Nagano Jigokudani Monkey Park
Looking for a tour to see Jigokudani Snow Monkey? In the Valley of Yokoyu River of the Nagano district is a unique attraction, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The name Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, comes from the cliffs and steam coming from the springs. The forests and mountains are homes to multiple families of monkeys. At an altitude of 850 meters, in the winter season, the temperatures drop to 10 degrees below zero with snowfalls of over 1 meter.
As these are wild monkeys, they do not have a set schedule of when they visit the park. They come down from the mountains to bathe or to be fed by the park employees. There are no fences or cages, as they are free to do whatever they want. The facility is opened year-round, as the monkeys do visit, but there is no guarantee there will be bathing monkeys. They tend to spend a lot of time in the baths during the colder seasons, between December and March to protect themselves against the extremely cold weather conditions during the winter season. Throughout the year during the daytime, the monkeys do visit as they seek food provided by the park.
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (April to October); 9:00-16:00 (November to March)
Entrance Ticket: 800 Yen
Address: 381-0401 Nagano, Shimotakai District, Yamanochi, Hirao
Duration: 2-3 hours
Looking for a tour to see Jigokudani Snow Monkey? In the Valley of Yokoyu River of the Nagano district is a unique attraction, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The name Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, comes from the cliffs and steam coming from the springs. The forests and mountains are homes to multiple families of monkeys. At an altitude of 850 meters, in the winter season, the temperatures drop to 10 degrees below zero with snowfalls of over 1 meter.
How to Get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Established in 1964, the Jigokudani has been known as the place to see Japanese Macaques bathing in the hot springs. The facility is to provide a place for ecological observation of their biology and behavior. The monkeys live in large social groups so watching the interactions between each other and by themselves can be entertaining and interesting. They have become accustomed to visitors, so they can be observed as they can completely ignore human guests.As these are wild monkeys, they do not have a set schedule of when they visit the park. They come down from the mountains to bathe or to be fed by the park employees. There are no fences or cages, as they are free to do whatever they want. The facility is opened year-round, as the monkeys do visit, but there is no guarantee there will be bathing monkeys. They tend to spend a lot of time in the baths during the colder seasons, between December and March to protect themselves against the extremely cold weather conditions during the winter season. Throughout the year during the daytime, the monkeys do visit as they seek food provided by the park.
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (April to October); 9:00-16:00 (November to March)
Entrance Ticket: 800 Yen
Address: 381-0401 Nagano, Shimotakai District, Yamanochi, Hirao
Duration: 2-3 hours
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Tours
As a reliable Japan tour operator, we provide private transfers and tours to Jigokudani Snow Monkey for travelers. Whether you are looking for a short Nagano Snow Monkey tour or a private chauffeur, you can easily find the most suitable one at an affordable price. Contact our representatives to book our Japan small group tours and Tokyo Private Chauffeurs.Related Articles You May Like
Most Frequently Asked Questions
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How to get to the Jigokudani Monkey Park with public transportation?Take the Nagano electric train and get off at the Yudanaka Station. Take a bus ride with the Nagaden bus for about 7 minute to reach the Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku. The Jigokudani Monkey Park will be in a 30 minute walk.
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What are the open hours for the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and how do I purchase a ticket?Summer Hour (April - October): 08:30-17:00
Winter Hour (November - March): 09:00-16:00
The park is open every day without any preset holiday. However, the park may close due to weather, season, and other unforeseen conditions. Also note that the animals in the natural park are wildlife, and moneys sometimes do not show up in the park. -
Will I see the bathing snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park?Snow monkeys often take a hot spring bath in the Jigokudani Monkey Park in winter, to keep themselves warm during the cold weather.
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What apparel is recommended for visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park?Appropriate apparels vary depending on the weather and season. There is usually heave snowing, possibly snow storm, in winter. Thus we recommend rain boots and winter coats during a winter visit. Also, despite the application of anit-snow and slip-resistant solutions, the roads are usually slippery.
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Are wheelchairs allowed in the Jigokudani Monkey Park?Because Jigokudani Monkey Park is a natural habitat, many routes remain unpaved. Because of the steps and uneven road, it is impossible to use wheelchairs and strollers in the park.
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What are other things worth visiting near the Jigokudani Monkey Park?Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, Yudanaka hot spring, Kido-ike Pond, Shimotakai, and Kayanodairakogen are popular tourist attractions.
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Do you provide any half-day or full day trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park?We do provide half-day or full day trip. However, due to the high demand on tour guides during high season, the price is expensive. Instead, we recommend booking a private transfer service, and we can arrange a driver speaking simple English.
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What are the recommended hot spring hotels near the Jigokudani Monkey Park?There are many hotels with different level of rating. For hotels with quality and reasonable prices, you can consider:
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan
Shiga Kogen Hotel Shiga Sunvalley
Ichinoyu Katei
Daymaruya Ryokan
Japan Office
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