There is no need to wear a swimsuit, men and women are separated, and they need to enter the hot spring pool after bathing. The hot springs in Hell Valley are very nice and the scenery is beautiful.

Watching the snow monkeys soaking peacefully in the hot springs was like stepping into a different world. Surrounded by falling snow and misty steam, they were completely at ease, almost human in their expressions. It was a magical and serene moment — a rare glimpse into nature’s quiet beauty.#japan #snowmonkey

Last winter, I traded crowded cities and neon lights for a magical encounter with Japan’s most adorable locals—the **snow monkeys** of Jigokudani! Nestled in the rugged mountains of Nagano Prefecture, this park offers a rare glimpse into the lives of wild Japanese macaques who’ve mastered the art of *onsen* (hot spring) relaxation. Here’s why it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike! 🌨️✨ **A Journey into the Snowy Wild** 🌲🏔️ Reaching the park feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film. After a scenic train ride to Nagano, I took a bus through frost-dusted forests to the tiny town of **Yamanouchi**. From there, a 30-minute hike through a snow-covered valley led me to the park’s entrance. The trail, lined with icicle-clad trees and steaming geothermal vents, set the mood for something truly extraordinary. ❄️👣 **Meeting the Macaques: Spa Day, Monkey-Style** ♨️🐒 And then I saw them—dozens of fluffy, pink-faced monkeys lounging in natural hot springs, their fur dusted with snow. Unlike zoo animals, these macaques are wild but habituated to humans. They ignored the awestruck visitors, too busy soaking in the warm waters or grooming each other. Babies tumbled in the snow, while elders sat serenely, their eyes half-closed in bliss. It was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming! 🥰📸 **Why This Experience is Uniquely Japanese** 🇯🇵🌸 The snow monkeys aren’t just a tourist attraction—they’re a symbol of resilience. Locals say the macaques learned to bathe in onsens by watching humans centuries ago! In winter, when temperatures drop to -10°C (14°F), the hot springs become their survival haven. The park’s strict “no feeding” policy ensures they remain wild, adding to the authenticity of the encounter. **Beyond the Monkeys: Cozy Culture** 🍜🍶 After hiking back, I warmed up with a bowl of **Shinshu soba** (Nagano’s buckwheat noodles) and visited nearby **Yudanaka Onsen**, a historic hot spring town. Soaking in a traditional ryokan bath, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, mirrored the monkeys’ own ritual—a beautiful reminder of our connection to nature. 🧖♂️💧 **Tips for Your Snow Monkey Adventure** 🧤🗺️ 1. **When to go**: December to March for snowy magic (peak monkey-spa season!). 2. **Wear**: Waterproof boots, layers, and gloves—the trail gets icy! 3. **Arrive early**: Monkeys are most active in the morning. 4. **Respect the rules**: Keep a 2-meter distance; no touching or feeding. 5. **Combine it**: Pair your visit with a trip to Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple or a ski day in Hakuba! **A Memory Carved in Snow** ❄️💙 Visiting Jigokudani felt like discovering a secret world where humans and nature coexist in quiet harmony. Watching steam rise from the monkeys’ springs as snowflakes drifted down is a scene I’ll never forget—a perfect blend of wilderness, whimsy, and wonder.

📍Address:Nagano

#Spring0yentrip "Jigokudani Monkey Park" located deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture is a world-famous spot where you can see "monkeys bathing in hot springs" ♨️🐵. In winter, the monkeys are so cute as they soak in the bathtub in the snowy scenery! You're sure to be soothed by the sight of them enjoying a hot spring trip ✨. 🐒 ① A rare sight of wild Japanese macaques bathing in a hot spring! "Jigokudani Monkey Park" is home to a group of Japanese macaques 🐒. In the cold winter, you can see the monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs ♨️. Their relaxed expressions while surrounded by the steam of the hot springs are irresistibly cute 😍. ❄️ ② The collaboration with the snowy scenery is beautiful 📸✨ Especially in winter, the whole area is covered in pure white snow, making it a spectacular spot ❄️✨. Steaming hot springs, relaxing monkeys, and snowy scenery... the scenery is just like a painting! This is a recommended spot for photography lovers📷💙. 🌿 ③ The feeling of being in a hidden place, reached by walking along a mountain path, is also appealing! It's about a 30-minute hiking trail to the park🚶♂️. As you walk along the mountain path surrounded by trees, you'll feel as if you've wandered into a hidden place! If you're lucky, you might even encounter monkeys along the way🐵💡. 📍Basic information (check the website for the latest information) ✴︎Address 6845 Heijo, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture ✴︎Access • 🚗 By car: Approximately 30 minutes from the Shinshu Nakano IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway + 30 minutes on foot • 🚌 By public transport: Approximately 40 minutes by bus from Nagano Station to Snow Monkey Park, then 30 minutes on foot from the bus stop ✴︎Price •Adults: 800 yen •Children (up to elementary school age): 400 yen ✴︎Opening hours •Summer (April to October): 8:30 to 17:00 •Winter (November to March): 9:00 to 16:00 Enjoy an extraordinary moment while being soothed by the monkeys relaxing in the hot springs🐒♨️✨! #DomesticTravel #JigokudaniMonkeyPark

