December to March provides the highest probability of seeing monkeys in the hot springs, as they bathe more frequently in cold weather. The monkeys are present year-round but use the pools less often in warmer months. Early morning visits typically offer better viewing opportunities. Bathing behavior cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animals.
The 1.6-kilometer unpaved trail takes approximately 30 minutes with moderate inclines. Winter conditions create significant difficulty due to ice and packed snow, requiring proper hiking or winter boots with traction. The path is not wheelchair accessible and requires reasonable mobility.
No. All contact and feeding are strictly prohibited. The monkeys are wild and can be aggressive if approached. Visitors must maintain distance and stay in designated viewing areas. Violations result in removal from the park.
The park operates daily throughout the year. Admission is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. Monkey sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are free-ranging wildlife.
The park has restrooms, a small information center, and a winter warming hut. No restaurants or cafes operate within the park. The nearest accommodations and dining are in Kanbayashi Onsen near the trailhead or in Yudanaka town.
Traveler reviews
The Snow Monkey Park visit can be a variable in your Japan itinerary. It's not a must-visit for me for the following reasons:
1. The big bus from the train station to the Snow Monkey Park costs a lot β it's 6,000 yen round trip for a 45-minute journey via a very slow-moving bus.
2. The park itself is meh, not really mind-blowing. There's a small spring where the snow monkeys bathe, and someone regularly feeds them, so they gather near tourists and you can take as many photos as you like. The only thing I appreciated was the 1.6km walk from the entrance to the main park itself, as the view is nice.
If you ask me whether I'd go back there again, it's a NO. π
The price (in 2026) is 800 yen I think itβs quit worth it. From the start point you have to walk 1.6km (takes 25mins) through the forest which is so beautiful in winter time. Remember to wear your easy-crampons on your shoes in case of the slippery on the path.
You can also have your own humanβs Onsen (hot spring) at the traditional Japanese B&B from 12:00-16:00 and they also offer some drinks, foods and accommodation which is outside the paid-entrance of monkey park.
Monkeys are really cute, they do play snow and have Onsen. There are some introductions of the park and the monkeys in the store in monkey park. You can really recognize who is the king of the monkeys!! Highly recommended:)
By the way, credit card / Apple Pay / IC card / cash are available for the monkey park fee & the store. But cash only at the human Onsen and food.
This is a truly worthwhile experience in Nagano. While they cannot guarantee you'll see monkeys, on a January visit, there were so many it was impossible to turn one direction or another without seeing them. Because it's a popular destination and a small park, it can be a little crowded, but if you wait your turn you will be able to see the most popular areas like the pool. To access the park, you need to hike ~40 along a beautiful trail surrounded by a cedar forest. There is no food in the park as it would attract the monkeys. You can eat food at the base of the park instead. Be aware that the monkeys might pass you by and get fairly close to you, but they will not bother you. They are peaceful creatures; they seem to ignore humans and not be bothered by them. People of any age would love coming here! Just make sure to dress for the weather and wear proper shoes, since the trail has some relatively steep bends with unavoidable ice patches.
A unique experience to see Japanese macaques up close in an open environment. Leaving a 1 m space and not feeding them is a key to this success. Beautiful, mostly flat trail to the park (under 2 km one way). It was snow covered so bring good foot ware. Expect some stairs when you get closer.
You must go in winter. Because so beautiful. But you have to prepare your shoes. I wore snow boots and spike. Spike help you to walk easily and not afraid to slip. Because the road so slippery and narrow. And you must have a good stamina. After you reached to monkey park you will be happy watching the monkeys soaked in hot onsen and eating barley. So cute!!! Don't forget to buy snow monkey park pass at nagano station. 6,800 yen you will get snow monkey park ticket and bus ticket ( return) so you don't have to line up again when you going in to park. And don't forget to come early, I came at 9 am and less crowded really recommended π
