Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is famous worldwide as the only place where wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) regularly bathe in natural hot springs, soaking in a steaming pool to keep warm, most iconically surrounded by deep snow in winter. Reached by a roughly 30-minute walk along a forest trail from the car park, the park lets visitors observe the wild troop up close as they relax, groom and play around the pool, an experience possible year-round but at its most magical and photogenic when snow blankets the valley.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yamanouchi, Nagano |
| Hours | ~9:00–16:00 (winter) / 8:30–17:00 (summer) |
| Admission | Around ¥800 |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours including the walk |
| Best time | Winter (Dec–Mar) for snow-surrounded bathing |
What to See
- Wild Japanese macaques bathing in a natural hot spring.
- The troop relaxing, grooming and playing around the pool.
- The iconic snow-surrounded scene at its best in winter.
- A roughly 30-minute forest trail walk to reach the park.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Shiga Kogen Skiing nearby.
- Pair with Obuse chestnut town en route.
- Read our Nagano overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: Nagano Station to Yudanaka by Nagaden, then a bus to the trailhead.
- By car: parking at the trailhead, then a roughly 30-minute forest walk to the park.
Tips
The park is reached only by a roughly 30-minute walk along a forest trail, which can be snowy and slippery in winter, so wear proper waterproof footwear with good grip. Winter is the most iconic time for the snow-surrounded scene, but the monkeys are present year-round; note that on very warm days they may bathe less, so cold, snowy days actually offer the classic view.
