Jigokudani Yaen Koen, known as the Snow Monkey Park, is home of the world- famous “snow monkeys”. It is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River near the Joshinetsu National Park in northern Nagano Prefecture. Yaen Koen is the only place in the world where you can see wild monkeys’ unique behavior of bathing in hot springs! It became globally known as “Snow Monkey Park” in 1970, when the bathing monkeys appeared on the cover of the LIFE magazine.
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Jigokudani Yaen Koen, known as the Snow Monkey Park, is home of the world- famous “snow monkeys”. It is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River near the Joshinetsu National Park in northern Nagano Prefecture. The Yokoyu River flows down from the Shiga Kogen (Shiga Highlands). Seeing the view of the rough cliffs with hot springs bursting from the ground, ancient people called this valley “Jigokudani” which translates to “Hell’s Valley” in Japanese.
Located at an altitude of 850 meters, winter season in Jigokudani is quite harsh with the snow piling up to over 1 meter high and the temperatures dropping down to negative 10 degrees celsius. Despite these severe conditions, being an unique place where tourists can observe troop of wild Japanese monkeys bathing in hot spring, Jigokudani Yaen Koen has attracted many people since its opening in 1964.
You may encounter some Japanese wild monkeys in the mountains, but there’s no such place where you can observe their natural daily lives so closely. And most of all, Yaen Koen is the only place in the world where you can see wild monkeys’ unique behavior of bathing in hot springs! It became globally known as “Snow Monkey Park” in 1970, when the bathing monkeys appeared on the cover of the LIFE magazine. Since then, visitors from all around the world have visited Jigokudani Yaen Koen to see this iconic scene.
Japanese monkeys have been in this region since ancient times. Jigokudani Yaen Koen is not an easy place to access – it’s deep within the mountains and is accessible only by 30-40 min trail walking. However, it is definitely worth visiting there to watch the monkeys’ interactions in their natural social groups.
Located at an altitude of 850 meters, winter season in Jigokudani is quite harsh with the snow piling up to over 1 meter high and the temperatures dropping down to negative 10 degrees celsius. Despite these severe conditions, being an unique place where tourists can observe troop of wild Japanese monkeys bathing in hot spring, Jigokudani Yaen Koen has attracted many people since its opening in 1964.
You may encounter some Japanese wild monkeys in the mountains, but there’s no such place where you can observe their natural daily lives so closely. And most of all, Yaen Koen is the only place in the world where you can see wild monkeys’ unique behavior of bathing in hot springs! It became globally known as “Snow Monkey Park” in 1970, when the bathing monkeys appeared on the cover of the LIFE magazine. Since then, visitors from all around the world have visited Jigokudani Yaen Koen to see this iconic scene.
Japanese monkeys have been in this region since ancient times. Jigokudani Yaen Koen is not an easy place to access – it’s deep within the mountains and is accessible only by 30-40 min trail walking. However, it is definitely worth visiting there to watch the monkeys’ interactions in their natural social groups.
The best place to watch Japanese monkeys in their natural habitat
Jigokudani Yaen Koen is opened to visitors with some restrictions to prevent people from disturbing monkey’s habitat; for example, visitors are prohibited to touch or feed them. However, because they are accustomed to humans, monkeys can be observed from very close distance. The park also has a man-made pool, where monkeys take bath and gather around.
Yaen Park doesn’t “own” the monkeys. The monkeys live in the forests or mountains surrounding Yaen Koen, and they usually stay outside of the park except for the meal time during the daytime. It is important to understand that their life at the park is only a part of their daily lives. Usually, this area is covered with snow from around December to March, but January and February can be the best time to visit since it’s the coldest season, meaning there is more chance to view their bathing in hot spring.