One of the must-see attractions in Nagano is Hell Valley! The number of monkeys is visually at least 100 🐒 very exaggerated 😆 However, not all can soak in hot springs ♨️ It seems that they are high-status people can soak 😆 It takes about half an hour to walk from the entrance of Hell Valley to the Monkey Hot Spring location. The park will close at 4pm, it is recommended to arrive at the entrance of Hell Valley before 3:30pm!! Personally, I think it's quite worth coming 👍🏻 💰Tickets 800yen #March Good Places 2025 #Japan #Nagano #Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park #Monkey #Japan Good Places

Walking up to the little monkey may be a bit far, but if you get there, you will find a small smile on your face because it is very cute, unlike the other monkeys you see. It is orderly and not naughty.

I went to see monkeys bathing in hot springs in the snowy scenery 🐒 More than anything, the monkeys here are really friendly, fluffy and especially cute...I was fascinated by their adorable appearance bathing in the hot springs so comfortably!! Be careful, especially in winter, as the ground is very icy underfoot 😱 There are some very muddy areas and slippery slopes and steep slopes that continue for about 30 minutes, so please wear snow shoes ⛷️ It's harder than expected, so I recommend visiting in the season when the ground is not icy underfoot for small children, elderly people, and those who are not confident in their physical strength. *Some people with small children turned back halfway through. Also, I felt that 80% of the customers were foreign tourists, and most of the signs were in English, so even if you are not confident in Japanese, you can rest assured. [Jigokudani Monkey Park] 🕰️Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 *Changes may occur in winter 💰Price per person: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children 📍Location: Get off at "Snow Monkey Park", about 35 minutes walk #Domestic travel #Jigokudani Monkey Park #snowmonkeypark #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano trip #Nagano #Snow monkey #0 yen trip February 2025 #My travel plan #Monkey hot spring

If you want to see these monkeys taking a bath, you have to walk 2 kilometers! 🤣 The scenery along the way is beautiful. If there is snow, it is recommended to buy shoe spikes in advance, which will make walking much faster and safer! 💰Average consumption: NT$800 per adult But it was over in about 5 minutes! 🤣Super small! This pool of bathing monkeys costs 800 yen. It depends on whether you think it is a good deal or not! But the scenery along the way (free) is really nice! But I personally don’t recommend going there if you have children under 5 years old, because there are cliffs along the way and the trail is only wide for 3 people in both directions, which is a bit dangerous. If you are not sure you can control the little devil, it is better not to take risks! #snow scene #hot spring

The snow-covered mountains of Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano offer stunning scenery, and it's the only place in the world where you can see monkeys soaking in hot springs. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is especially beautiful when it snows, showcasing the traditional beauty of Japanese temples. They also sell special cow-themed amulets, which are worth collecting. At Akashina Station in Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy the sight of snow-covered mountains and ducks seeking refuge from the cold. It's a perfect spot for endless photography! 📍Address: Jigokudani Monkey Park Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture Access: ・From JR Nagano Station, take the express bus for about 41 minutes, get off at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, and walk for about 35 minutes ・From the Shinshu-Nakano IC on the expressway, drive to the Kanbayashi Onsen parking lot and walk for about 30 minutes

As I step into Jigokudani, the hot spring pools shrouded in white mist reveal specks of brown, which I initially thought were fallen leaves. Upon closer inspection, I realize that dozens of macaques are soaking in the hot springs with their eyes closed, snow covering their heads like white woolen hats. They stretch their limbs, letting snowflakes melt on their noses, resembling humans relaxing in a hot bath. At this moment, the boundary between humans and nature quietly dissolves. These 'snow monkeys' teach us in their most primitive form that the warmth of winter needs no words to explain. Perhaps true paradise is found in the ordinary moments of tranquility shared by all living things.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Kamibayashi, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture, and is the only place in the world where wild monkeys come to bathe in an open-air snow bath. It is a very popular spot where many foreign tourists visit to see Japanese macaques bathing in the natural hot springs that spring up in the mountains in the bitter cold. The sight of mother and child monkeys and baby monkeys is so heartwarming that you will want to take lots of photos. Although they are wild monkeys, they are actually fed, so they are not wary of humans and will come very close to you when you notice them (of course touching is prohibited). To Jigokudani Monkey Park In winter, the road is closed, so you have to walk about 1.8km from the entrance along the mountain path for about 30 minutes. It's flat so you won't get tired, but it's very slippery with snow, so we recommend shoes with sturdy soles. (Rental shoes and crampons are available at the entrance to the mountain path) 📍6845 Heijo, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 🕰️9:00-16:00 (November-March)/8:30-17:00 (April-October) Open all year round 💰Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children #Seasonal places in Japan #Nagano Prefecture #Amazing views #Wild animals #Hot springs

