🗺️ Jigokudani Monkey Park

🎨 Attraction Gallery

📝 Introduction

A place where you can observe the ecology of wild Japanese macaques up close.

📖 Details

Jigokudani Yaen Koen is located in the valley of the Yokoyu River, which originates from the Shiga Highlands. At an altitude of 850 meters, the climate is harsh, with one-third of the year covered in heavy snow. Due to the numerous cliffs and the sight of steam rising from hot springs everywhere, it is called Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley." Wild Japanese macaques inhabit the area, and they come down from the mountains to the park almost every day to eat the food provided by Jigokudani Yaen Koen. In winter, many macaques can be seen huddled together in the park's hot springs to fend off the cold. The sight of monkeys soaking in the hot springs while snowflakes fall is quite rare and deeply attracts the attention of both domestic and international visitors. The macaques, showing expressions of comfort similar to humans, are very cute. From late April to early June each year is the breeding season for the macaques, during which time you can see adorable newborn macaque babies. In summer, you can observe lively little macaques playing mischievously, while in autumn, you can see macaques during their mating season. Throughout the year, visitors can carefully observe the various appearances of wild macaques in an environment without fences.

⭐ Highlights

Do not feed or touch the Japanese macaques. Japanese macaques are wild animals, and they may not always be present in the park even during business hours. Due to the remote mountainous location, please dress appropriately for the season when visiting. Japanese macaques only enter the hot springs during the cold winter weather or when they want to soak, so they are not always visible. Nearby, there are hot spring towns such as Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen, which are recommended to visit as well.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a foreign language introduction signboard or manual? (If so, please let me know which languages are available.)

A: There is an English version of the manual. Simplified and Traditional Chinese versions can be downloaded from the official website. The introduction boards often have foreign language markings.

Q: Is there free Wi-Fi in this area?

A: Free Wi-Fi is available.

Q: Are there coin-operated lockers?

A: There are coin-operated lockers available.

Q: Is re-entry allowed?

A: Those who register in advance and notify us can re-enter.

Q: Is there a parking lot?

A: During the summer season (April to November), there are two parking areas: one is the dedicated parking lot for the Wild Monkey Park in the Kamiyama Onsen area (near the Kamiyama Hotel Senjukan); the other is the Jigokudani parking lot (operated by the Shibu Onsen Ryokan Association). Note that the Jigokudani parking lot is closed during the winter season (December to March).

Q: How long do you need to walk after parking?

A: The trail from the parking lot in the Shanglin Hot Spring area is about 2 kilometers long (unpaved and generally flat); it takes about 15 minutes to walk from the Hell Valley parking lot along the stairs. Since this area is designated for wildlife observation, it is relatively remote, so please be aware.

📍 Contact & Information

📍 Address

6845 Hirano, Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture

📞 Phone

0269-33-4379

🌐 Website

Visit Official Website

🚇 Transport

(1) Take the express bus from Nagano Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shiga Kogen, which takes about 41 minutes. After getting off at "Snow Monkey Park," it is about a 35-minute walk. (2) Take the bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line, which takes 15 minutes. After getting off at "Snow Monkey Park," it is about a 35-minute walk.