Tokyo
All Season
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park, nestled in the Japanese Alps near Nagano, is renowned for its unique interaction between wild snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, and geothermal hot springs. Translated as “Hell Valley,” it provides a natural habitat for these primates, who find warmth in the hot springs during winter.
Visitors can observe the captivating sight of snow monkeys bathing, playing, and grooming each other in the steaming waters, creating a harmonious blend of nature and wildlife. The park is enveloped in a picturesque snowy landscape, enhancing the overall experience.
Access to Jigokudani involves a scenic walk through a forested trail, adding to the adventure. The park also educates visitors about the behavior and conservation of these monkeys. The winter season, with snow-covered surroundings, makes this destination particularly enchanting.
Jigokudani Monkey Park serves as a testament to the coexistence of wildlife and geothermal features, offering a memorable and ethereal encounter with Japan’s indigenous macaques in their natural habitat.
Access
By Car
The best way to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park is to use private transport / sightseeing taxi in Tokyo. KingTai Travel has lots of sightseeing taxi in Tokyo with afforable price.
There are two approaches to the Monkey Park: one requires a 25-40 minute walk through the forest, while the other requires a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest parking lot.
The first approach involves taking a bus to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop from Yudanaka Station (about 10 minutes, 310 yen, 1-2 buses per hour), Shibu Onsen (about 5 minutes, 190 yen, 1-2 buses per hour) or Nagano Station (40 minutes, 1800 yen, 4-10 buses per day). From the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, it is a 30-40 minute walk to the monkey park. The walking trail is passable around the year, but sturdy footwear is recommended especially in winter.
The alternative approach involves a 10-15 minute walk from a paid parking lot just to the west of the monkey park. However the narrow road from Shibu Onsen to the parking lot is not served by public transportation and gets closed in winter. Although rather time-consuming, it would be possible to walk to the parking lot from Shibu Onsen in about 45-60 minutes when there is no snow.
HOURS & FEES
Opening hours :
8:30 to 17:00 (April to October)
9:00 to 16:00 (November to March)
Admission fee:800 yen
