One of the most iconic sights in Japan is the “Snow Monkeys” soaking in natural hot springs amidst a winter wonderland. Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Nagano, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is the only place in the world where you can observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in onsen at close range. This guide covers everything you need to know for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
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1. Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park)
Address 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
Access From JR Nagano Station (East Exit), take the Nagaden Express Bus (Shiga Kogen Line) for approx. 45 mins to the “Snow Monkey Park” stop. From there, it is a 35-minute walk along a forest trail. Note: In winter, the trail is icy and slippery. Using the express bus from Nagano Station is the most reliable method.
Official Website https://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/
【Historical Background: A Miracle of Coexistence】 Established in 1964, the park was created to protect wild monkeys displaced by forestry development. The first warden began feeding them apples to encourage them back to the safety of the mountains. One day, a baby monkey accidentally entered a nearby ryokan’s outdoor bath, a behavior that quickly spread through the troop. Today, these “Snow Monkeys” are world-famous for this unique habit.
【3 Highlights of the Park】
- Bathing Monkeys (Winter: Dec–Mar): In freezing temperatures, watching monkeys close their eyes in bliss while soaking in the steam is a truly human-like sight.
- Adorable Baby Monkeys (Spring: Apr–May): Spring is birth season. You’ll likely see tiny infants clinging to their mothers or playing together.
- Wild Observation without Cages: There are no fences here. You walk through their habitat, observing their social hierarchies, grooming, and feeding habits in their natural state.
⚠️ 3 Crucial Rules for Safety
- No Food: Do not show or give any food. They will snatch bags if they hear the crinkle of a wrapper.
- Keep Distance: Do not touch or stare into their eyes (this is a sign of aggression to them). Maintain a 2-meter distance.
- No Selfie Sticks: Long poles can frighten or stress the monkeys, potentially causing them to react defensively.
2. Nearby Spots: ENZA CAFE & Jigokudani Onsen
Address
ENZA CAFE: 1421‐1 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan: 6818 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
ENZA CAFE: https://enzacafe.com/en/
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan: http://www.jigokudanionsen.com/
- ENZA CAFE: Located at the trail entrance. Try the Zenkoji Miso Ramen or Nozawa-na (local greens) Pizza. It’s the perfect place to warm up with hot ginger or mulled wine.
- Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan: A historic inn (ryokan) with 150 years of history. Their outdoor bath is famous because monkeys sometimes join the guests!
- Day-trip Bath Fee: Adults 1,500 JPY / Children 750 JPY (Inc. tax)
- ⚠️ Caution: This is the monkeys’ “territory.” If a monkey approaches while you are bathing, stay calm, do not touch them, and maintain a respectful distance.
3. Shibu Onsen: A Traditional Hot Spring Village
Address 2112-1 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
Official Website https://shibuonsen.net/en/
A charming cobblestone village with 1,300 years of history, located just a short distance from the park.
♨️ The “9 Public Baths” & Tattoo Policy
- Stay to Bathe: The 9 public bathhouses (Soto-yu) are reserved for overnight guests of Shibu Onsen. You receive a master key from your ryokan to enter for free.
- Day-trippers: You can only access the 9th bath, “O-yu.”
- O-yu Fee: Adults 800 JPY / Children 500 JPY
- Tattoo Friendly: Shibu Onsen’s public baths are generally tattoo-friendly, making it a rare and welcoming spot for international travelers with ink.
4. Smart Travel: Official Passes & Tours
- SNOW MONKEY PASS: Includes train/bus transport and park entry. Highly recommended for solo travelers. Snow Monkey Resorts – Online Booking
- Snow Monkey Resorts Official 1-Day Tour: The most popular English-guided tour including Zenkoji Temple, Sake tasting, lunch, and the park. Official Tour Booking Page
- JTB SUNRISE TOURS: A cultural package combining the monkeys with traditional miso cellar visits and Obuse town. JTB Sunrise Tours (Nagano Departure)
💡 Essential FAQ for Travelers
Q. Do they bathe all year round? A. No. They bathe mainly to stay warm in winter. While you can see monkeys year-round, for the “bathing in snow” photos, December to March is the only time.
Q. Is the park accessible for strollers or wheelchairs? A. No. The 1.6km trail is unpaved and becomes muddy or icy. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot pass. We recommend using a baby carrier for small children.
✨ Pro-Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Winter Gear is Mandatory: The walk to the park is a 35-minute snowy hike. Snow boots are a must. Sneakers are extremely dangerous on the ice.
- Etiquette in Jigokudani: Remember, the monkeys outnumber the humans here. Be mindful, don’t feed them, and stay cautious at all times.
- Lockers & Toilets: There are no toilets on the trail. Use the facilities at the bus stop. Store large luggage in the coin lockers near the park entrance café.
- Live Camera Check: These are wild animals. Check the “Live Camera” on the official site before you leave Nagano to ensure the monkeys have “punched in” for work that day!
🗺️ Plan Your Monkey Tour: For a stress-free experience without worrying about icy roads or bus schedules, we recommend booking a guided tour or staying overnight in the village.
