Zoo · Chubu & Hokuriku

Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Snow Monkey Park)

Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu OnsenMostly outdoorsAdvance tickets recommended
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Overview

Overview

A park in the mountains of Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, where you can observe wild Japanese macaques up close. It's famous for its monkeys bathing in hot springs in winter. The entrance is about a 30-minute walk along a mountain path from the parking lot or bus stop, so wear shoes and clothing suited to the season.

Address
6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401
Closed
None (open year-round). May close without notice due to weather, monkey behavior, or other conditions
Highlights

Highlights

The highlight is seeing Japanese macaques bathing in the hot spring amid the snow from around December to March. In spring, you can also see newborn baby monkeys. Since the monkeys are wild, they may not appear on some days; in autumn especially, there's plenty of food in the mountains and they show up less often.

Hours

Opening hours

Summer season (April – October)8:30–17:00

Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing

Winter season (November – March)9:00–16:00

Hours may be shortened due to weather, etc.

Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.

Tickets

Prices & tickets

Adults (18+)¥800

Tax included. Prices scheduled to be revised from December 1, 2026

Children (elementary to high school)¥400

Tax included

PreschoolersFree

Must be accompanied by a guardian

Groups (20+ people)Adults ¥680, children ¥340

Tax included

Disability discountHalf price
Annual passAdults ¥5,000, children ¥2,500

Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.

🎫 How to buy tickets
  • →Date-specific web tickets (webket) are sold. During the winter season (December – April), web ticket holders get priority entry
  • →When it's crowded in winter, you may have to wait or may not be able to enter without a ticket, so buy in advance
  • →Credit cards and e-money are accepted on site. QR code and barcode payments are not
  • →Admission fees are scheduled to be revised from December 1, 2026. If visiting in winter, check the new prices on the official website
Tickets & tours for this attractionPR
Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Check the monkey sighting forecast on the official Facebook and X accounts before heading out
  • ✓In winter, buy a web ticket in advance for priority entry
  • ✓It's about 30 minutes along a mountain path to the entrance. Leave with plenty of time
  • ✓The official forecast indicates when the monkeys are expected to come down. Visiting during the forecast time slot improves your chances of seeing them
Access

Getting there

Nearest station
  • Kanbayashi OnsenAbout 30 min on a walking trail (about 2 km, mostly flat)Free parking available
  • Snow Monkey Park bus stop (Nagaden Bus)About 35 min walk
From major stations & airports
  • Nagano Station: Nagaden Bus express bound for Shiga Kogen to Snow Monkey Park (41 min)
  • Yudanaka Station (Nagano Electric Railway): Bus to Snow Monkey Park (About 15 min)
Getting back
  • The forest road from Shibu Onsen to the Jigokudani parking lot (regular cars ¥500, about 15 min walk to the park) is closed in winter
  • The park asks visitors to avoid private cars and rental cars in winter and use public transportation
  • There's also the SNOW MONKEY PASS for BUS, combining the bus and admission
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best time to go

Busy
Winter season (December – April). There may be waits for entry, with priority for web ticket holders
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Spring

The season to see baby monkeys.

Summer

Summer hours are 8:30–17:00. Wear trekking shoes on the mountain path.

Autumn

With plenty of food in the mountains, the monkeys appear less often. Winter hours of 9:00–16:00 start in November.

Winter

Monkeys bathing in the hot spring can be seen from around December to March. Web ticket holders get priority entry in winter. Prepare for snowy paths with snow boots or light crampons.

☂ Rainy days
Everything is outdoors. The mountain path gets muddy on rainy days, so bring rain gear and non-slip shoes
Heat
In summer you walk about 30 minutes on a mountain path, so bring drinks
Cold
In winter you walk on a snowy, icy mountain path. Proper warm clothing is essential
What to wear & bring
Trekking shoes in summer, snow boots or similar in winter. Light crampons give extra peace of mind
Rules

Rules & what you can bring

  • !Keep your distance when observing the monkeys
  • !Photography methods that may startle the animals, such as selfie sticks, are prohibited
  • !You cannot bathe in the hot spring with the monkeys
  • !No pets
Facilities

Facilities & services

Payment
Major credit cards and e-money. QR code and barcode payments not accepted
Strollers & wheelchairs
With unpaved paths, stairs, slopes, and steps, wheelchairs, strollers, and other wheeled carts cannot enter
Accessibility
The park and the path to it are unpaved with many steps. Disability discount available
Language support
The official website has an English version
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Snow Monkey Park)PR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Last checked: 2026-10-02