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Winter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu OnsenPark & nature❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Feb
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Overview

Overview

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, in the mountains of Yamanouchi, Nagano, is a place to observe wild Japanese macaques. In winter, in a snow-covered valley, you can see the monkeys bathing in a hot spring to keep out the cold.

Address
Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
Official website
https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually snowy from around mid-December; the snow is deepest in January–February
December
January
February

Snowfall varies greatly with each year’s weather. The monkeys are wild, so there are days when they do not come

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

The biggest highlight is the sight of monkeys soaking in a steaming hot spring at the bottom of a snowy valley. In the coldest period, January to February, the valley is covered with more than 1 m of snow, sunlight does not reach the valley floor, and temperatures stay below freezing. In winter, when the trees have lost their leaves, Japanese serows are also easier to spot.

📷 Best views
Outdoor hot spring used by the monkeys

See monkeys soaking in the hot spring up close in the snowy valley

Hours

Opening hours

Winter (November–March)9:00–16:00

Open every day of the year

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

AdmissionAdults ¥800, children ¥400

Adults are 18 and over; children are elementary to high school students. Under 6 free with a guardian

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The trail is unpaved with steps and slopes, and is slippery with snow and ice in winter. Wear shoes with grip or light crampons
  • ✓The monkeys are wild, so depending on the weather and time of day they may not come to the hot spring
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Snow Monkey Park (bus stop)About 35 min on footWalk to the park along the trail
From major stations & airports
  • Nagano Station: Nagano Electric Railway limited express to Yudanaka Station (about 38 min), then bus to Snow Monkey Park (about 15 min) (About 53 min + about 35 min on foot)
  • Nagano Station: Express bus bound for Shiga Kogen to Snow Monkey Park (About 41 min + about 35 min on foot)
Driving & winter roads
In winter the forest road from the Shibu Onsen side is closed. Walk the trail of about 2 km (about 30 min) from the Kanbayashi Onsen side
Getting back
  • The trail has no streetlights and is pitch dark after sunset. Head back well before closing time
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Nagano: high 3.8°C, low -3.9°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Sunlight does not reach the floor of Jigokudani, and in midwinter it stays below freezing even during the day
What to wear & bring
Full cold-weather gear is needed. Wear a heavy jacket, a hat and gloves, and waterproof, non-slip boots suitable for walking on snowy paths
☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !Do not feed or touch the monkeys
  • !No pets allowed
  • !Visitors cannot bathe in the hot spring with the monkeys
Facilities

Facilities

Payment
Credit cards and e-money accepted (QR code and barcode payments not accepted)
Accessibility
The trail is unpaved with steps, so it cannot be done with a wheelchair or stroller
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Jigokudani Snow Monkey ParkPR

PRSee more places to stay near Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen

Zoo

Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Snow Monkey Park)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen

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.

See all attractions →
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Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookSnow Monkey Tour from Tokyo (with Sukiyaki Lunch)A day bus tour from Shinjuku, including admission to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and a sukiyaki lunch; depending on the season, it also stops at Kamakura no SatoView