Jigokudani Monkey Park
地獄谷野猿公苑
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Snow Monkeys in a Hot Spring
Jigokudani Monkey Park is a scenic viewpoint in Yamanouchi, Nagano. Travel through its seasons and highlights across 2 on-location videos before you visit.
In the steaming valley of Jigokudani ('Hell Valley'), wild Japanese macaques — the famous 'snow monkeys' — bathe in a natural hot-spring pool, an unforgettable sight that draws visitors from around the world, especially in winter when the surrounding forest is deep in snow. The park sits in the mountains of Yamanouchi, reached by a scenic 30-minute walk through cedar woods. The monkeys live wild and free, descending to the pool to warm up, and can be observed up close throughout the year.
Best Season
- JanSnow Monkeys
- AprSpring in the Valley
- AugCool Summer Forest
- OctAutumn Colours
The monkeys are present year-round, but the classic image of them bathing in snow is a winter sight (roughly December–March). The 1.6 km approach trail can be icy in winter, so proper footwear is recommended.
History & Culture
The Park Opens
The park opened in 1964 to protect the local macaque troop and allow people to observe them; the monkeys soon began bathing in the hot spring, a behaviour now world-renowned.
A Global Winter Icon
Featured in nature documentaries and photography worldwide, the bathing snow monkeys have become one of Japan's most distinctive winter attractions.
6845 Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401
- Bus to Kanbayashi Onsen from Yudanaka Stn, ~30 min walk
9:00–16:00 (seasonal)
¥800
Hours and fees are a guide and may change — please check official information before your visit.
