Snow Monkeys in Hot Springs: Exploring Jigokudani Monkey Park

Have you ever seen monkeys soaking in a hot spring?
That scene isn’t from a movie, it’s something you can witness for real in “Jigokudani” in Yamanouchi, Nagano.

Yamanouchi is home to Japan’s largest ski resort area, Shiga Kogen, along with countless natural hot springs and plenty of sights to see. While winter in Nagano is undeniably beautiful, I had the chance to visit in summer and discovered a different side of its charm. Let me share that experience with you.

What Is Jigokudani Monkey Park?

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a place where you can see monkeys soaking in hot springs, attracting visitors from all over the world.
In 1970, it was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine in the United States, and the Nagano Winter Olympics later brought it even more international attention.
Today, these “snow monkeys” are beloved by visitors and the park has become one of the region’s most popular attractions.

You can reach the entrance to the trail leading to Jigokudani Monkey Park by car or public transportation. However, since the park itself is tucked away deep in the mountains, a roughly 30-minute hike is required to get there.

Most of the trail is gentle and follows the “Yumichi Natural Trail” where hot spring water flows alongside the path. Depending on the season or weather, the trail can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to wear shoes that suit the conditions.

One important thing to keep in mind before entering is that the monkeys here are not kept in cages or behind fences, they are wild animals living freely in the forest. To enjoy your visit safely, be sure to follow the rules, such as not feeding them and not touching them.

 

A Snow Monkey Paradise! Experiencing Early Summer in Jigokudani

Inside the well-maintained park, it feels less like “Jigokudani” (literally “Hell Valley”) and more like a true paradise.
The monkeys, with their almost human-like expressions, are so cute that just watching them is incredibly soothing.

The staff prepare for the monkeys’ arrival every day, but depending on the conditions, the monkeys may or may not show up.
The official website posts a weekly “Monkey Appearance Forecast” based on data, and you can also check real-time updates on social media, so be sure to take a look before your visit.

During the coldest winter months, this open-air hot spring fills up with monkeys.
However, in the warmer seasons, they rarely take a dip in the hot springs.

As I watched, I noticed a monkey starting to drink the hot spring water.
The reason isn’t entirely clear, but apparently they drink the hot spring water more often than the river water.
Perhaps it’s a bit of “monkey wisdom” passed down through generations.

While seeing the monkeys soaking in the hot springs during winter is undoubtedly charming, in early summer you can enjoy watching the babies born in spring at Jigokudani.
Watching them being groomed by their parents, snuggling up to their mothers, or playing innocently was incredibly heartwarming.

Jigokudani Monkey Park changes with the seasons, offering a variety of expressions from the monkeys, and is definitely a must-visit spot to experience in person.

For a perfect combo with Jigokudani Monkey Park, take a look at my Shibu Onsen article

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