What other travelers are saying about Jigokudani Monkey Park
Really fun experience. The monkeys are very fascinating and fun to watch. The hike before getting to the park itself is about 30-40 minutes and the view was absolutely beautiful as well during winter.
Lots of tourists though so make sure you have a good zoom lens on your camera.
Please do not feed the monkeys as well, they can smell it if you are holding food and they can approach and even attack you.
You can buy tickets in advance so you can enter by another line, if you dont have tickets you might have to wait especially if there are lots of tourists.
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.
We took a 3.5-hour drive to Nagano, to reach Jigokudani Monkey Park. From the car park, we embarked on a 25-minute hike through a serene forest trail, surrounded by snow and crisp mountain air. At the end of the hike, we were rewarded with the view of Snow monkeys — Japanese macaques — soaking blissfully in natural onsen pools.
It was fascinating (and honestly quite adorable) to watch how the macaques enjoyed the warm waters, taking refuge from the winter cold, lounging like seasoned spa-goers.
You will need to purchase entry tickets (by cash or card) before entering the onsen area.
There are a couple of restaurants near the car park but these are usually packed with visitors.
Nonetheless, it's a refreshing escape into nature, and a truly memorable winter experience!
An absolutely incredible experience.
Tickets were very affordable, and the walk up was well worth it.
We arrived right at feeding time, and it was unforgettable — a frenzy of monkeys running down the mountain all at once to eat. Watching around a hundred or so snow monkeys gather, interact, and feed was exhilarating and something I’ll never forget. Afterwards, seeing them relax and bathe in their little onsen was the perfect contrast — calm, beautiful, and uniquely Japanese.
The walk is about 1.6 km to the top. I did it on crutches and was completely exhausted, but it was worth every second.
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-see when visiting Nagano.
Travelled from Tokyo as a day trip to visite the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
From Nagano station, I took a direct shuttle (¥3,000 one-way trip) to the base of the monkey park. You then proceed to hike up 1.8km through a beautiful forest pathways.
At the entrance of monkey park, the fee is ¥800 per adult. There was no wait on a Tuesday morning. Since the park is not very big, you will find yourself packed with all the other tourists around the main viewing platform (see photos).
Very neat to see the monkeys lounge around, bathe and be in close proximity. It is quite touristy, and they are equipped with washrooms and a tiny heated gift shop/waiting area. In typical Japanese fashion, do not expect to be able to lounge or grab a bite to eat at the Monkey park (there are restaurants at the base of the park).
Compared to other parks and temples where monkeys roam freely (Swayambhunath, Nepal and Lopburi, Thailand), the park was underwhelming. Always neat to see the monkeys and capture some great shots!
Embarking on a winter trek along the 1.6-kilometer trail to the captivating snow monkey habitat is a truly magical experience. The forest is beautifully covered in snow, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The path is relatively flat, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels. However, be prepared for icy stretches, slippery spots, and muddy areas. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, it's highly advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes—if you don’t have your own, rental options are conveniently available on-site. As you make your way along the trail, watch your footing, as it's not uncommon to see fellow travelers taking unexpected tumbles.
It’s important to note that visiting outside of the winter months offers a less enchanting experience, as the monkeys are typically only accessible for the onsen bath during winter. The monkeys in this area are well-behaved, as feeding them is not allowed, reflecting the respect for Japanese culture.
For those driving to the location, there are various parking options available. However, the best choice is to park at Kanbayashi Onsen (Free) Parking Lot 1, which is conveniently located closest to the entrance, making your journey a little easier.
