Discover the Enchantment of Snow Monkey Park
Experience the unique wildlife of Japan at Snow Monkey Park, home to playful macaques soaking in natural hot springs amidst stunning mountain scenery.
Nestled in the scenic mountains of Nagano, Snow Monkey Park offers a unique opportunity to observe Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. With stunning views and an immersive experience, it's a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
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
Local tips
- Visit during the winter months for the best chance to see snow monkeys in hot springs.
- Bring a good camera for stunning photography opportunities, especially in snowy conditions.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be uneven.
- Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Respect the wildlife; do not feed the monkeys or attempt to touch them.
Getting There
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Car
From Shinano, take Route 117 and head towards Nagano. Continue on Route 117 for approximately 30 km until you reach the town of Yamanouchi. Once in Yamanouchi, follow the signs for Jigokudani Yaen Koen, which will direct you to Route 292. Merge onto Route 292 and follow it for about 10 km. You will see signs for Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) as you approach. Parking is available near the park entrance, but there may be a parking fee of around 500 yen.
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Train and Bus
Take the Nagano Electric Railway from Shinano Station to Yudanaka Station. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Yudanaka Station, transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu bus bound for Jigokudani Yaen Koen. The bus ride will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Make sure to check the bus schedule ahead of time, as services may be limited. The bus fare is around 500 yen one way. Once you reach the park, you will need to walk approximately 30 minutes along a well-marked trail to reach the snow monkey area.
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Taxi
If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi from Shinano. The taxi ride will take about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and will cost approximately 5,000 to 7,000 yen. This is the most convenient method if you are traveling with a group or have luggage.
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