Although monkeys’ bathing is the most famous image of this spot, they don’t really love to bathe in a warm climate, just like humans. However, they come to the park throughout the year and take bath sometimes even in warm seasons. Even if you miss the opportunity to visit there in the winter season, don’t be disappointed! You can enjoy the different mountainous views as well as the seasonal nature. Spring is the time when baby monkeys are born. It is so lovely to see the babies clinging to their mothers, and also try to start walking by themselves. In summer, when the deep green covers the valley and the mountains around, you can see those young monkeys play and chase each other around the river while adults are looking for shade to escape the heat. Autumn is a season of preparation for them for the upcoming harsh winter,
Yaen Park doesn’t “own” the monkeys. The monkeys live in the forests or mountains surrounding Yaen Koen, and they usually stay outside of the park except for the meal time during the daytime. It is important to understand that their life at the park is only a part of their daily lives. Usually, this area is covered with snow from around December to March, but January and February can be the best time to visit since it’s the coldest season, meaning there is more chance to view their bathing in hot spring.
Although monkeys’ bathing is the most famous image of this spot, they don’t really love to bathe in a warm climate, just like humans. However, they come to the park throughout the year and take bath sometimes even in warm seasons. Even if you miss the opportunity to visit there in the winter season, don’t be disappointed! You can enjoy the different mountainous views as well as the seasonal nature. Spring is the time when baby monkeys are born. It is so lovely to see the babies clinging to their mothers, and also try to start walking by themselves. In summer, when the deep green covers the valley and the mountains around, you can see those young monkeys play and chase each other around the river while adults are looking for shade to escape the heat. Autumn is a season of preparation for them for the upcoming harsh winter,
Amazing hot springs and skiing resort around Jigokudani
The area around Jigokudani has enough places to amuse you for days! A staple that can’t be left out are some hot spring spots around Jigokudani.
The first one is a secret hot spring location, Jigokudani Onsen. Korakukan is a ryokan (Japanese traditional style hotel) that has been running for about 150 years in this hot spring area, and actually this is the only place you can stay and take an open-air bath in Jigokudani Onsen. It is in the deep mountain, and it takes about 10 min walk from the nearest parking space. If you are lucky, you can get special wild monkey guests, to join you whilst you bathe! That’s why the water temperature is set pretty high; monkeys love to bathe in very hot water!
The next two hot spring areas recommended are Shibu Onsen and Kanbayashi Onsen; these can be accessed easily from Jigokudani. Those two hot spring spots are known for having fine hot spring water, and you can take a bath at there without staying for the night. Kanbayashi Onsen in particular is so close to the park that you can walk there from Jigokudani.
If you drive for half an hour, you’ll reach one of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in Japan, Shiga Kogen. Its elevation ranges from 1,300 meters up to 2,300 meters with 18 ski grounds. Having an amazing geography and weather conditions, you can enjoy its great quality snow. It is also opened from mid-November to late May.
The first one is a secret hot spring location, Jigokudani Onsen. Korakukan is a ryokan (Japanese traditional style hotel) that has been running for about 150 years in this hot spring area, and actually this is the only place you can stay and take an open-air bath in Jigokudani Onsen. It is in the deep mountain, and it takes about 10 min walk from the nearest parking space. If you are lucky, you can get special wild monkey guests, to join you whilst you bathe! That’s why the water temperature is set pretty high; monkeys love to bathe in very hot water!
The next two hot spring areas recommended are Shibu Onsen and Kanbayashi Onsen; these can be accessed easily from Jigokudani. Those two hot spring spots are known for having fine hot spring water, and you can take a bath at there without staying for the night. Kanbayashi Onsen in particular is so close to the park that you can walk there from Jigokudani.
If you drive for half an hour, you’ll reach one of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in Japan, Shiga Kogen. Its elevation ranges from 1,300 meters up to 2,300 meters with 18 ski grounds. Having an amazing geography and weather conditions, you can enjoy its great quality snow. It is also opened from mid-November to late May.
Related Tour
Located in Northern Nagano, Snow Monkey Park offers visitors rare opportunity to observe the wild Japanese Macaques in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy
Information
Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (approx. 90min). Change trains at Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station which is an about 50min journey. Take a bus from Yudanaka Station to Kanbayashi Onsen, and from there, it’s about a 30- 40 min walk. The walking trail is passable all year, but you’d better get proper trail footwear, especially in winter.
Address: 6845 Hirao, Shimotakaigun Yamanouchimachi, Nagano 381-0401
Tel: +81-(0)269-33-4379
Address: 6845 Hirao, Shimotakaigun Yamanouchimachi, Nagano 381-0401
Tel: +81-(0)269-33-4379
