Introduction of sightseeing video of "Jigokudani Yaen-koen" in Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture

This video, titled "SNOW MONKEY JAPAN｜Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park｜Monkeys in Hot Springs," introduces the tourist spot in Nagano prefecture (長野県, Nagano ken) in Koushinetsu region (甲信越地方, Koushinetsu chihou ) of Japan.

The monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park bathe in the hot springs to fend off the cold in the winter.
Enjoy watching the lovely monkeys chilling out in the cold winter weather!

What is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Where can you see wild monkeys bathing in hot springs?

Source :YouTube screenshot

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, is the world's only facility where you can observe wild monkeys bathing in hot springs. Situated at an altitude of 850 meters in the Yokoyugawa Valley, approximately 160 Japanese macaques live naturally in this harsh environment where snow covers the ground for about one-third of the year.

Since its opening in 1964, the adorable sight of monkeys soaking in hot springs has become a sensation, growing into a popular tourist destination that attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually from both domestic and international locations. Known globally as "Snow Monkeys" in English-speaking regions, the park particularly draws visitors from around the world during winter to witness monkeys enjoying hot springs amid snowy landscapes.

The park can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons: in spring, you can see newborn baby monkeys; in summer, the lush green valley; in autumn, stunning fall foliage; and in winter, monkeys enjoying snow-viewing hot springs.

The video shows how to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by taking the Nagano Electric Railway's Snow Monkey Limited Express (長野電鉄特急スノーモンキー, Nagano Dentetsu Tokkyu Snow Monkey) connecting Nagano station and Yudanaka station, at 0:27 in the video.
It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Kanbayashi hot spring (上林温泉, Kanbayashi Onsen) parking area by bus, and about 30 minutes (approximately 1.6km) to walk to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
We recommend enjoying the beautiful nature of Yokoyugawa Valley (横湯川渓谷, Yokoyugawa Keikoku) on the way.
You need to buy an entrance ticket when you arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This is shown at 3:36 in the video.

Source :YouTube screenshot

At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can closely observe the ecology of wild Japanese macaques. The monkeys don't bathe in the hot springs at all times; they use them specifically to ward off the cold. Therefore, on warm, sunny days, you may not see monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

On cold, snowy days or when temperatures are low, you have a higher chance of seeing monkeys thoroughly enjoying the warm hot springs. Particularly during winter (November to March), early morning (right after opening) or late afternoon (before closing) when temperatures are lower offer the best opportunities to see monkeys bathing.
We recommend checking the live cameras before your visit to confirm the monkeys' presence at the park.

When can you see monkeys bathing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? What's the best season?

Photo：Snow monkey

You can watch monkeys taking a bath in the video at 4:38. A troop of monkeys bathe in the springs, surrounded by white snow.

The monkeys enjoy their bath time much like people, and you can even see a mother and her child taking a bath together at 5:06.
One monkey can be seen relaxing with its eyes closed at 6:30 in the video.

The best season to see monkeys bathing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is during winter from November to March. Particularly during the harsh winter months from December to February, when temperatures often drop below freezing, monkeys actively use the hot springs to ward off the cold. Early morning (right after opening) or late afternoon (before closing) when temperatures are lowest are especially recommended.

Although there are many tourists surrounding the monkeys, none of the monkeys are afraid of humans and continue to live freely and comfortably, as can be seen throughout the video. The greatest appeal of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the ability to observe the natural behavior of wild monkeys up close in an environment without cages or fences.

What are the recommended tourist spots around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Where can you visit?

The bus tour, which goes around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, is great for people who enjoy lively sightseeing trips.
In addition to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, we also recommend visiting the historic Jigokudani Hot Spring Korakukan Inn (地獄谷温泉後楽館, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan) with over 200 years of history, Shibu Jigokudani Geyser (渋の地獄谷噴泉, Shibu no Jigokudani Funsen) where you can see a geyser erupting up to 20 meters high, and the charming hot spring town of Yudanaka Onsen (湯田中温泉).

Shiga Plateau (志賀高原, Shiga Kougen) is another popular tourist spot in Nagano prefecture.
The area around Shiga Plateau is well-equipped with cafés where you can enjoy lunch, stylish hotels, and art museums. In winter, it's also famous as a ski resort, allowing you to combine monkey watching with winter sports activities.

How do you access Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? What about parking and operating hours?

Photo：Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Entrance

To reach Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park introduced in the video, you need to walk along the Yumichi Promenade from the parking area.
The journey takes about 30 minutes and covers approximately 1.6km, so wear comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. During winter, snow accumulation and icy conditions are present, making cold-weather gear and snow boots essential.

To avoid disturbing the wild Japanese macaques, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has established usage rules. Touching the monkeys, feeding them, using flash photography, and using selfie sticks are prohibited. Be sure to check the prohibited activities and observe proper etiquette while visiting.

The area around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park has excellent accommodation facilities, including Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan and other options in Kanbayashi Onsen, Shibu Onsen, and Yudanaka Onsen, making overnight stays convenient.
After watching the video, are you ready to see the adorable monkeys bathing in hot springs in person?

◆Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park◆
【Address】6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
【Access】Approximately 30 minutes by car from Shinshu-Nakano IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway; approximately 15 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway Limited Express to "Snow Monkey Park" bus stop, then approximately 35 minutes on foot. Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Kanbayashi Onsen parking area (free)
【Parking】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park dedicated parking (free), Shibu Onsen Jigokudani paid parking (500 yen, closed in winter)
【Admission fee】Adults (18 and over) 800 yen, Children (elementary to high school) 400 yen, Under 6 years old free
【Hours】Summer season (April to October) approximately 8:30-17:00, Winter season (November to March) approximately 9:00-16:00 *Subject to change depending on weather and monkey activity
【Closures】Open year-round *May temporarily close due to weather or natural disasters
【Telephone】0269-33-4379
【Average stay time】1.5 to 2 hours
【Best season】For viewing monkeys bathing: November to March (winter), especially December to February

【Official Website】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/

【Tripadvisor】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1117904-d324924-Reviews-Jigokudani_Snow_Monkey_Park