If you were to ask me to rank my favourite Japan experiences, visiting Jigokudani Yaen Koen would be near the top of that list. Also known as Hell’s Valley or Jigokudani Monkey Park, it is world famous for its population of wild Japanese macaques or Snow Monkeys.
Each morning, they descend from their mountain home to enjoy the steaming waters of the natural hot springs. They soak up the warmth, groom each other, huddle for a group hug and occasionally fight.
Make the most of your time at Jigokudani Yaen Koen with my best tips for visiting the snow monkeys in Japan.
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Location: Nagano Prefecture, 150 miles northwest of Tokyo (location here)
Getting There: By bus, train or organised tour from Nagano, the closest major train station. Nagano is 1 hour 35 minutes by train from Tokyo
Opening Hours: Year-round 9 am to 4 pm daily. Extended hours April – October
Ticket price: JPY800 in 2024
My Experience at the Snow Monkey Park
I visited the Snow Monkey Park in February as part of a 2-week winter Japan itinerary that kicked off with the Snow Festival in Sapporo. Like many people, I did this as a day trip from Nagano, taking the direct bus there and the train back via Obuse.
After a 40-minute hike, I reached the entrance to the park and made my way to the main hot spring pool. And there they were. A dozen or more monkeys in different parts of the pool, some relaxing in the water, eyes closed, others scampering along the edges, unfazed by the human visitors pointing camera lenses towards them.
A famous Time magazine cover brought to life.
I observed them for a while and then started taking photos and videos. It was hard to decide where to point my camera first.
I spent around 1.5 hours there before the biting cold drove me back down the trail to catch the bus for the return journey. It was a magical experience
My Top Tips for Visiting the Snow Monkeys
1. Aim to visit in the morning
These are wild monkeys, and they come and go as they please. They start arriving in the park as it opens and hang around until at least 3 p.m.
This is a popular attraction, especially in winter. By arriving early, you have the best chance of avoiding the tour buses.
2. Visit in winter
It snows in the Nagano Prefecture from December to March, and the best time to see the Japanese monkeys is January or February. Although the monkeys visit the park year-round, there is no guarantee they will appear on the day you visit (but no-shows are rare).
As cold temperatures encourage the monkeys to spend a lot of time in the onsen, their behaviour is more reliable in winter. During the warmer months, snow monkeys are less inclined to bathe in the hot springs (although they are likely to be milling around).
Another reason I opted for a winter visit to the Snow Monkey Park was for the best photographs. The landscape was blanketed in snow and the monkeys were particularly photogenic, their thick fur and red faces striking against the steam rising from the onsen.
3. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
I visited Jigokudani Yaen Koen after recent snowfall and the path to the park was treacherous. A friend who went there a few days before me was so freaked out by it she abandoned her visit. True story.
It is reportedly very muddy at other times of the year.
Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, or hire them from the shop at the start of the trail. The shop also sells inexpensive crampons.
The park is at an altitude of 850 metres so wear your warmest layers. A hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
4. Enjoy the hike to the Snow Monkey Park
It is a glorious walk from the bus stop to the Snow Monkey Park, particularly in winter. For the most part, it’s a tree-lined forest trail. Close to the park, there’s Kōrakuan, the historic inn that inspired the development of the park – young monkeys used to play in its onsen – and Shibu no Jigokudani Geyser.
The trail to the park is one mile in both directions. Other than avoiding ice patches, it’s an easy hike. It is on the level along an unsealed path, with a short staircase at the trail entrance and a second steeper staircase and sloped path at the park’s entrance.
5. Don’t confine yourself to the main hot spring pool
You’ll see visitors gathered on the viewing platform surrounding the main onsen before you reach it. Although this is where you are likely to capture the best snow monkey photographs it’s not the only place. It’s worth heading down to the river, if only because there are fewer people.
6. Buy the Snow Monkey Pass
This is a good deal if, like me, you are visiting the Snow Monkey Park as a day trip from Nagano on public transport. When I did the maths, it was the same price as one return trip + park entrance.
The Snow Monkey Pass is valid for 2 days from the date of purchase and includes:
- One admission to the Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Unlimited use of the train services on the Nagano Dentetsu Line for two days (unreserved seats).
- Unlimited use of the Nagaden Express Bus from/to Nagano Station and the monkey park.
- Unlimited use of the Nagaden Local Bus from/to Yudanaka Station and Kanbayashi Onsen/Monkey Park.
I bought my pass at Nagano Station but it is available for sale at several stations along the Nagaden railway line. It is not available during October and November.
You can also buy it online but as you need to redeem your voucher at Nagano Station, I don’t see the advantage in doing this.
7. Allow at least half a day for your visit
A visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park typically takes at least three hours. This includes the 30 – 40-minute hike from the entrance to the park, as well as time spent observing the monkeys in the hot springs.
8. Visit Obuse on the way back to Nagano
Obuse is a wonderful pitstop on the train journey from Yudanaka – the closest train station to the Snow Monkey Park – and Nagano. It’s famous for its historic merchant houses, delicious chestnuts and the impressive Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, who spent some time here.
Getting There From Nagano
Nagano is the nearest major station to the Snow Monkey Park. The bus is the most convenient way to get from Nagano to the park; the train is the most scenic option. Both options are covered by the Snow Monkey Pass.
By the Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus
I caught the first bus from Nagano to Jigokudani Yaen Koen which left at 8.50 am (there’s an earlier bus on Saturdays). Check the timetable here.
The bus leaves from stand #23 outside the East Exit of Nagano Station. Make sure that you are waiting in line at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. It takes 50 minutes to reach the park’s entrance.
By the Nagano Dentetsu Line
Nagaden also operates express trains from Nagano to Yudanaka Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
From Yudanaka Station, you’ll need to catch Kanbayashi Line or Shiga Kogen Line buses to the park. The journey time is less than ten minutes (a little longer on the return journey).
On an organised tour
An organised tour is a hassle-free choice. This highly-rated excursion includes Nagano’s celebrated Zenko-ji Temple, lunch and sake tasting. Works for me!
Visiting the Snow Money Park on a Day Trip from Tokyo
You can visit Jigokudani Monkey Park from Tokyo but I don’t recommend it. It’s a long day trip and you will have to set off very early to see the monkeys in the morning.
The fastest way is to take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes. At Nagano Station, follow the directions above.
It might be easier and more time-efficient to join an organised day trip. Other travellers love this full-day tour from Tokyo which includes the park entrance fee, transport from Tokyo and lunch.
Enjoy seeing the Japanese monkeys!
I hope that you enjoy your visit as much as I did. If you’ve found this guide helpful, take a look at my favourite things to do in Nagano City. And if you have any questions, please add them in the comments below and I’ll try to help.
PS. If you’ve found these snow monkey tips, Pin them to read later!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.