What’s the point of visiting Nagano in winter and not skiing? but! What’s more important is – eating hot pot in an igloo! This is not only a snow country, but also a paradise for hot pot lovers! 🍲💨 The most special experience of coming to Shinagawa this time was enjoying a snow house hot pot dinner and a simple accommodation plan at **"Snow House Village Restaurant" (レストランかまくら村)** (かまくら夕食とシンプル宿泊プラン)! This place is simply a winter fairy tale, the atmosphere is so beautiful~ 🌟The charm of the snow house hot pot Walking into the pure white snow house, surrounded by walls made of ice and snow, it is warm inside like a secret base! ✨ ✅ Perfect atmosphere: Warm yellow candlelight embellishes the snow-white space, it really feels like walking into a fairy tale world! ✅ Super hot pot: full of Shinshu beef, local vegetables, handmade miso soup base, one bite of the steaming hot pot will instantly drive away the cold~ ✅ Drink Shinshu sake while eating hot pot: Of course you have to try the local sake when you come here, hot sake + hot pot, the most heartwarming combination in winter! 📸 Tips for checking in: • Take a photo of the moment when the hot pot is smoking, with a white background, the atmosphere is instantly maximized! • When the lights are turned on at night, the igloos turn into small glowing castles, which is super romantic! You’ll also have a chance to see fireworks! ! ! 🎿 Things to do in Shinkansen in winter In addition to hot pot, there are other things to do in Nagano in winter! ✔ Ski Resorts: There are many ski resorts nearby, where both novices and veterans can have a blast! 🏂 ✔ Jigokudani Monkey Park: You must go to see the monkeys taking a hot spring bath, they enjoy it more professionally than humans😂! 🐵♨️ ✔ Visit Zenkoji Temple: One of the most historic temples in Japan, and pray for good luck ✨ 💡 Travel Tips 🚆 Transportation: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station, then take a bus to the Snow Village, and you can get there in 2 hours! ❄ Best time to experience: January to February every year, when there is the most snow and the igloo is the most stable! 🧣 Outfit suggestions: It’s super cold outside, so snow boots and down jackets are a must, but it will be warmer when you eat hot pot in the igloo, so remember to wear clothes that are easy to take off! The winter in Shinshu, Nagano is so beautiful, especially the dream experience of eating hot pot in an igloo, which you must experience once in your life! ❄️🍲 Eat well, soak in hot springs, and ski, and enjoy the perfect winter travel~ Hurry up and plan your next snow country adventure! ✨ #Register for February Hotel Test Sleeper 2025

#newyearnewtrip Visiting Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, or Hell Valley Monkey Park, is a unique and unforgettable experience. Located in the mountainous region of Nagano, this park is famous for its wild snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, that bathe in natural hot springs. The sight of these monkeys relaxing in steaming pools surrounded by snow-covered landscapes is nothing short of magical, especially during the winter months. The park itself is nestled in a picturesque valley, offering a beautiful walking trail through a dense forest, leading visitors to the hot springs where the monkeys gather. Beyond the monkeys, the area is rich in natural beauty, with geothermal features like bubbling hot springs and sulfur vents adding to the dramatic landscape. Whether you're a nature lover, animal enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience in Japan, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen offers an unforgettable adventure that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

#mountainhike The only place in earth where monkey's bathe in hot spring. Nagano Japan, only an hour and 30mins by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Get to see this natural phenomenom where Snow Monkeys bathe at Japanese Onsens. Prepare to hike 3km from gate to see them. #japan #nagano #snowmonkeys #onsen

#mountainhike Hiking through a winter wonderland, surrounded by towering snow-covered trees, and then—just like that—you spot them. Wild Japanese macaques, better known as snow monkeys, soaking in the steaming hot springs as if they own the place (because, well, they do). There’s something magical about seeing them up close, their fur dusted with snow, completely unbothered by the cold. The 1.6 km hike to the park is part of the adventure—just be sure to wear proper boots in winter! Would you trek through the snow to meet these adorable hot spring lovers? #jigokudanimonkeypark #snowmonkeys #japanhiking #wintermagic #mountainhike

#getgoing2025 Jigokudani Monkey Park This unique hot spring area in Yamanouchi, Nagano, is famous for its population of wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) that bathe in the warm waters during the winter. Watching these monkeys relax in the onsen (hot springs) is a truly unforgettable experience. The park provides a rare opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Japan is easy and fun to travel to. I bought a ticket to my accommodation on the first day. I went to the monkey hot springs. Haha. I bought Wi-Fi and an IC card.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a rare spot in the world where you can observe wild Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs up close 🐒 Watching the monkeys leisurely enjoy the hot springs amidst the snow-covered winter scenery brought a sense of tranquility ☺️ The park is surrounded by rich nature, allowing you to enjoy interactions with the natural environment. 📍Location: 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture, 381-0401 ※ It's about a 2-kilometer walk from the dedicated parking lot of Jigokudani Monkey Park! In winter, the path can be slippery due to ice, so it's safer to wear anti-slip shoes or hiking boots.