Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, located in the Yokoyu River valley of Nagano Prefecture, is home to a unique population of Japanese macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys. The park was established in 1964 when researchers began studying the monkeys' remarkable behavior of bathing in natural hot springs during winter months. This distinctive habit developed as an adaptation to the region's harsh winters, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow can reach depths of several meters.

The macaque troop consists of approximately 160 individuals who live freely in the surrounding forest but regularly descend to the valley to bathe in the thermal pools. The sight of these wild primates relaxing in steaming water surrounded by snow has become one of Japan's most iconic wildlife spectacles and has been featured in countless nature documentaries and publications worldwide. The monkeys are wild and not confined, making every visit unpredictable, though they frequent the area year-round due to food provisioning by park staff.

Visitors walk along a 1.6-kilometer forest trail from the parking area to reach the observation area, a journey that takes roughly 30 minutes through scenic mountain terrain. The path is maintained but can be challenging in winter due to ice and snow, requiring appropriate footwear. At the bathing area, wooden platforms and designated viewing zones allow close observation while maintaining safe distances from the animals. Photography is permitted, and the monkeys are habituated to human presence, though feeding or touching them is strictly prohibited.

The park is accessible from Nagano city, located approximately 40 kilometers northeast. Visitors typically take a train to Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Dentetsu line, followed by a local bus to the Kanbayashi Onsen area and the subsequent forest walk. Admission costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.