Two Japanese macaques soaking in the Jigokudani hot spring, steam rising from the water, Nagano Japan
Two Japanese macaques soaking in the Jigokudani hot spring, steam rising from the water, Nagano Japan

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

ADMISSION

¥800 / $5 USD

OPEN

OPEN

Year-Round

TRAIL

TRAIL

1.6 km (~1 mi)

TROOP SIZE

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.

Why Snow Monkey Guide

Your independent guide to the snow monkeys.

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.

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

No Guesswork

No Guesswork

Verified routes & costs

Verified routes & costs

Overnight Requirement

Overnight Requirement

Firsthand Only

Firsthand Only

Honest Advice

Honest Advice

JOS Certified

JOS Certified

“Every route, price and timing on this site is checked against Japanese primary sources. What we cannot verify, we leave out.”

The Japan Onsen Society

Accredited by The Japan Onsen Society

© 2026 Snow Monkey Guide

Privacy Policy

Accredited by The Japan Onsen Society

© 2026 Snow Monkey Guide

Privacy Policy

Accredited by The Japan Onsen Society

© 2026 Snow Monkey Guide

Privacy Policy