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Jigokudani Monkey Park: Japan Snow Monkeys In Nagano

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Experience the Magic of Japan’s Winter by Visiting the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano

In the winter (and occasionally in the summer), many Japanese snow monkeys can be observed enjoying the natural hot springs, providing unique and amusing photo opportunities.

Consider combining the snow monkey park with a visit to Matsumoto Castle for a 2-day trip from Tokyo.

This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!

Exploring the Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park: A Natural Hot Spring Sanctuary for Japanese Macaques in Nagano, Japan

You will need to take a short hike through the mountains to reach the monkeys at the park, which is situated at the end of a 1.6 kilometer valley.

The “park” consists mainly of a handful of thermal springs, a small souvenir shop with bathrooms, and many entertaining monkeys.

Tourists watch monkeys in a hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Japan

You can get within just a few meters of the monkeys at the main hot spring, where there is a small fence, and take some great pictures of them relaxing. The baby monkeys often join in for the jacuzzi sessions. The Japan snow monkeys are very calm and make for easy photography subjects. If you’ve been to the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali, you’ll find these monkeys to be much more tame. While you should still avoid bringing food into the park, the monkeys are well-behaved and won’t pose any threat to visitors.

Operating Hours

    Summer Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (April to October) Winter Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November to March)

Entry Fee

    • Admission prices:
    • – Adults: ¥800 ($7.35 USD)
    • – Children ages 6-12: ¥400
    – Children ages 5 and under: Free
Grandpa is really enjoying himself!
Young boy lost in deep reflection, pondering the life of monkeys.
A small snow monkey from Japan is seen climbing a tree.
Sitting in the tree
Winter landscape at Jigokudani Monkey Park

Navigating Your Way to the Snow Monkey Park

The Jigokudani Monkey Park can be found in the Nagano prefecture of Japan.

How to Reach Nagano Station from Tokyo and Other Nearby Areas in Japan

Options for Nagano Station can be displayed by entering it into Google Maps.

Map for accessing the park, provided by the official website.

Take the east exit from Nagano Station and you will find an express bus that goes directly to the park. The bus ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and the fare is ¥1,400 each way.

The initial bus departure time in the winter is 8:15 AM, but it changes according to the season. You can find a comprehensive schedule on this website.

You can purchase a combined ticket for ¥3,500 which includes the express bus (round trip) and the park entrance fee for 2 days. Kids pay half the price.

Consider purchasing this if you intend to spend 2 days at the park, but it’s still a money-saving option for a single day visit.

Let’s have a snowball fight!

Hiking Path Leading to the Park

Upon reaching the bus stop for the Snow Monkey Park, you will embark on a picturesque 30-40 minute walk to the hot springs.

You can’t miss this hike, but the beautiful snowy scenery makes it a highlight of the journey.

The path has some snow, mud, and ice, and is slightly uphill at times, but it’s still manageable and I observed many families doing it.

You can rent crampons at the beginning of the trail for added traction, but I don’t believe they are essential, even in the winter.

Ice patches can be easily avoided if you keep an eye out for them.

Snowy mountain village at Jigokudani in Nagano Japan

Snowy pine trees in Nagano Japan

Monkey warning sign at Jigokudani in Nagano Japan

Snowy house in Nagano Japan

Ideal Time for a Visit

Snow monkeys are visible in Japan at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is during the winter months from December to March when there is snow.

You’ll almost certainly see snow and monkeys if you visit in January or February.

Make sure to layer up if you visit in the winter, as temperatures were around 20-25 F (-5 C) when I went in January. It’s significantly colder than Tokyo!

Visit the cozy gift shop near the hot springs to warm up and defrost your hands between watching the monkeys.

Experience a stay at Korakukan, a traditional Ryokan hotel with natural hot springs included, located in a large building.
Some of the funniest language mix-ups I’ve encountered while traveling, no doubt about it! (PS: the path is completely safe!)

Summer Visit

Even if you can only visit the park in the summer, you still have a good chance of spotting the Japan snow monkeys as the park staff regularly feeds them, which keeps them returning.

During the summer, people are less inclined to take a soak in the hot springs, which reduces the opportunities for taking photos even if they do visit.

Check out the live cam on the park’s website to see if the monkeys are active the day before your visit, but keep in mind that the best time to go is during the winter season!

Baby snow monkey sitting by a hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Japan

Best Accommodation Options in Tokyo

K5Kanzashi Hotel
Mitsui Garden Gate Hotel

Top-rated Tours and Activities in Japan

Additional Resources

    Top Attractions in Tokyo, Japan – A Guide to Traditional Temples, Delicious Food, and Stunning Castles