Discover the Enchanting Snow Monkey Park
Experience the captivating charm of Japan's Snow Monkey Park, where playful macaques meet stunning natural landscapes in Nagano's serene mountains.
Nestled in the serene mountains of Nagano, the Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) invites tourists to witness Japan's famous snow monkeys in their natural habitat. This unique nature preserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these playful creatures as they soak in natural hot springs amidst breathtaking snowy landscapes. Ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the park is a must-visit destination that showcases the beauty of Japanese wildlife and culture.
A brief summary to Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
- 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Hirao, Shimotakai District, Nagano, 381-0401, JP
- +81269-33-4379
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to see the monkeys at their most active and enjoy fewer crowds.
- Dress warmly in winter months, as temperatures can drop significantly in the mountains.
- Bring a camera with a zoom lens for better wildlife photography without disturbing the monkeys.
- Respect the park's rules and keep a safe distance from the monkeys to ensure both your safety and their well-being.
- Consider visiting during weekdays for a more peaceful experience, as weekends can be busier.
Getting There
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Car
From Buzen, take Route 10 toward Oita. Continue on Route 10 until you reach the junction with Route 57. Merge onto Route 57 and continue north. Follow the signs for Nagano using the expressway, which will require a toll fee. After entering Nagano Prefecture, take the exit for Nagano City and follow the signs for the Zenkoji Temple, which will lead you toward the mountains. Once you are in the vicinity of the park, follow the signs for Jigokudani Yaen Koen. The park's address is 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401. Note that parking is available near the park, but may incur a small fee.
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Public Transportation
From Buzen, take a train to Nagano City. You'll likely need to transfer at a few stations, possibly using the JR Kyushu Line to Fukuoka and then transferring to the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano Station. Upon arriving at Nagano Station, take a local train to Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Line. From Yudanaka Station, you can catch a bus to Jigokudani Yaen Koen. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around 500 yen. Be sure to check the bus schedule in advance, as service may be limited, especially during off-peak times.
Discover more about Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
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