Amid the snowy mountains of Japan’s Nagano Prefecture lies a unique natural reserve — the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen). It is the only place in the world where you can watch Japanese macaques relaxing in hot thermal baths surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.
Thanks to the harsh winters and geothermal springs, the monkeys have adapted to soaking in warm water, a behavior that makes them truly unique among primates. The park is open year-round but is especially enchanting in winter, when steam rises from the hot springs, creating a magical atmosphere. Visiting Jigokudani is a rare opportunity to observe wild animals in their natural habitat while enjoying Japan’s stunning nature.
We’ve prepared a complete travel guide to visiting the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Japan. In this article, you’ll learn where the park is located and how to get there, the cost of day tours and excursions and where to book them, what to expect during your visit, and which rules to follow to make your trip both safe and enjoyable.
How to Get to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is located in Nagano Prefecture, in the Yamanouchi area, within the Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park. It sits in the Yokoyu River Valley at an elevation of about 850 meters above sea level. The nearest towns are Shiga Kogen and Yudanaka, both famous for their natural hot springs (onsen).
From Tokyo
Traveling from Tokyo to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park takes around 3–4 hours and involves several stages: a Shinkansen (bullet train) ride, followed by a regional train or bus, and then a short walk. If you prefer a hassle-free option, you can book a guided day tour from Tokyo to Jigokudani Park. The full-day trip lasts about 12 hours, you can purchase your tickets online in advance.
Train from Tokyo to Nagano
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (北陸新幹線) is the fastest way to reach Nagano. Trains depart from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station (上野) and arrive at Nagano Station (長野駅).
Travel time: 80–90 minutes
Price: around 8,500 yen (about 55 USD) for a standard, non-reserved seat
Schedule: trains depart every 30–40 minutes from early morning until late at night. The last Shinkansen leaves Tokyo at 10:00 p.m. and arrives in Nagano at 11:50 p.m.
Where to buy tickets: at JR stations, through ticket machines, or online via the JR East website
Tip: If you have a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), the Shinkansen ride to Nagano is included in your pass.
From Nagano to Jigokudani Park
Once you arrive in Nagano, you have two options to continue your journey: take a train and then a bus, or travel directly by express bus, which will drop you off in a nearby village about a 10-minute walk from the park entrance. Regardless of which option you choose, the trip takes about one hour.
Nagaden Express Buses operate year-round, with more frequent departures during the winter season. The next stop after the Snow Monkey Park is the Shiga Kogen ski resort. If you plan to visit, you can purchase your ski lift ticket in advance online here.
You can board the bus at stop number 23, located at the east exit of Nagano Station. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, and it’s best to have cash ready. The fare is around 1,400 yen. Alternatively, you can reach the Snow Monkey Park by train and bus. Take the Nagano Dentetsu Limited Express train to the last stop, Yudanaka Station (湯田中駅). From there, transfer to the Nagaden Local Bus, which will take you to the Kanbayashi Onsen stop (上林温泉).
Important: Nagaden trains and buses are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).
If your schedule allows, consider staying overnight to enjoy the local hot springs. There are several hotels and guesthouses nearby, and you can check availability and room rates on Trip.com.
From Kyoto and Osaka
If you’re traveling to the Snow Monkey Park from Kyoto or Osaka, the journey takes around five hours on average. You can go directly to Tokyo, which is the faster but more expensive option. Take the Shinkansen Nozomi – though keep in mind that it is not covered by the JR Pass.
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, it’s better to travel via Nagoya. Take either the Shinkansen Hikari or the Shinkansen Kodama to Nagoya Station. If you have some extra time, consider spending a day exploring Nagoya. To make the most of your visit, you can book an 8-hour guided tour. You can find more details and make a reservation online.
From Nagoya, take the Shinkansen Hakutaka (Hokuriku Line) to Nagano Station, then continue to the park using one of the options described above.
Jigokudani Park ticket prices
Admission for adults is 800 yen, while children’s tickets cost 400 yen. The park is open year-round, operating from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the summer season (April to October) and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter (November to March).
