Jigokudani Monkey Park: Witness Nature's Spa Day
Observe wild snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park, a unique wildlife experience in the stunning Japanese Alps.
The Jigokudani Monkey Park offers a rare glimpse into the lives of wild Japanese macaques, famously known as snow monkeys, as they bathe in natural hot springs. Located in the forests of the Jigokudani valley, the park provides a unique opportunity to observe these creatures up close in their natural habitat.
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 during winter (December-March) for the most iconic views of snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs.
- Wear sturdy footwear, especially in winter, as the path to the park can be snowy and slippery.
- Check the park's live camera online to see if the monkeys are present before you go.
- Respect the monkeys by keeping a distance and not touching or feeding them.
- Plan your transport in advance, especially if using public transport, as local bus schedules can be infrequent.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka Station (approximately 50 minutes, ¥1290). From Yudanaka Station, take a local bus to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop (10-15 minutes, ¥310). From the bus stop, it's a 30-40 minute walk through a forest trail to the park entrance. Alternatively, an express bus runs directly from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop (40 minutes, ¥1400 - ¥1800). From there, it is still a 30-40 minute walk to the monkey park.
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Walking
From Shibu Onsen, walk to the Snow Monkey Park. The walk to the entrance of the forest trail takes approximately 30 minutes. From there, it's another 25-40 minute walk through the forest to the park entrance. Note that the road to the paid parking lot near the park may be closed during winter. Some accommodations in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen offer free rides to the parking lot.
Discover more about Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
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