Jigokudani Yaen Koen, located in Yamanouchi Town in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, is the only place in the world where you can see Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs. Internationally, it is widely known as the "Snow Monkey Park."
This spot is popular year-round for observing wild monkeys up close, but it is especially crowded in winter, when many travelers from around the world come to catch a glimpse of the "snow monkeys" enjoying the hot springs in the snowy landscape. In this article, we will introduce in detail this famous winter destination in Nagano, which is also extremely popular among international visitors.
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What is Jigokudani Monkey Park? The World-Famous Home of the Snow Monkeys
Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in a lush valley in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, and is a spot where you can observe wild Japanese macaques up close.
This area sits at an elevation of 850 m and is one of Japan's heaviest snowfall regions, with snow covering the ground for about one-third of the year. Surrounded by steep cliffs and with hot spring steam rising from various places, the landscape has long been called "Jigokudani" ("Hell Valley") because it looks like hell itself. Despite the harsh natural environment, the monkeys living here are remarkably peaceful and roam freely without fear of people.
💬 Editor's Experience Report
- You can see monkeys up close: You can feel surprisingly close to the wild monkeys. I was captivated by the adorable sight of mother monkeys holding their babies.
- Experience the great outdoors: The mountain path leading to Jigokudani Monkey Park is enveloped in tranquility, and just walking along it allows you to feel the grandeur of Japanese nature. The journey to the destination is also one of the unique charms of this place.
When Can You See Monkeys Bathing in Hot Springs? Important Points to Note
The biggest highlight of the Snow Monkey Park is, without a doubt, the sight of wild monkeys relaxing in the hot springs.
However, the monkeys do not enter the hot springs for the entertainment of tourists. For them, the hot springs are a way to survive the harsh winter cold. Therefore, from spring to autumn, when the weather is warmer, the monkeys rarely enter the hot springs. The iconic sight of snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs amid the snow can basically only be seen during the winter season (around December to March).
💡Points to Know
- Humans are not allowed to bathe with the monkeys: This hot spring is managed exclusively for Japanese macaques, so humans are not allowed to enter the hot spring with the monkeys.
- There is no guarantee you will see monkeys: All the monkeys in the park are completely wild animals. Even during opening hours, depending on the monkeys' mood or the conditions in the mountains (such as food availability), there may be days or times when no monkeys appear in the park.
[Latest for 2026] Date-Specific Online Ticket Reservations to Be Introduced at Jigokudani Yaen Koen
At Jigokudani Monkey Park, a date-specific online ticketing system is scheduled to be introduced from August 2026 to alleviate congestion.
In recent years, the number of visitors from both Japan and abroad has increased, and according to reports, the number of daily visitors can reach 3,000 to 4,000 people. Due to the long lines that form in front of the ticket booth, The park plans to introduce a date-specific online ticketing system that allows visitors to purchase tickets in advance, helping to ease congestion.
According to the official website, if you do not have a pre-purchased ticket, you may have to wait to enter, and depending on the level of congestion, you may not be able to enter at all. If you are planning to visit, be sure to check the latest information on the official Jigokudani Monkey Park website before you depart.
Source: Jigokudani Monkey Park Official Website "Regarding the Introduction of Online Ticket Sales"
Jigokudani Monkey Park Opening Hours and Seasonal Highlights
Jigokudani Monkey Park is open year-round, but opening hours vary by season. Also, since the park features wild animals, hours may change suddenly depending on the weather or the monkeys’ behavior.
- Summer (April–October): 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Winter (November–March): 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
💡 Important Notes for Visiting in Winter
In winter, Nagano gets dark very early. Although the park closes at 4:00 PM during winter, it becomes dark quickly around closing time. There are no streetlights at all on the single walking path from the park to the parking lot or bus stop. The path can be very slippery due to snow and ice, making it quite dangerous. If you plan to stay until closing time in winter, be sure to bring a flashlight or use your smartphone's flashlight, dress warmly, and wear snow boots that are easy to walk in.
How to Access Jigokudani Monkey Park
You can access Jigokudani Monkey Park by public transportation (train and bus) or by car. The nearest station is Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Line.
- By public transportation:
From Yudanaka Station, take the Nagaden Bus (Kanbayashi Line or Shiga Kogen Line) for about 15 minutes. Get off at either the "Kanbayashi Onsen" bus stop or the "Snow Monkey Park" bus stop. From there, it is about a 35-minute walk along a scenic nature trail to the park entrance.
Nearby Attractions, Accommodation, and Visitor Tips
The area around Jigokudani Monkey Park (Yamanouchi Town area) is full of attractive sightseeing spots and accommodation options. After enjoying the snow monkeys at your leisure, staying overnight at one of the nearby onsen towns is highly recommended.
Sightseeing and Accommodation Around Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen Area:
Right near the park, you’ll find the retro and beautiful Japanese streetscapes of "Shibu Onsen" and "Yudanaka Onsen." There are many ryokan and hotels here, making it an ideal base for international travelers.
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Prohibited Activities at Jigokudani Monkey Park
To prevent trouble within the park and to protect the wild monkeys, please be sure to follow the rules below.
- Selfie sticks are prohibited: The monkeys may be frightened by these devices or mistake them for an attack, so taking photos with selfie sticks is prohibited within the park.
- Do not touch, feed, or show food to the monkeys: In order to maintain their natural behavior as wild animals, even if a monkey comes close to you, never touch them or give them food.
For more details on how to interact with the monkeys, please refer to the official website of Jigokudani Monkey Park. To ensure a safe visit, make sure to check the information before you go.
https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/caution/
How to Photograph the Monkeys and Important Points
At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you are allowed to take photos and videos. The official website’s “Visitor Guidelines” provides the following information about photography:
Photography and video recording are permitted, including the use of flash.
However, please do not bring your camera, smartphone, or other devices too close to the monkeys when taking photos.
Source: Jigokudani Monkey Park Official Website “Visitor Guidelines”
When visiting the park, you’ll find yourself very close to the monkeys, and there are many moments you’ll want to capture on camera. Some visitors try to take selfies with the monkeys, but chasing after them or persistently pointing your camera at them can cause the monkeys stress.
It’s natural to want to take photos of their adorable appearance, but please remember that they are wild animals. Enjoy taking pictures while keeping a respectful distance.
Jigokudani Monkey Park | Basic Information
- Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station. Get off at “Kanbayashi Onsen” or “Snow Monkey Park” bus stop, then walk about 35 minutes.
- Opening Hours: [April–October] 8:30–17:00 [November–March] 9:00–16:00
- Closed: Open year-round (no holidays)
- Admission: 800 yen for ages 18 and over, 400 yen for elementary to high school students
- Wi-Fi: Not available inside the park (Wi-Fi is available in some nearby facilities such as “Snow Monkey Park Information Reception” near the entrance)
- Languages: Official pamphlets and information signs are available in Japanese and English
- Payment Methods:
- Credit Cards: Accepted (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, etc.)
- Electronic Money: Accepted (IC transportation cards, etc.)
*QR code and barcode payments are not accepted - Official Website: Here (Japanese & English)
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