Witness the world-famous wild Japanese Macaques bathing in natural hot springs deep within the snowy Valley of Hell
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All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Journey into the heart of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to witness one of nature's most unique spectacles at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, wild Japanese Macaques descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm waters of the onsen (hot springs) and return to the security of the forests in the evenings. Unlike a zoo, this is a cageless facility where you can observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, often just inches away. While the park is open year-round, the winter months cover the valley in a blanket of white, creating the iconic image of snow-dusted monkeys bathing in the steam—a truly unforgettable bucket-list experience for any traveler to Japan.
We partner with top-rated local providers like Viator to ensure safe and reliable transport in snowy conditions
Choose from tours that combine the monkeys with Zenko-ji Temple, Sake tasting, or Shiga Kogen skiing
Reach the remote park easily with included transportation from Nagano Station, Hakuba, or Tokyo
Compare options from budget bus tours to premium private charters to find the perfect fit
Secure your spots immediately, especially crucial during the peak winter season
We only list tours with high guest satisfaction and professional English-speaking guides
Winter (Dec-Mar) for snow|Spring (Apr-Jun) for babies|Autumn (Oct-Nov) for foliage
Waterproof snow boots|Thermal layers|Gloves and hat|Waterproof jacket|Crampons (winter)
The park was established in 1964 to create a safe territory for the monkeys, who were threatened by resort development.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for most standard tours
Share your experience: #snowmonkeys #nagano #japanwinter #jigokudani #wildlife
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Real experiences from real travelers
Seeing the monkeys in the snow was magical. Our guide Ken was fantastic and helped us navigate the slippery path safely. The lunch was delicious too!
The walk is about 35 minutes and was icy, but renting crampons made it easy. The monkeys were literally walking right past us. Amazing experience.
We did the tour combined with Zenko-ji temple. Long day but very well organized. The bus was comfortable and heated.
I was worried about it being a zoo, but it is truly wild. The monkeys come and go as they please. Very respectful environment.
Loved the combination of the snow monkeys and the sake tasting. A perfect introduction to Nagano. Highly recommend booking a tour to avoid transport hassle.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The walk is a 1.6km (1 mile) flat but unpaved forest trail that takes about 30-40 minutes one way. In winter, it is snowy and can be slippery.
The monkeys are wild animals, so their behavior isn't controlled. However, they are fed by park staff, which encourages them to stay nearby. They are most likely to bathe during cold winter days.
Winter (December to March) is the most popular time for the iconic snowy scenery. However, spring offers baby monkeys, and autumn has beautiful foliage.
No. For your safety and theirs, you must maintain a respectful distance (1-2 meters), avoid eye contact, and never touch or feed them.
Yes, most tours listed here include round-trip transportation from Nagano Station, and some from Hakuba or Tokyo.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots and warm layers. In winter, the path is icy; crampons are highly recommended (often available for rent/purchase at the trailhead).
Yes, there are restrooms at the trail entrance and near the park ticket gate, but none inside the monkey bathing area itself.
No, the nature trail is unpaved, narrow in places, and involves some stairs, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Yes! The park is open year-round. In greener seasons, the monkeys are more active in the forest, and you can see newborns in spring/summer.
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