Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)

Overview

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular tourist attraction in Japan where visitors can observe wild Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, bathing in hot springs. The park is located in a remote valley in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture.

The park is famous for its unique sight of snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs, offering a rare opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Park Nature Reserve

Location

Address

6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai, Nagano

Neighborhood: Yamanouchi

Coordinates

36.708600, 138.563100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

800 JPY

Children

400 JPY (ages 6-15)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to March

Best Time of Day

Morning

Monkeys are more active and the park is less crowded.

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

• Baby monkeys
• Greenery

summer

Warm

• Cooler in the mountains
• Lush greenery

autumn

Cool

• Fall colors
• Cooler weather

winter

Cold

• Snowy landscape
• Monkeys in hot springs

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

The park is about a 30-minute walk from the nearest parking lot.
The trail is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
There are no facilities in the park, only at the parking lot.

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothing (in winter) Water

seasonal

Rain gear (in spring) Sun protection (in summer) Ice cleats (in winter)

not allowed

Food that can be given to monkeys Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (30-minute walk each way)

• Uneven paths
• Cold temperatures in winter

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available at the parking lot.

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit card (at some facilities)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Typical Costs

entry 800 JPY (adults), 400 JPY (children)

parking 500 JPY

food Varies (at the parking lot)

souvenirs Varies (at the parking lot)

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing, Layered clothing (for changing weather), Waterproof shoes (in winter), Comfortable walking shoes, Waterproof shoes (in winter), Clothing that can be given to monkeys

Booking Tips

• Not required, but popular in peak season.
• Official website or local tour operators.
• Depends on the tour operator.
• Not applicable.

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Jigokudani Monkey Park Guide

Size: N/A

Features: Park map, Information about the monkeys, Weather updates

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Parking lot, Some areas in the park

Charging Stations: Parking lot

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Nagano Airport

Distance: 50 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Taxi

15,000 JPY 1 hour 30 minutes

Public transport

2,500 JPY 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

Train

500 JPY 30 minutes

Bus

500 JPY 30 minutes

Taxi

3,000 JPY 15 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique opportunity to see snow monkeys in a natural hot spring.

Historical Significance: The park was established to protect the monkeys' habitat and provide a unique wildlife viewing experience.

Insider Tips

The monkeys are most active in the morning and late afternoon.
The hot springs are most crowded in the middle of the day.
Local restaurants offer discounts to park visitors.

Local Recommendations

• Try local soba noodles at a nearby restaurant.
• Ask for a guide who speaks your language at the parking lot.

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Konnichiwa

thank_you Arigato

where_is Dokodesu ka

how_much Ikura desu ka

beautiful Kirei desu

ticket Kippu

Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Other languages depending on availability

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Hot spring area

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle for dramatic shots of monkeys in the steamy water.

Result: Iconic shots of snow monkeys in hot springs.

#JigokudaniMonkeyPark #SnowMonkeys #Japan

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas None

flash photography Not recommended (can scare the monkeys)

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Shiga Kogen

Distance: 10 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Ski resort

Snow Monkey Terrace

Distance: 500 m

Walking: 10 minutes

Type: Restaurant with monkey viewing

Reviews

4.7

Based on 10,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early for the best experience."
"Wear appropriate clothing for the weather."
"Bring binoculars for better viewing."

Contact Information

+81-269-33-4499

info@snowmonkey.jp

www.snowmonkey.jp

Social Media

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