Jigokudani Monkey Park: Japan’s Natural Monkey Spa
At some unknown point after the Korakukan Ryokan Hot Spring Inn opened in the mid-1800s, a tourist soaking in the inn’s natural hot springs decided to slip a Japanese macaque monkey who had wandered over from a nearby forest a little morsel of food. It didn’t take long for the macaque monkeys of the Jigokundani Valley to figure out that receiving an endless supply of snacks and lounging in hot springs aren’t exclusively human activities.
By the 1960s, several troops of Japanese macaques—otherwise known as snow monkeys—had claimed the Jigakudani hot springs as their own. It was then that the Jigokudani Monkey Park was born. In lieu of soaking in the hot springs themselves, visitors can view families of macaques monkeying around in their natural habitat. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is surrounded by serene forests where travelers can take a peaceful walk.
The most popular time to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park is in the winter, when the Jigokudani Valley is blanketed in snow. It is surreal and endearing to see countless monkeys frolicking in steaming pools with a light coat of snow covering their fur, Even though visitors are prohibited from soaking in the pools or touching the monkeys, the warmth from the thermal pools still provides a great deal of heat on frigid days to visitors strolling along the park’s boardwalk.
Through the centuries, Japanese culture has viewed snow monkeys as tricksters, scapegoats, and emissaries between gods and humans. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is the perfect place for you to draw your own conclusions about the potential character and motivations of snow monkeys, If you’re looking for a human-centric hot spring, nearby Shibu and Nozawa Onsen feature pristine natural hot springs. Perhaps the snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park will inspire you to attempt some new hot spring antics.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Wild Snow Monkey Park), Yamanouchi, Nagano, Japan
- Coordinates
- 36.7328, 138.4627
- Access
- Park paths are unpaved and include slopes and steps; wheelchairs and carts are not suitable. No pets are allowed. This is a wild-macaque observation site, not a human bathing facility.
- Admission
- Paid admission; confirm the current amount with the park before visiting. The operator posted a fee-change notice on September 20, 2026, while its online guide still shows the former ¥800 adult/¥400 child rates.
- Time needed
- The operator’s first-visit guide says the walk from the parking area or bus stop to the park takes about 30 minutes one way. Allow at least an hour for the access walk round trip, plus time in the park; snow and trail conditions can affect the walk.
- Best season
- Winter offers the best chance of seeing macaques use the hot spring, but sightings are never guaranteed. The operator says appearances are particularly sporadic in autumn.
- Opening hours
- Open year-round: April–October 08:30–17:00; November–March 09:00–16:00. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing; weather, natural hazards or monkey activity may lead to a change or closure.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-30
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