Snow Monkey Guide

Timing

Best time

Best time of day

Worst time

Without snow

By month

December

January

February

Summer

The troop bathes most in the cold. Here’s when to come.

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The park

Worth it?

The walking trail

What to wear

The monkeys

Are they dangerous?

Do they appear daily?

Photography tips

Wild macaques, a hot spring, and sixty years of habit.

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Independently

How long you need

1-day itinerary

2-day Nagano

Park itinerary

Without a tour

Every route

From Tokyo

From Nagano

From Osaka

From Kyoto

All routes

No road reaches the park. Every route ends on foot.

All transport guides

The towns

Near the park

Shibu Onsen

Yudanaka Onsen

By type

Luxury ryokan

Budget stays

Tattoo-friendly

Shibu and Yudanaka put you minutes from the trailhead.

All places to stay

Everything you need to see Japan’s snow monkeys at Jigokudani

The monkeys don’t care you came all this way.

That’s exactly why you should go.

ADMISSION

¥800 / $5 USD

OPEN

Year-Round

TRAIL

1.6 km (~1 mi)

TROOP SIZE

160 Monkeys

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The monkeys are the reason. The valley is the reward.

Most visitors come for a morning. Those who stay understand.

Aerial view of Jigokudani Monkey Park in winter, with snow-covered trees, a winding river, and the outdoor hot spring pool

BEST TIME TO VISIT

When to Go

The park changes with the seasons. So does the experience

The season shapes the visit

Train ride to Yudanaka Station bus terminal in winter, the gateway to Jigokudani Monkey Park

GETTING HERE

How to Arrive

No rental car. No guide. Just the trail

A guest in a green yukata walks through the historic stone-paved alley of Shibu Onsen at dusk

WHERE TO STAY

Ryokan & Hotels

Stay the night. The morning light is worth it

Why Snow Monkey Guide

Your independent guide to the snow monkeys.

Independent research, honest advice — every route, timing tip, and accommodation recommendation is based on real research.

Independent research, honest advice - every route, timing tip, and accommodation recommendation is based on real research.

No Guesswork

Verified routes & costs

Overnight Requirement

Firsthand Only

Honest Advice

JOS Certified

Plan Your Visit →

Come before the first bus. Sit on the far rocks and wait. The valley will do the rest.

Snow Monkey Guide

PARK HOURS

Apr–Oct 8:30–17:00

Nov–Mar 9:00–16:00

Open year-round

ADMISSION

Adult ¥800 · Child ¥400

From 1 Dec 2026

¥1,000 · ¥500

SNOW MONKEY PARK

+81 269-33-4379

6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi

Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401

Japan

Park details from Jigokudani Yaen-koen official. Verified September 2026.

Accredited by The Japan Onsen Society

hello@japanonsensociety.org

Sitemap

Snow Monkey Guide

PARK HOURS

Apr–Oct 8:30–17:00

Nov–Mar 9:00–16:00

Open year-round

ADMISSION

Adult ¥800 · Child ¥400

From 1 Dec 2026

¥1,000 · ¥500

SNOW MONKEY PARK

+81 269-33-4379

6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi

Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401

Japan

Park details from Jigokudani Yaen-koen official. Verified September 2026.

Accredited by The Japan Onsen Society

hello@japanonsensociety.org

Sitemap

Snow Monkey Guide

PARK HOURS

Apr–Oct 8:30–17:00

Nov–Mar 9:00–16:00

Open year-round

ADMISSION

Adult ¥800 · Child ¥400

From 1 Dec 2026

¥1,000 · ¥500

SNOW MONKEY PARK

+81 269-33-4379

6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi

Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401

Japan

Park details from Jigokudani Yaen-koen official. Verified September 2026.

Accredited by The Japan Onsen Society

hello@japanonsensociety.org

Sitemap