Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stow Monkey Park is such a wonderful experience! The walk up to the park is beautiful — a shaded path along a peaceful stream surrounded by tall trees, which makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The entrance fee is very reasonable at just 800 yen. The park is well maintained, with public restroom and a free drinking water machine available, plus a nice little gift shop. Watching the monkeys up close in their natural setting was absolutely incredible — truly an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!

We visited the Snow Monkey Park in early July and had a wonderful experience. It’s a small, unique park where you can see the famous Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. Because it was breeding season, there were lots of adorable baby monkeys everywhere—even before entering the park itself, you can spot many monkeys along the path. Admission was 800 yen per adult, which felt very fair for such a special place. Before the entrance, you take a pleasant 20-minute walk through beautiful forest trails. The path is well maintained and not too rough, making it suitable for most visitors. Just the beginning has some stairs. Once you reach the hot springs area, you can see the monkeys relaxing near or in the water. During our visit, the macaques weren’t very active in the onsen (the water was around 40–42°C), but it was still fascinating to watch them so close. Even without a lot of monkey bathing action, the scenery itself is stunning and peaceful. Overall, Snow Monkey Park is a memorable experience and absolutely worth the visit—especially if you enjoy nature and wildlife. Try to go early in the day for the best chance to see lots of monkeys.

We were very lucky in a hot month to have two outcast monkeys by the hot springs. They didn't bathe in them as that would have been too hot, but they were hanging about unbothered. The path there is also beautiful and very worthwhile. The small shop/display at the entrance is also nice.

Did the park in late may. Lucky with the weather, sun and perfect conditions. If you buy the ticket via a vending machine (visit the tourist info @ station to get instructions) you save 800 yen. Bus goes from platform 23. Easy to find. 40-50min Hike was super easy, with beautiful scenery along the route. The monkeys had just had their babies, so that was neat. Didn't wanna bath though, but not a big deal 😊 Totally worth it. Took the bus at 09:00 and back at around 1340. Plenty of time to also enjoy a small lunch.

Amazing place to visit and see the monkeys. About a 40 min walk to the snow park. The main website is very misleading as you can arrive by bus, train or even drive yourself as you do not need to buy an entry ticket until you reach the summit of the park entrance.

The effort is quite big. Train to Yudanaka Sta. Shuttle bus to the drop off point. Walk (and hike) for 1.6km (one way). But the view and seeing the monkeys made the effort worth while. Wear proper shoes, don't carry too many things. And don't feed the monkeys. Be respectful and enjoy !

I went start of January and there were heaps of snow and it was sunny!! I took the bus from Nagano station and walked up. Before the start of the hike there is a small hunt that sells boots and shoe spikes, i highly recommend getting them. But i also saw some young lady walking up in heels which was impressive. The hike was 1hr or so but time will fly from the beautiful scenery. Once you get to the springs there are more people than monkeys but you can still snap some good photos of them enjoying the bath. Definitely worth it the trip up.

Absolutely worth the visit! A beautiful forest walk leads to the hot springs where you can watch snow monkeys up close in their natural habitat. The scenery is stunning in winter, especially with snow all around. Wear good shoes for the trail—it's about a 30-minute walk. One of the most unique and memorable experiences in Japan!

Jigokudani Yaen-koen Snow Monkeys Park is located in Nagano Prefecture, about 49 minutes by bus from Nagano station. The park is famous for the monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs there. Though it is called a "Park", it is really more a level platform on a mountain with a small hot springs on it. It's quite an isolated location and a long 30 minute walk and steps getting up to it. Be sure to wear waterproof shoes with traction as it gets slippery in the snow and ice.

A step into National Geographic as Japanese snow monkeys run and play around you. Starting from the bottom it's about a 25 minute walk, but not very strenuous. Be sure to leave all food items and grocery bags behind as these will make you a target for monkey robbery. After your 25 minute walk you will arrive at the ticket office for the park where you will pay ¥800 for 1 adult admission. Once inside you will be able to roam along a creek bed watching wild Japanese snow monkeys groom and play with each other. Remember to never look a monkey in the eyes as it will take it as a threat. Up the river you will find a bridge that brings you to a viewing area where one can see the monkeys relaxing in the heated outdoor onsen. Truly magical.

This was such a fun little place to visit. The best time to go is during the winter time when there's snow. You can't interact with the monkeys and there is security all over inside to make sure the monkeys and visitors are both safe. The hot springs where the monkeys bathe was the most crowded area with people. The walk from the parking area to the main entrance is over 1km and it's a narrow trail so definitely wear some waterproof hiking boots when there's rain or snow. They do have boots for rent at the beginning of the trail if you don't have any. There are also bathrooms before the beginning of the trail, and signs say there are no bathrooms in the park but that's not accurate. There are bathrooms in the main entrance. They must post that to prevent long lines. I had a fun experience here and recommend going at least once.