Best time to visit Jigokudani Park
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is open year-round, but each season offers a different experience for observing the macaques. A live camera installed near the hot spring allows visitors to watch the monkeys online at any time. The best time to visit is winter, from December to March, when you can see the monkeys soaking in the hot springs surrounded by snow-covered scenery. January and February are the busiest months, so it’s best to plan your visit in the morning.
As spring arrives and the weather warms, the macaques bathe less frequently but remain close to the hot springs, allowing you to observe them in their natural environment. During this period, the temperature is pleasant for walking, around 10–15°C. If you visit Nagano Prefecture in mid-April, you can also enjoy the cherry blossom season. Because of the park’s mountain location, sakura blooms here later than in most other parts of Japan, and one of the best spots to see it is Matsumoto Castle.
You can also visit the park during the summer months. While you’re unlikely to see the monkeys bathing then, it’s a wonderful time to watch the young macaques play and interact with each other.
You can observe monkeys in their natural habitat in many parts of Asia, including on Hainan Island in China.
Autumn is the season of falling leaves 🍁. During this time, the mountains transform into a stunning palette of yellow, red, and orange hues. The macaques are busy preparing for the coming winter, and it’s fascinating to watch their daily routines.
History of Jigokudani Park
It is believed that the macaques turned the local hot springs into their own relaxation spot in 1963. According to the “official” story, it all started with a female snow monkey who noticed some tasty beans floating in the water. As she tried to reach them, she found the warm bath so pleasant that she forgot all about the beans. Gradually, other macaques began to follow her lead, and soon entire families of monkeys started gathering there.
Today, Jigokudani Park has become a favorite retreat for snow monkey clans. This onsen, one of Japan’s many natural hot springs, is now completely owned – in spirit, at least – by the monkeys themselves.
In reality, the macaques were forced to move here. Beginning in the 1950s, Japan experienced a boom in ski resort construction. Chairlifts were built on mountain slopes, and forests were cleared to create ski runs. As a result, the monkeys’ natural habitat shrank, pushing them to migrate to lower mountain regions. They began living near farms and raiding crops, which led to conflicts with farmers and even hunting.
Today, you can visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park on your own or book a day tour from Tokyo. You can find tour details and make a reservation online.
What the Name Jigokudani Means
The name “Jigokudani” (地獄谷) translates to “Hell Valley.” It originated from the harsh natural environment and the strong geothermal activity in the region.
This area, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is known for its steep slopes, cold winters, and thick clouds of steam rising from numerous hot springs. The view is especially striking in winter, when freezing air temperatures contrast with the hot water streams, creating the illusion of boiling cauldrons.
In the past, people avoided this place, believing it to be dangerous and inhospitable – hence the name “Hell Valley.” Today, however, Jigokudani attracts thousands of visitors, drawn by the famous Japanese macaques that use the thermal springs as natural baths to stay warm during the cold season.
Rules for visiting the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a protected area where Japanese macaques live in their natural habitat. To ensure the safety of both the animals and visitors, it’s important to follow a few basic rules.
What not to do in the park:
- Do not feed the monkeys or bring food into the park
The monkeys eat natural foods found in the wild, and human food can be harmful to them. Feeding also makes them aggressive and dependent on humans. - Do not touch the monkeys, shout, make sudden movements, or get too close – especially to the babies
These are wild animals and may attack if they feel threatened. Keep a safe distance of at least one to two meters. - Avoid direct eye contact
In the animal world, this is perceived as a challenge and can trigger aggression. - Do not use a camera flash
Flash photography can frighten the monkeys and cause stress. Take pictures in natural light instead. - Do not enter the water or throw anything into it
The hot springs are reserved exclusively for the monkeys – bathing in them is strictly prohibited.
Throwing objects into the water can pollute it and disturb the animals.
What you can do:
✔ Observe the monkeys quietly from a safe distance.
✔ Take photos without flash.
✔ Follow the instructions of park staff.
✔ Dress appropriately for the season (warm boots in winter, light clothing in summer).
Following these rules ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and the snow monkeys themselves.
Where to eat
As mentioned earlier, food is not allowed inside the park, and there are no cafes or restaurants within the reserve. It’s best to plan your meal in advance. In the nearby Kanbayashi Onsen area, you’ll find several small eateries where you can have a snack, rest, and warm up – especially if you’re visiting during the winter months.
