Why you need to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano

Deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture lies one of Japan’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations - Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Photo by Pratik Bisht on Unsplash

This remarkable park offers visitors the chance to see wild Japanese macaques, or “snow monkeys,” as they bathe in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-covered cliffs and serene forest.

What Is Jigokudani Monkey Park?

Located in the Jigokudani Valley of Yamanouchi Town, Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for its wild troop of Japanese macaques that soak in outdoor onsen (hot springs) during the cold winter months.

These monkeys, with their expressive red faces and thick fur, are the only primates other than humans known to bathe in hot springs.

Open year-round, the park’s peak season is winter, when the snow monkeys descend from the mountains to warm up in the steaming waters.

Visitors can observe the monkeys up close as they groom, play, and relax in their natural environment-no cages, no tricks, just nature at its finest.

The History of Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park Japan was founded in 1964 to protect the local monkey population from the growing effects of nearby ski resort development and increased tourism.

Before the park’s creation, the monkeys were often seen venturing into hot spring resorts in search of food and warmth.

Rather than relocate them or discourage their behavior, conservationists worked with local authorities to create a designated area where the monkeys could safely gather.

The plan was a success-and the park gained global attention when National Geographic featured a photo of a snow monkey peacefully soaking in an onsen.

Since then, Jigokudani Monkey Park has become a symbol of Japan’s approach to wildlife conservation, allowing people to respectfully observe and study the natural behavior of animals without disturbing their way of life.

Why This Location Is So Unique

The name “Jigokudani” means “Hell’s Valley,” named for its steaming vents, rocky cliffs, and geothermal activity. Despite the ominous name, the area is anything but hellish-especially in winter, when the snow-covered forest and misty hot springs create a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere.

The park is situated at an elevation of about 850 meters and is blanketed in snow for roughly one-third of the year. It lies within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich biodiversity and volcanic landscapes.

What sets Jigokudani Monkey Park apart is that the monkeys are truly wild. They are not enclosed or forced to stay-they come down from the mountains voluntarily, often in the early morning, and return to the forest after soaking in the onsen. Park staff provide food to encourage their presence but do not interfere with their natural behavior.

How to Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park

• Best time to visit: Winter (December to March) is the most scenic and guarantees the classic snow monkey hot spring experience.

• Getting there: From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station, then a short bus or taxi ride followed by a 1.6 km (1 mile) walk through a quiet forest trail.

• What to bring: Winter clothing, snow boots with grip, and a good camera or smartphone for unforgettable photos.

A True Bucket-List Experience

A visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park is more than a wildlife encounter - it’s a journey into a rare, peaceful corner of the Japanese Alps where nature and tradition coexist in perfect balance.

Whether you're a photographer, a nature enthusiast, or a curious traveler, witnessing snow monkeys bathe in natural hot springs is an unforgettable experience that captures the magic of winter in Japan.