Explore the Heart of Japan: Snow Monkeys
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Japan Snow Monkey Onsen Park
A visit to the area would not be complete without seeing the Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑 Jigokudani Yaen Kōen) in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture - near Iiyama and Togakushi. The Monkey Onsen is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River which is part of the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park. Despite its relatively remote location, roughly 90,000 visitors trek through the woods of Nagano each year to see Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park.
The large population of wild snow monkeys go to the valley during the winter foraging elsewhere in the national park during the warmer months. The main onsen bath was constructed specifically for use by the monkeys. The monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm waters of the onsen, and return to the security of the forests in the evenings. The monkeys are all free-ranging; their numbers move in and out of the valley depending on the season. In winter, when food is limited, monkeys congregate in and around the pools for warmth and the daily supply of barley and soybeans. However, they are still sometimes sighted even in the summer as they take occasional baths. Some would say that this is because they are lured by food thrown into the pool by park wardens.
The name Jigokudani, meaning "Hell's Valley", is due to the steam and boiling water that bubbles out of small crevices in the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest. Jigokudani is as nearly as far north as it gets for monkeys (the furthest extreme being the Shimokita Peninsula at the northern part of the Honshu island). No primate, with the exception of humans, is known to live in a colder climate. And it does get cold here—snow covers the ground for four months of the year, and winter temperatures average 14ºF (-10º).
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How did the monkeys start bathing in Jigokudani?
The story goes that in 1963, a young female monkey clambered into a hot spring to collect soybeans that were floating on the surface of the water. The behaviour was copied by others in the troop, and soon it became common for the monkeys to retreat to the hot pools when the harsh winter arrived. Naturally the tourists followed soon after.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Warnings
Leave any food you may have inside the visitor's centre. It is also not advisable to carry plastic bags or eat in front of the monkeys. You are also warned not to touch the monkeys nor stare into their eyes. Travel lightly, especially in winter - good shoes/boots and a backpack rather than a suitcase.
Webcam courtesy of Jigokudani Yaen Koen |
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Learn Japanese on your iPod or add a phrasebook Brief Directions on Getting to Jigokudani Monkey Park
During winter, day tours are available from Nagano, Myoko Kogen, Iiyama, Yudanaka, and other nearby centres plus also even from Tokyo.
If you want to take a train from JR Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu limited-express train to Yudanaka 湯田中 (45 mins / ￥1,230). A JR Pass cannot be used on this line. From Yudanaka, take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen (15mins / ￥250 / 6km). See a snow monkey access map here.
Nagaden express buses connect Nagano Station with Yudanaka Station in 45 minutes and for ￥1130 yen one way. From Yudanaka, take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen (15 mins / ￥250). There are express buses between Nagano Station and the Shiga Kogen area, which stop at Kanbayashi Onsen near the trail head to the monkey park (40 mins / ￥1300 yen).
From Kanbayashi it’s all on foot, trekking up the snow covered road until a trail breaks off through the trees (see below). For two kilometres the path winds its way through a forest of red pine and Japanese larch until finally arriving at Jigokudan. All up it's about a thirty minute walk (roughly three kilometres in total) to the Jigokudani Yaen-koen entrance. The admission fee is 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children.
Onsen For humans
If you feel like a hot spring dip yourself many of good hotels can be found in the area further down the valley. Fudo-Son no Yu Kotobuki is conveniently located just under the gateway of mountain path to Jigokudani Yaen-koen, whilst dozens of 
ryokan with hot spring baths are located in and around Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. There are also several fine public onsen. Look for the this symbol (right) on maps and signs when seeking onsen.
Check our onsen page for further details
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Shibu OnsenNearby Shibu Onsen 渋温泉 with its narrow streets offers a particularly nice atmosphere with people strolling in their yukata and wooden geta sandals. Some inns date back sixteen generations and their wooden facades look like they came from a historic period drama. The main Inn “Kanaguya” was one of the models for Studio Ghibli’s award winning “Spirited Away”. |
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Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen hikes
You will find information on many hiking trails in and around Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen here. Places include Shibu-ike (pond), Hyotan-ike, Mt Urashiga (2040m), Shijyuhati Marshlands, Mt Hatchiyama, Mt Shiranesan (2160m) Lake Yugama, Mt. Ainomine, Lake Yumike and Onuma-ike.
Snow Monkey Park, Nagano: Accommodation and Sightseeing Map
See a larger Jigokudani Koen Snow Monkey Park: Accommodation & Sightseeing MapDownload a Shibu Onsen hot spring map here
Need a place to stay? Check out the establishments below or see TWENTY more places at our Snow Monkey Accommodation page |
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Shimaya Ryokan is located in the centre of town and only 8 minutes away from Yudanaka station.
When requested, the ryokan will provide 'on-demand' free shuttle services to and from the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Read or leave a review of Shimaya Ryokan here |
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Yudanaka Seifu-so is a traditional Japanese style guesthouse located in Yudanaka Onsen. Free breakfast and LAN connections provided. The building was built during the Meiji era (1868-1912) with a traditional inner garden too. All of the 15 guest rooms are Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. Guests can use the onsen privately upon request (for free). |
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Ryokan Suisensou is a relaxing local inn with traditional tatami and futon sleeping arrangements. Meals are available as is free internet access. A variety of activities are available including a visit to the monkey hot springs. Hot spring onsen and kitchen facilities available. |
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Fudo-Son no Yu Kotobuki is a unique combination of Japanese, Western and cottage style hot spring resort located in a luscious forest in Kanbayashi Onsen - one of the one hundred famous hot springs in Japan. The inn is conveniently located just under the gateway of mountain path to Jigokudani Yaen-koen. Guests have a relaxing lounge area, several different types of onsen and hearty meals as well. |
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Hatsunoyu Ryokan has three baths. One public bath for men, one public bath for ladies, and one private bath. The public baths are available 24 hours and all rooms are Japanese traditional style.
Credit cards not accepted. Check in - 15:00 Check out - 10:00. Please inform the hotel of your arrival time at Yudanaka station for a free pick-up service. |
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Yorozuya Annex Yurakuan is a comfortable Japanese-style inn. The hot springs bath has a temple style wooden architecture, chosen as one of the best ten onsen baths in Japan! You can use the onsen privately upon request. There is an internet café and a pub inside the hotel. Both Japanese-style guest rooms and western-style guest rooms available. |
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Shibu Hotel is a Japanese-style inn. FREE collection from Yudanaka station, plus FREE shuttle to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Closer to the Onsen Monkey Park than the other onsen areas of Nagano. The hotel has both Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and western-style rooms as well as three different types of onsen including a private bath. |
Snow MonKey Photo Gallery - Click Here
Official Jigokudani Monkey Park website |
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Ref: Snow Monkey Magic
