Jigokudani Monkey Park Yamanouchi
Witness the world's only wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs amidst a serene mountain landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for snow & bathing
Jigokudani Monkey Park Yamanouchi
Best Time
Best chance for snow & bathing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the world's only wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs amidst a serene mountain landscape.
"Truly an unforgettable experience, watching the monkeys up close in their natural setting was incredible."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the park is about 20-30 mins, with some stairs. Good footwear is essential!
⏰ Go Early for Activity
Monkeys are most active in the morning. Arriving early increases your chances of seeing them bathe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snow Monkeys in Hot Springs
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Witness the unique sight of Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs, especially enchanting in winter.
Scenic Forest Walk
Path to Jigokudani Monkey Park
Enjoy a peaceful 20-30 minute stroll through a beautiful forest, with a stream and tall trees, as part of the experience.
Baby Monkeys (Seasonal)
Jigokudani Monkey Park
During breeding season, adorable baby monkeys can be seen playing, adding extra charm to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Walk to the Monkeys
Monkey Activity Varies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the park is about 20-30 mins, with some stairs. Good footwear is essential!
⏰ Go Early for Activity
Monkeys are most active in the morning. Arriving early increases your chances of seeing them bathe.
💰 Ticket Vending Machine Tip
You can save 800 yen by buying tickets via a vending machine after getting instructions from tourist info.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses run regularly from the station (Platform 23) to the park area, taking about 40-50 minutes.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the park is about 20-30 mins, with some stairs. Good footwear is essential!
⏰ Go Early for Activity
Monkeys are most active in the morning. Arriving early increases your chances of seeing them bathe.
💰 Ticket Vending Machine Tip
You can save 800 yen by buying tickets via a vending machine after getting instructions from tourist info.
🚌 Easy Bus Access
Buses run regularly from the station (Platform 23) to the park area, taking about 40-50 minutes.
📸 Respect the Monkeys
Do not feed or touch the monkeys. Maintain a safe distance and enjoy observing them in their natural habitat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Jigokudani Monkey Park for its unique and unforgettable experience of seeing snow monkeys bathe in hot springs. The scenic forest walk is also a highlight, adding to the overall charm. While the monkeys' activity can vary, the natural beauty and the chance to observe these fascinating creatures make it a highly recommended destination.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stow Monkey Park is such a wonderful experience! The walk up to the park is beautiful — a shaded path along a peaceful stream surrounded by tall trees, which makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The entrance fee is very reasonable at just 800 yen. The park is well maintained, with public restroom and a free drinking water machine available, plus a nice little gift shop. Watching the monkeys up close in their natural setting was absolutely incredible — truly an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!"
Olga Lonska
"We visited the Snow Monkey Park in early July and had a wonderful experience. It’s a small, unique park where you can see the famous Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. Because it was breeding season, there were lots of adorable baby monkeys everywhere—even before entering the park itself, you can spot many monkeys along the path.
Admission was 800 yen per adult, which felt very fair for such a special place. Before the entrance, you take a pleasant 20-minute walk through beautiful forest trails. The path is well maintained and not too rough, making it suitable for most visitors. Just the beginning has some stairs.
Once you reach the hot springs area, you can see the monkeys relaxing near or in the water. During our visit, the macaques weren’t very active in the onsen (the water was around 40–42°C), but it was still fascinating to watch them so close. Even without a lot of monkey bathing action, the scenery itself is stunning and peaceful.
Overall, Snow Monkey Park is a memorable experience and absolutely worth the visit—especially if you enjoy nature and wildlife. Try to go early in the day for the best chance to see lots of monkeys."
Jolien Demeyer
"We were very lucky in a hot month to have two outcast monkeys by the hot springs. They didn't bathe in them as that would have been too hot, but they were hanging about unbothered. The path there is also beautiful and very worthwhile. The small shop/display at the entrance is also nice."
Alexander Robertovich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano (approx. 1 hr 20 mins). From Nagano Station, take a bus (e.g., to Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen) which takes about 40-50 minutes. The park entrance is a 20-30 minute walk from the bus stop. +1
Yes, there is a shuttle bus service available from the Yudanaka Station area to the parking lot closer to the park entrance, which can shorten the walk.
The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes through a beautiful forest path alongside a stream. It's generally well-maintained but has some stairs at the beginning.
Yes, you can drive to the park. There is parking available near the entrance, and you can purchase your entry ticket upon arrival.
The walk is considered moderately easy, suitable for most visitors. It's a pleasant forest trail, though there are some uphill sections and stairs at the start.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 800 JPY for adults and 400 JPY for children. You can purchase tickets at the park entrance or via a vending machine to potentially save money.
Opening hours vary by season. Generally, from November to March, it's 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and from April to October, it's 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Always check the official website for the most current times.
While you can purchase tickets at the entrance, some visitors suggest buying them from a vending machine after getting instructions from the tourist information center to save money.
The forest path has some uneven terrain and stairs, which might make it challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. It's best to be prepared for a walk.
Children receive a discounted rate. Some visitors mention saving money by using ticket vending machines, but specific discount programs are not widely advertised.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
The best time to see monkeys bathing is typically during the colder months, especially winter (December to March), when the hot springs are most appealing to them.
While monkeys visit daily, their presence and activity, especially bathing, can vary. Some visitors have been turned away if monkeys are unlikely to appear. Going early and during colder months increases your chances.
Even if the monkeys aren't actively bathing, the park offers a beautiful natural setting and the chance to observe them in their habitat. The scenic walk is also a highlight.
No, feeding the monkeys is strictly prohibited. It's important to observe them from a distance and not interfere with their natural behavior.
Yes, the park is well-maintained and offers public restrooms and a gift shop for visitors. There's also a free drinking water machine.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the hot springs offer the most iconic shots of monkeys bathing. The forest path also provides beautiful natural scenery for photography.
The monkeys are often quite close, making photography accessible. However, their movements can be quick, so a fast shutter speed on your camera or phone is helpful.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing close-ups of the monkeys, but a standard smartphone camera is often sufficient for general shots.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use, but always be mindful of other visitors and the monkeys' space.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes for the walk, pack snacks and drinks, and ensure children understand the importance of not feeding or approaching the monkeys. The park has restrooms and a small gift shop. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds and make the experience more enjoyable for younger ones.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Utilize public transport like buses and trains, which are generally affordable. Consider purchasing tickets from vending machines to save a bit on admission. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within the park.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens if possible, and be prepared for quick movements. The forest path also offers beautiful landscape shots. Remember to be patient and respectful of the animals' space while you capture your perfect image.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Japanese Macaque: A Unique Resident
+1Visitors can observe a variety of behaviors, from grooming and playing to resting near or in the steaming waters. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in spring and early summer, you might be lucky enough to see adorable baby monkeys being cared for by their mothers. This adds an extra layer of charm and cuteness to the already fascinating experience.
It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals. While they are accustomed to human presence, it's essential to maintain a respectful distance and never attempt to feed or touch them. This ensures their well-being and preserves their natural behaviors for future visitors.
Navigating the Journey to the Park
+1From stations like Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen, a bus service operates, or you can opt for a taxi. The final leg of the journey is a walk through a beautiful, shaded forest path that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This walk is often described as peaceful and scenic, with a stream running alongside it. While generally well-maintained, there are some stairs at the beginning, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Some travelers express concern about the walk, but many find it to be a pleasant prelude to seeing the monkeys. For those who wish to minimize the walking distance, a shuttle service is available from certain points, taking you closer to the park entrance. Planning your transport in advance, especially during peak seasons, will ensure a smoother experience.
The Onsen Experience: For Monkeys and Humans
+2The surrounding Yamanouchi area is also renowned for its own onsen resorts, such as Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. This means visitors can combine their monkey-watching experience with a relaxing dip in a traditional Japanese hot spring. Many accommodations in the area offer onsen facilities, allowing you to experience the therapeutic benefits of these natural hot springs firsthand.
+1While the monkeys enjoy their warm baths, visitors can also partake in the onsen culture. After a day of exploring and observing wildlife, soaking in a hot spring is the perfect way to unwind and experience a quintessential part of Japanese culture. It's a harmonious blend of nature, wildlife, and traditional relaxation.
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