Introduction
Japanese macaques soaking blissfully in a hot spring deep in a snowy valley — this iconic scene has become known worldwide as the “Snow Monkeys,” and international media have repeatedly featured them as “the world’s most famous hot-spring-loving monkeys.” Jigokudani Monkey Park, located in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, is the one and only place on earth where you can observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in a natural hot spring up close.
Situated at an elevation of 850 meters in the mountains, the park is home to approximately 160 Japanese macaques. The sight of monkeys soaking in the hot spring to escape the winter cold is a uniquely Japanese scene of humans and nature coexisting, attracting about 300,000 visitors per year — roughly one-third of whom are international tourists.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Jigokudani Monkey Park, covering its history, highlights, and tips for your visit. It is a must-read before heading out to see the Snow Monkeys.
Jigokudani Monkey Park Overview
| Official Name | Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Jigokudani Monkey Park) |
|---|---|
| Address | 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture |
| Elevation | Approximately 850 meters |
| Number of Monkeys | Approximately 160 (varies by troop) |
| Opening Hours | Summer (Apr–Oct) 8:30–17:00 / Winter (Nov–Mar) 9:00–16:00 |
| Admission | Adults 800 yen, Children 400 yen |
| Closed | Open year-round (temporary closures may occur) |
| Parking | Kanbayashi Onsen free parking lot (approx. 80 spaces) |
Jigokudani Monkey Park is situated in the Jigokudani hot spring area at the foot of Shiga Kogen. The name “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley) comes from the steep cliffs surrounding the gorge and the steam rising from hot springs everywhere, creating a landscape that resembles hell. From the Kanbayashi Onsen parking lot, visitors must walk approximately 1.6 kilometers along a forest trail to reach the park — a pleasant journey through lush natural surroundings.
The Japanese macaques (scientific name: Macaca fuscata) living here are a completely wild troop and are not kept in cages or enclosures. The park simply opens part of the monkeys’ natural habitat to visitors, and the monkeys freely come and go between the mountains and the park. As a result, there are days when viewing may not be possible if the monkeys have retreated into the mountains (this is especially common during autumn when mountain fruits are abundant).
History of Jigokudani Monkey Park
The Founding — The Beginning of Human-Monkey Coexistence (1960s)
Jigokudani Monkey Park was officially established in 1964. Behind its founding was the serious problem of crop damage caused by Japanese macaques. In the 1950s, monkeys raided crops such as apples and corn in the farming villages of Yamanouchi, causing significant losses. Kill or coexist — in response to this dilemma, Ryosuke Goto, who ran an inn in the Shiga Kogen area at the time, proposed the idea of luring the monkeys deeper into the mountains and feeding them there to reduce crop damage.
Over the course of approximately two years, Goto built a relationship of trust with the troop and succeeded in establishing them near the hot springs of Jigokudani. In 1964, Jigokudani Monkey Park was officially opened as a facility where visitors could observe wild monkeys up close. Initially, the main visitors were Japanese zoologists and enthusiasts, but word of this unique attraction gradually spread.
The Birth of “Snow Monkeys” — Discovery of Hot-Spring-Bathing Monkeys (1963–)
The monkeys of Jigokudani first began bathing in the hot spring during the winter of 1963. It is said that a young monkey entered the hot spring to retrieve an apple that had fallen near the water. Having discovered the warmth of the spring, the young monkey returned to bathe repeatedly, and eventually other monkeys began to imitate the behavior.
This behavior attracted considerable attention in the field of animal behavioral science. As a prime example of “cultural transmission” — where a behavior accidentally started by one individual spreads throughout an entire troop — researchers from around the world began visiting Jigokudani. Today, many monkeys bathe in the hot spring particularly on cold winter days, and it has been observed that females and young monkeys tend to bathe more frequently than males.
Initially, the monkeys would enter the outdoor baths of hot spring inns used by humans, which caused problems. In 1967, a dedicated hot spring pool was built exclusively for the monkeys. The pool where the monkeys bathe today is this monkey-exclusive hot spring.
Growth into a World-Famous Tourist Attraction (2000s–Present)
Jigokudani Monkey Park gained worldwide fame from the 2000s onward. After the American magazine LIFE prominently featured photographs of monkeys bathing in the hot spring amid the snow, they became known internationally by the nickname “Snow Monkeys” and were frequently covered by overseas media. BBC, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and other major global media outlets and travel guides featured the park one after another, and tourism surged particularly from Western countries and Australia.
Current annual visitor numbers stand at approximately 300,000, with about one-third being international tourists. The park has become one of Nagano Prefecture’s major tourist attractions, and tours combining it with the nearby Yudanaka Shibu Onsen area and Shiga Kogen are very popular. In 2015, “Snow Monkey Resorts,” an English-guided tour service, was established, drawing attention as a model example of inbound tourism.
