Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan
Historic ryokan offering a unique onsen experience adjacent to the Snow Monkey Park, with traditional rooms and local cuisine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Snowy scenery & active monkeys
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan
Best Time
Snowy scenery & active monkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic ryokan offering a unique onsen experience adjacent to the Snow Monkey Park, with traditional rooms and local cuisine.
"One of the most memorable and cool things I've done!"
🚶♀️ Walk to the Inn
The 30-min walk from parking is scenic but can be tricky in snow. Wear good shoes!
🐒 Monkey Sightings
Monkeys visit the onsen area, but their presence isn't guaranteed. Be patient and respectful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Communal Onsen Experience
Outdoor bath
Soak in a traditional hot spring with views of nature, and if you're lucky, observe wild snow monkeys nearby.
Traditional Ryokan Stay
Guest rooms
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality in tatami mat rooms, often family-run with a rich history.
Mountain-foraged Cuisine
Dining area
Savor meals made with fresh, local ingredients like foraged greens and mushrooms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Monkeys & Onsen
Getting to Korakukan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk to the Inn
The 30-min walk from parking is scenic but can be tricky in snow. Wear good shoes!
🐒 Monkey Sightings
Monkeys visit the onsen area, but their presence isn't guaranteed. Be patient and respectful.
♨️ Onsen Etiquette
It's a mixed-gender outdoor onsen. Women can rent a bathing suit. Wash before entering.
💰 Onsen Day Use
You don't need to stay overnight to use the onsen; day passes are available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk to the Inn
The 30-min walk from parking is scenic but can be tricky in snow. Wear good shoes!
🐒 Monkey Sightings
Monkeys visit the onsen area, but their presence isn't guaranteed. Be patient and respectful.
♨️ Onsen Etiquette
It's a mixed-gender outdoor onsen. Women can rent a bathing suit. Wash before entering.
💰 Onsen Day Use
You don't need to stay overnight to use the onsen; day passes are available.
🏨 Book Ahead
Rooms fill up, especially during peak season. Consider booking well in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique onsen experience and the warm, family-run hospitality at Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan. The rustic charm and delicious, locally sourced meals are frequently highlighted as major positives. While the walk can be challenging and the facilities are traditional, most guests find it adds to the authentic charm and unforgettable nature of their stay.
"Fine room. Amazing hot spring that overlooks a gorgeous river and 24/7 geyser. Literally translates to hell valley. Walk to the inn from the parking is under a kilo but a bit tricky with a tight staircase. Monkey Park across the river is amazing if you get monkeys."
Raleigh
"Did not stay here, but used the outdoor onsen. One of the most memorable and cool things I've done! Yes, everyone on the path to the snow monkey park can see you and it is a mixed gender onsen. But you can grab a beer, chill with monkeys (if you're lucky), and women can rent a cotton bathing suit."
Kavya Hegde
"Our stay at Jigokudani Hot Spring Korakukan has been nothing short of pure joy from beginning to end. The family who runs it welcomed us with such warmth and kindness and it was truly unforgettable. Their energy, humour, and genuine hospitality created a special atmosphere.
I would go out of my way a thousand times over to stay here again.
While some aspects of the inn are a bit rustic and show their age, it only adds to its unique charm. It is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the atmosphere feels timeless. The history of this place is great, it's been family run since 1864. This family pours their hearts into keeping it alive and that is admirable. Every corner tells a story, and staying here feels like becoming part of that story.
The meals were prepared with fresh greens and mushrooms foraged from the mountainside. Every dish was a true taste of Japan. Oishikatta!
We also had so much fun exchanging language and laughter. Our attempts at Japanese were always met with appreciation and kindness, and the family made equal effort to speak to us in English. There was no judgment, only warmth and genuine connection.
10/10, I highly recommend
Arigato gozaimasu to this beautiful family for your care, humour, and the love you share. Staying here has been an absolute treat, and supporting such a meaningful legacy brings us so much happiness. I look forward to visiting again!
With love and gratitude - Rose and Mark."
Rose Aldom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The closest access point is typically a parking lot or bus stop, followed by a scenic 30-minute walk to the inn. This walk can be challenging in winter conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available, but it requires a walk to reach the inn. Plan for approximately 1.5 km (about 30 minutes) of walking.
