Nagano, Japan: Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park; things to do

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park  

6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, 0269-33-4379.  Daily 9am-4pm.  800 yen, child 400 yen.

entry to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan

The Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park is the only place in the world where wild snow monkeys lounge in hot springs.  They do this in the cold winter months to keep warm.  In good weather, they generally do not enter the water but instead sunbathe.  The highly social red-faced monkeys--Japanese macaques--live in troops on the mountain at the top of the park.  They are indigenous to Japan only, where they are spread throughout the land, and they are the world’s northernmost non-human wild primate as well as the only monkey that lives in extreme cold weather.  

Japanese snow monkeys in hot springs
in Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan

It is somewhat controversial that they come to this park regularly for food, but the decision was made to control them with food rather than fences.  My visiting group had been warned that they don’t always show up, but on the day I went they were out in droves and so were the visitors.  The monkeys are quite active, with the dominant male chasing the others or just giving them a warning snarl to start them running away.  The monkeys are not afraid of humans and will walk right past you.  The best policy is not to touch them, but instead just to observe.  You’ll notice they are constantly grooming each other, picking out lice.  

Japanese snow monkey babies in Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park
in Nagano, Japan

But this whole production is very small compared to other attractions--maybe 100 people and as many monkeys.  The walk in takes around a half-hour, unless you are young and anxious.  I enjoyed taking my time walking the wide dirt trail through tall trees, doing some serene forest bathing (this practice is known in Japan as shinrin-yoku).  A small canal added water sounds at the beginning, but later the water sounds came from thermal streams seen rushing way down in a gorge.  Depending on the season and weather, the trail can be muddy or slippery with snow and ice.  Though snow is removed from the trails and anti-slip solvent is used, a waterproof boot is a good choice for footwear.  In late fall I found it muddy in parts, but with no snow.  

path leading to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan

The actual entrance to the park is up some steps--about 30--and then through a visitor center where you pay admission.  Just beyond is the main hot spring.  Note that it is monitored by a web cam.  This was especially exciting for me because I began one of my websites with a reference to this very web cam, which is one of the best-maintained I’ve come across.  See my blog post about the snow monkey webcam here.  

entrance to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan

As I left the park for the entrance at about 3:30 p.m., I was surprised to see many more people walking in so late in the day.  Noted that it takes about a half-hour to walk each way in and out, and restrooms are available at the beginning and end of the trail.  

hot spring at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan

More things to do in Japan.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

images and video ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers