Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. It is internationally known as one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs at close range.
The sight of Japanese macaques relaxing in a hot spring surrounded by deep winter snow is especially famous overseas. These monkeys are widely known as “Snow Monkeys,” and the park attracts visitors from Japan and around the world who come to see this remarkable interaction between wildlife and the hot spring environment.
Jigokudani Monkey Park lies deep within the valley of the Yokoyukawa River, which originates in the Shiga Highlands. The park is located at an elevation of approximately 850 meters and is surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Jigokudani Hot Spring area.
During winter, snowfall can exceed one meter, while temperatures can fall below -10°C. The area is therefore one of the coldest environments in Japan where wild Japanese macaques live.
At the same time, extremely hot spring water emerges from the ground, with source temperatures approaching 100°C. White steam rises continuously from the valley, creating a dramatic landscape that is thought to have inspired the name “Jigokudani,” meaning “Hell Valley.”
The coexistence of severe winter conditions and powerful geothermal activity gives the valley its distinctive character.
Jigokudani Monkey Park opened in 1964. From the beginning, its guiding philosophy has been to allow visitors to observe the coexistence of humans and wildlife in as natural a setting as possible.
After World War II, extensive logging reduced the monkeys’ natural food sources in some areas, and Japanese macaques increasingly descended into human settlements in search of food. Crop damage became a serious problem, and there were calls for the monkeys to be removed.
However, the park’s first director, Sozo Hara, opposed simply eliminating the animals. Instead, he sought a way for local communities and the monkeys to coexist.
Hara began feeding the monkeys in the upper area of Jigokudani Hot Spring and gradually accustomed them to the presence of people over a period of approximately three years.
As a result, the monkeys learned to tolerate human presence without becoming overly dependent on people. This eventually led to the establishment of the monkey park.
Today, the monkeys continue to live in a semi-wild environment. They are not domesticated animals and generally do not show excessive interest in visitors, allowing people to observe their natural behavior from an appropriate distance.
The famous sight of monkeys bathing in hot springs is said to have begun with an unexpected event.
When the park was first established, a curious young monkey reportedly entered the outdoor bath at the nearby Kourakukan ryokan. Other monkeys watched and gradually began imitating the behavior.
Over time, bathing became part of the behavior observed among some members of the troop. For safety and hygiene reasons, a dedicated outdoor hot spring pool for the monkeys is now provided within the park.
The monkeys are particularly popular from December through March, when the valley is covered in snow.
Seeing Japanese macaques sitting shoulder-deep in warm water while snow falls around them is one of the most memorable sights associated with northern Nagano.
The peaceful expressions of the monkeys relaxing in the hot spring have become an internationally recognized image of Japan. The term “Snow Monkey” is now widely used around the world, and the park has been featured by international media and travel publications.
Not every monkey in the troop uses the hot spring. Females and young monkeys are generally observed bathing more frequently, while adult males tend to enter the water less often.
One explanation is that males often play an important role in monitoring and protecting the troop, making it advantageous for them to remain ready to move quickly when necessary.
Japanese macaques living in this region have adapted remarkably well to cold conditions.
Their thick fur helps protect them from the winter environment. The outer layer of fur helps repel water, while the dense inner layer provides insulation and helps maintain body temperature.
As a result, the monkeys can leave the warm water and continue moving through the snowy mountains without apparent difficulty.
Because the macaques are wild animals, visitors are asked to follow several important rules. These guidelines help protect both the animals and people while allowing visitors to observe natural behavior.
Do not feed the monkeys.
Do not touch the monkeys.
Do not stare directly into a monkey’s eyes.
Keep an appropriate distance from the animals.
Do not use selfie sticks near the monkeys.
The monkeys may appear accustomed to people, but they remain wild animals. Maintaining a respectful distance is essential for preventing accidents and reducing stress for the animals.
Even during opening hours, there may be occasions when few or no monkeys are visible in the park.
This does not necessarily indicate anything unusual. The monkeys sometimes leave the area to search for food or move through the surrounding mountains.
Visitors are encouraged to remember that the park is a place for observing wildlife rather than a zoo with animals guaranteed to appear on demand. Patience and respect for the animals’ natural behavior are part of the experience.
Reaching Jigokudani Monkey Park requires a walk through the surrounding mountain environment. From the nearest parking area or bus stop, visitors generally need to walk for approximately 30 minutes along a mountain trail.
During winter, the trail can be covered with snow and ice. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear with good traction are strongly recommended, especially during the coldest months.
The walk itself is part of the experience, taking visitors away from the developed areas of the hot spring resorts and into a quiet mountain valley.
Along the route is the Shibu Jigokudani Funsen, where hot spring water with a source temperature approaching 100°C rises from the ground.
The steam rising from the valley provides a vivid reminder of the geothermal activity beneath the mountains. The combination of snow, forest, rocks and rising steam creates a landscape that feels remarkably different from ordinary hot spring resorts.
Jigokudani Monkey Park became particularly well known internationally after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
Since then, the image of Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs has appeared frequently in international travel media, helping establish the park as one of Nagano’s best-known destinations for overseas visitors.
International travelers are drawn not only by the unusual sight of the monkeys in hot springs but also by the opportunity to observe wild Japanese macaques living in a demanding natural environment.
Jigokudani Monkey Park offers an unusual opportunity to observe the natural behavior of Japanese macaques in their mountain habitat.
The snowy landscape, steaming hot springs and quiet forest create a remarkable setting in which visitors can see how wildlife has adapted to one of Japan’s coldest mountain environments.
Rather than simply watching monkeys bathing, visitors can also appreciate the history of coexistence between local communities, the surrounding environment and the macaque population.
Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the most distinctive wildlife attractions in Japan. The sight of wild Japanese macaques bathing in warm water while surrounded by snow is difficult to experience elsewhere.
The journey through the mountain landscape, the steam rising from the hot springs and the natural behavior of the monkeys all contribute to the special atmosphere of the park.
By following the rules and quietly observing the animals from a respectful distance, visitors can enjoy a memorable encounter with the famous Snow Monkeys while helping preserve the environment in which they live.
Summer (April-October) 8:30-17:00
Winter (November to March) 9:00 - 16:00
No holidays
Adults 800 yen
Child 400 yen
20 min. by car from Shinshu-Nakano IC [15km] → 30 min. walk from the bus stop
15 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Nagano Line → 30 minutes walk