Absolutely! You can use the outdoor onsen facilities as a day visitor for a fee, typically around ¥1200. 
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then transfer to the local train (Shinano Railway) to Yudanaka Station. From Yudanaka, you can take a bus or taxi to the trailhead for Korakukan.
The walk is generally manageable, but it can be steep in parts and slippery during winter. It's a beautiful walk through nature, but requires appropriate footwear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Jigokudani Monkey Park has a separate entrance fee. Korakukan itself offers onsen access for a fee, and if you stay overnight, that fee is included.
The onsen is typically open for day visitors from around 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It's best to confirm current hours upon arrival or check their official information.
Yes, according to some visitor information, you can use the onsen even if you have tattoos, which is not always the case in Japan.
The day-use fee for the onsen is generally around ¥1200 for adults and ¥600 for children.
Reservations are not typically required for day-use onsen visitors, but it's always a good idea to check, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
No, humans and monkeys bathe in separate onsen facilities. You can observe the monkeys from the path or your onsen, but direct interaction is not permitted for safety and hygiene.
Korakukan features a traditional outdoor onsen, often described as mixed-gender. It offers a unique experience with views of the surrounding nature.
While the main onsen is communal, some accommodations or specific arrangements might offer more private bathing experiences, though this is less commonly highlighted.
The inn offers traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and futon bedding, providing a rustic and authentic ryokan experience.
The inn has a long history, reportedly family-run since 1864, adding to its unique charm and timeless atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Meals often feature fresh, local ingredients, including foraged greens and mushrooms from the mountainside, offering a true taste of the region.
Yes, overnight stays typically include traditional Japanese meals, often served in a communal dining area.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, traditional ryokans are often accommodating. It's best to inquire about dietary needs when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique onsen experience, the rustic charm of the ryokan, and the surrounding natural beauty. If you're lucky, you might photograph the snow monkeys near the onsen.
The monkeys are wild and can be unpredictable. Patience is key. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer better light and activity.
Visitors can take photos from the onsen area, but be mindful of other bathers' privacy. Some creators have shared photos and videos from the onsen.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the onsen is a communal experience, it offers a unique cultural immersion. Families can opt for day use of the onsen, allowing for a shorter, more manageable experience. The traditional ryokan rooms provide a glimpse into Japanese living, which can be an educational aspect for children. However, parents should be aware that the onsen is mixed-gender and the walk can be challenging in winter.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Staying overnight at the ryokan can also be cost-effective, especially considering the included traditional meals. While the rooms are basic and rustic, they provide an authentic experience that many travelers seek. The walk to the inn also saves on potential taxi fares from the nearest transport hubs.
💑 Couples
The shared onsen experience, while communal, can be a bonding activity. The focus on traditional Japanese hospitality and the delicious, locally sourced meals add to the overall romantic appeal. Booking a stay here provides a chance to disconnect and enjoy a peaceful, authentic Japanese retreat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Onsen Experience
It's important to clarify that while the name suggests bathing with monkeys, humans and monkeys use separate bathing areas. The onsen at Korakukan is a mixed-gender facility, and while it offers a chance to see monkeys nearby, it's not a direct interaction. For those concerned about privacy, women can rent cotton bathing suits. The experience is often described as rustic and memorable, providing a stark contrast to modern spa facilities.
+1The onsen is accessible to day visitors for a fee, making it a popular stop for those visiting the monkey park. The surrounding natural beauty, especially with snow, adds to the magical atmosphere. Reviews consistently highlight the onsen as a highlight, offering a chance to unwind in a truly unique setting.
A Glimpse into Traditional Ryokan Life
The hospitality at Korakukan is frequently praised, with the family owners often described as warm, kind, and genuinely hospitable. This personal touch creates a special atmosphere, making guests feel like part of the family's legacy. The meals served are a significant part of the experience, often prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients like foraged mountain greens and mushrooms, offering an authentic taste of regional Japanese cuisine.
While some aspects of the inn might be considered rustic or showing their age, many visitors find this adds to its unique character rather than detracting from it. The overall experience is one of stepping back in time, enjoying genuine connection, and appreciating a piece of Japanese heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit