Experience the Serenity of Jigokudani Valley
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Jigokudani Valley, home to stunning landscapes and the iconic snow monkeys of Nagano.
Jigokudani Valley, a stunning scenic spot in Nagano, Japan, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, particularly the famous snow monkeys. This natural wonder is a must-visit for any traveler seeking tranquility and beauty in the Japanese Alps.
A brief summary to Jigokudani Valley
- Hirao, Yamanochi, Hirao, Shimotakai District, Nagano, 381-0401, JP
- +81269-33-4379
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the winter months for the best chance to see snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs.
- Bring a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, as the trails can be uneven.
- Check the weather before your visit to dress appropriately for the outdoor conditions.
- Plan to spend several hours to fully enjoy hiking and observing the wildlife.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car from Shinano, take Route 18 towards Nagano city. Follow the signs for Hirao and continue on Route 292. The journey will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Once you reach Hirao, look for the signs directing you to Jigokudani Valley, which is well signposted. There is parking available near the entrance of the valley, but a small parking fee may apply, so be prepared with some cash.
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Public Transportation
To reach Jigokudani Valley using public transportation, start at the nearest train station, which is Nagano Station. From there, take the Nagano Dentetsu Line towards Yamanouchi. The train ride will take about 40 minutes. Get off at Yamanouchi Station. From Yamanouchi Station, you can take a local bus that heads to Jigokudani Monkey Park. The bus ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Make sure to check the bus schedule in advance as it may not run frequently. Upon arriving at the park, it’s a short walk to Jigokudani Valley.
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Taxi
An alternative option is to take a taxi from Nagano Station directly to Jigokudani Valley. This is a convenient but more expensive option, costing around 10,000 to 15,000 yen depending on traffic and time of day. The taxi ride will take about 30-40 minutes. Ensure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Discover more about Jigokudani Valley
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Heiwa Kannon Statue, DaihiDen Temple
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日本最高所 水準点標石 (No.10809)
10.4 km
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Highest Point of Japan’s National Routes
10.4 km
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Yugama
12.0 km
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Kusatsu Hot spring Tourist Association.
17.3 km
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Zenkōji Main Hall
25.6 km
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温泉グランピング シマブルー（Shima Blue Cafe）
28.3 km
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Shima Tamura
28.3 km
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Sekizenkan Kashoutei
28.4 km
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Shima Onsen
28.4 km
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Shima Grand Hotel
28.5 km
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Kashiwaya Café
28.6 km
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Kawanakajima Old Battlefield
29.1 km
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Naeba Ski Resort
29.1 km
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Toshimaya
29.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Jigokudani Funsen Fountain
0.0 km
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Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
0.1 km
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Shibu Hot Spring
2.5 km
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Public bath No.9 O-yu
2.5 km
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Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen
2.5 km
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Tamamura Honten
2.5 km
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Shigakogen Sun Valley Ski Area
2.8 km
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Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort
3.0 km
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Shiga Kogen
3.2 km
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Yudanaka Onsen Seifuso
4.4 km
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YAMABOKU Wild Snow Park
7.2 km
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Kokugonji
10.0 km
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Gansho-in
11.9 km
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Jokoji
12.2 km
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Hokusai Museum
13.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Japanese Dining GOEN
4.3 km
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Chalet Christiania
7.9 km
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UNJAUNE MADARAO / あんじゃね斑尾
20.1 km
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Sooyu Restaurant
21.3 km
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SUMINOYA YAKINIKU
21.3 km
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Akebitei
21.3 km
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Pinchi's Place Bar & Restaurant
22.7 km
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Onjaku
24.1 km
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Capitan Italian Restaurant
24.7 km
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Lumber Jack
24.8 km
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Funagoya 舟小屋
25.0 km
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Guest House LAMP
25.0 km
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Arrowhead Tavern (Nojiri Coffee)
25.1 km
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NICOLI
25.2 km
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Yayoiza
25.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop
1.4 km
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オープンガーデンkurumaya-ハーブ
22.8 km
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First Supermarket Furuma Store
22.9 km
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siki
23.4 km
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Minemura Liquor Store
23.4 km
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vrac market/canteen(バラックマーケット/食堂)
24.8 km
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Sports Mate Sunayama
24.8 km
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Shinano Shobo
25.0 km
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Yorozuya Liquor Store
25.0 km
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OND WORK SHOP
25.0 km
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Centotto Gelato
25.7 km
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Lollipop スキー・スノーボード・カフェ
25.7 km
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Roadside Station Shinano
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Nagano Tokyu Department Store
26.2 km
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MIDORI Nagano
26.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
スポーツBARフィオ
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Tap That!
20.1 km
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音楽堂MAMI
20.1 km
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Peppermint Blues
20.1 km
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Drop Off Bar
20.2 km
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Madarao Jazzy
20.2 km
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End Bar
20.2 km
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The Sundeck
20.2 km
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The Avenue - Restaurant & Bar
20.4 km
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ラウンジ ラウレア
22.2 km
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Booze shelter ブーズシェルター
22.4 km
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Bird
25.7 km
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BAR ROCK BREEZE（バー・ロック・ブリーズ）
25.9 km
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The Red Dragon
26.0 km
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BA BAR
26.0 km
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