The Snow Monkey Park can be a fantastic experience when luck is on your side and the monkeys are there. Seeing them up close in their natural environment is truly memorable and makes the trip worthwhile.
However, visitors should keep in mind that monkey sightings are not guaranteed. The park provides live camera footage and sighting information, and I strongly recommend checking it before visiting. On the day I went, around 90% of the people who arrived with me did not see any monkeys at all.
This is not the park's fault—these are wild animals and their presence depends on weather, season, and their natural behavior. Still, it is important to understand that you may spend several hours traveling and walking only to find no monkeys.
The forest walk is pleasant, but without the monkeys it is essentially a short trail and not a destination that can easily fill an entire day. The scenery is nice, though I imagine it is much more impressive in winter with snow than in summer (June).
My recommendation is to have a backup plan and check the live stream before making the trip. If the monkeys are there, it can be a beautiful and unique experience. If not, you may want to spend your time elsewhere.
The price (in 2026) is 800 yen I think it’s 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 human’s 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.
Loved this place and although it definitely seems better to visit in winter for that perfect picture, Spring is a great time to visit because this is the time young ones are born. The walk up to the park is beautiful and calm. We visited first week June and there were so many monkeys around so it's a good time to visit. The weather was perfect. There is a gift shop at the park and there are a couple of cafes at the car park for lovely ice cream and custard apple pies. Definitely recommend.
Went here hoping to see the monkeys soaking in the hot spring, but unfortunately none were doing that during our visit. Still, there were plenty of monkeys around — playing, roaming, and just minding their own business.
What I liked is that the monkeys are generally calm and not aggressive. They don’t bother visitors, which makes it a comfortable experience to observe them up close.
There’s honestly not much to do besides the trek and watching the monkeys, so don’t expect too many activities. It’s more about the experience and nature.
I’ve heard it can get very crowded during winter, but during our April visit, it was quite manageable and not too packed.
Overall, still a unique experience — just manage your expectations depending on the season.
Snow Monkey Park is a unique and unforgettable experience, where you can see wild monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. The walk to the park is peaceful and scenic, especially during winter when everything is covered in snow.
Watching the monkeys up close in their natural habitat is truly special and something you won’t see anywhere else. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the path can be a bit long and slippery.
Overall, it’s a must-visit spot in Nagano, especially for nature lovers and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
