Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)

Jigokudani Monkey Park Travel Guide

Introduction

Jigokudani Monkey Park, situated in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is a remarkable destination that provides an opportunity to observe Japan’s iconic snow monkeys in their natural habitat. Nestled within the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, this park is famous for its Japanese macaques, known for their love of hot springs. Visitors can witness these wild monkeys enjoying a soak in a natural hot spring, creating a stunning and picturesque scene, particularly during the winter months.

History

The park is located in the Jigokudani valley, a name that translates to “”hell valley”” due to its volcanic origins. This area is home to a troop of Japanese macaques that have adapted to thrive in this unique environment. For decades, these monkeys have been seen bathing in the hot springs, making the park a sought-after destination for tourists.

How to Get There

To visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, follow these steps:

• From Tokyo: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, which takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
• From Nagano Station: Board the Nagaden Line (Nagano Electric Railway) to Yudanaka Station. This ride lasts approximately one hour and costs around 1,300 yen.
• From Yudanaka Station: Take a bus towards Kanbayashi Onsen or Shibu Onsen, getting off at either the Kanbayashi Onsen stop or the Snow Monkey Park stop. This journey takes about 15 to 40 minutes and costs between 190 to 310 yen.
• Direct Bus: Alternatively, there is a direct bus from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park stop, taking about 40 minutes and costing 1,400 yen.

Attractions

• Natural Hot Spring: The main attraction is observing the wild snow monkeys bathing in a natural hot spring.
• Man-Made Pool: There is also a man-made pool where many snow monkeys congregate.
• Social Interactions: Visitors can enjoy watching the monkeys’ social behaviors along the path to the hot spring, which can be quite entertaining.
• Volcanic Landscape: The park’s location in a volcanic valley offers a distinctive and captivating landscape.

Ticket Information

• Admission Fee: The entry fee is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children aged 6 to 17. Infants aged 0 to 5 can enter for free.
• Operating Hours: The park is open year-round, but hours vary by season:
  • April to October: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • November to March: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Tips for Visiting

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to see the monkeys enjoying the hot spring is from December to March, particularly in January and February for the most picturesque views.
• Dress Warmly: If visiting in winter, ensure you wear warm clothing as you will be outside for at least two hours in the cold.
• Respect the Monkeys: Maintain a safe distance from the monkeys and refrain from touching or feeding them. Pets are also not allowed in the park.
• Plan Your Day: Set aside at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the experience and scenery.
• Useful Services: The park features an information center and gift shop, with nearby restaurants. You can also rent snow boots, ice cleats, and winter coats if necessary.

By adhering to these tips and planning your visit thoughtfully, you can enjoy a memorable experience at Jigokudani Monkey Park.