Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen) is a wild Japanese macaque habitat set in a mountain valley in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, world-famous for its 'snow monkeys' that soak in a natural hot spring against a snowy winter backdrop. The monkeys are wild, so they do not appear or bathe every day, and the iconic soaking scenes are most likely in deep winter. Reaching the park requires a walk of about 1.6 km (roughly 30 minutes each way) along a forest trail from the parking and bus area.
Wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in a natural hot spring — an iconic scene found nowhere else in the world
A scenic forest trail of about 1.6 km (around 30 minutes each way) from Kanbayashi Onsen to the park entrance
Dramatic winter scenery of a snow-covered valley and steaming hot spring (best in January–February)
Close-range observation of natural macaque behavior — infants, troop life, and grooming
Easy pairing with the nearby Shibu and Yudanaka hot-spring towns for a classic onsen trip
Good to know
SafetyIn winter the trail becomes very slippery with packed snow and ice, and in places the ground drops away to the river below with no railing. Waterproof, non-slip footwear or simple crampons (ice cleats) are recommended; boots and crampons can be rented near the trailhead.
RulesFeeding the monkeys is strictly prohibited. Feeding makes them aggressive toward humans and disrupts their natural diet.
MannersDo not touch the monkeys or shout, and keep a distance of at least 1–2 meters. Staring directly into their eyes or opening your mouth is read as hostile and can be dangerous.
RulesSelfie sticks, drones, and placing a camera inside the bath — any photography method that startles the monkeys — are prohibited. Ordinary photography is fine.
SafetyMonkeys associate the crinkle of plastic bags with food and may try to snatch your belongings. Eating inside the park is forbidden; leave snacks in the visitor-center lockers and keep valuables in a securely zipped backpack.
SeasonThe soaking scene is most likely from December to March, especially January–February. As these are wild animals, there is no guarantee they will be in the spring on the day you visit — check the park's official social media for current activity before going.
Practical info
Hours run roughly 08:30–17:00 in summer (about April–October) and 09:00–16:00 in winter (about November–March), with no fixed closing days, though weather or disasters can force temporary shortened hours or closure. Admission is roughly ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children (bought on the day at the gate, no advance booking). Confirm current fees, hours, and rules on the official site before visiting. From Nagano Station, take an express bus or the Nagano Electric Railway (Yudanaka Station) to 'Snow Monkey Park,' then walk about 30–35 minutes. The narrow access road to the free parking is dangerous and closed in winter (Dec–Mar), so do not blindly follow GPS during the snow season.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