However, concerns have also been raised about the impact on the monkeys due to the rapid increase in visitors. The park has established rules such as “do not touch the monkeys,” “do not show food,” and “do not use flash photography,” and continues efforts to maintain an appropriate distance between visitors and wild animals.
Highlights and Recommended Points
Here are the key points to look out for when visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Snow Monkeys Soaking in the Hot Spring
The top highlight is, without a doubt, the sight of monkeys bathing in the hot spring. On cold winter days, more than ten monkeys may soak in the spring at the same time, narrowing their eyes in bliss — a scene of pure paradise. The bathing scene on snowy days is particularly stunning, with the monkeys set against a backdrop of white snow like a living painting.
The monkeys mainly bathe during winter (December to March), and the colder the day, the higher the chances of seeing them in the water. In summer, they rarely enter the hot spring, but you can still enjoy observing the monkeys’ social behaviors — grooming, child-rearing, playing — up close throughout the year.
Observing Monkey Social Behavior
The monkeys of Jigokudani are a completely wild troop with a complex social structure. The troop has a hierarchy among both males and females, and grooming is an important behavior for strengthening social bonds. The relationship between mother and baby monkeys is particularly heartwarming — watching babies cling to their mothers or siblings chase each other around is sure to warm your heart.
The park staff assign individual names to each monkey and keep track of their personalities and relationships. If you are lucky, staff members may share anecdotes about specific monkeys.
Shibu Jigokudani Geyser — A Natural Monument
Near the entrance to the park stands the Shibu Jigokudani Geyser, designated as a National Natural Monument. This geyser shoots hot water up to approximately 20 meters high from between the rocks — a powerful natural phenomenon that truly brings the name “Hell Valley” to life. The area around the geyser is filled with the smell of sulfur, allowing you to feel the energy of the earth with all your senses.
Nature Through the Four Seasons
The appeal of Jigokudani Monkey Park extends beyond winter Snow Monkeys. In spring, you can watch the monkeys relaxing in a valley wrapped in fresh greenery. Summer offers refreshing walks dappled with sunlight through the trees. During autumn foliage season, the colorful trees create a beautiful contrast with the monkeys. However, in autumn, the monkeys may not descend from the mountains due to the abundance of wild fruits, making sightings somewhat less certain than in winter.
Tips and Important Notes for Your Visit
Clothing and What to Bring
Since you need to walk approximately 1.6 kilometers along a mountain trail to reach the park, sturdy walking shoes are essential. In winter, the path becomes a snowy trail, so waterproof boots or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Slip-on spikes provide additional security. Warm clothing is also crucial — a hat, gloves, and a warm coat are must-haves.
Rules and Etiquette
To ensure coexistence with wild animals, please observe the following rules:
- Do not touch or approach the monkeys too closely
- Do not show or give food to the monkeys
- Do not stare directly into the monkeys’ eyes (this is perceived as a threat)
- Do not use flash photography
- Do not make loud noises
Best Time to Visit
The monkeys are most actively bathing in the hot spring during the cold hours from morning to early afternoon in winter. Arriving around 9:00 AM when the park opens is recommended. In the afternoon, the monkeys may retreat to the mountains, so plan to visit early in the day.
Nearby Attractions
Yudanaka Shibu Onsen
The closest hot spring town to Jigokudani Monkey Park is Yudanaka Shibu Onsen. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, this hot spring district features nine public bathhouses (soto-yu) scattered along cobblestone streets. The Kanaguya ryokan in Shibu Onsen is particularly famous for its atmospheric wooden architecture, said to be one of the inspirations for the bathhouse in the animated film Spirited Away. Warming up in a hot spring after seeing the Snow Monkeys is an unforgettable experience.
Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen, known as a ski resort in winter and a hiking destination in summer, is also nearby. A winter travel itinerary combining Jigokudani Monkey Park with skiing is extremely popular among international travelers as well.
How to Get There
By Train
From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station (approximately 45 minutes, or about 40 minutes by limited express). From Yudanaka Station, take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen (approximately 15 minutes). From the Kanbayashi Onsen parking lot, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to the park. From Tokyo to Nagano Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
By Car
From the Joshinetsu Expressway “Shinshu-Nakano IC,” it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the Kanbayashi Onsen parking lot. Parking is free (approximately 80 spaces), but it can get crowded on winter weekends. Snow tires or chains are required in winter.
Conclusion
Jigokudani Monkey Park is the only place in the world where you can see wild Japanese macaques bathing in a hot spring. What began as a solution to crop damage has, over 60 years of history, given rise to the global brand of “Snow Monkeys” and stands as a shining example of the possibility of coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The sight of monkeys soaking in a hot spring surrounded by snow is a miraculous scene born from Japan’s nature and culture. If you visit Nagano in winter, be sure to make a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
