Jigokudani Monkey Park

Since I start my travel guide company seven years ago, I discovered so many places in Japan... But meeting thousands of travelers and receiving many inquiries mails on how to go discover the snow monkey park located in Nagano...

I figured it's a great period to take a break and enjoy a few days out of Tokyo and forget this pandemic for a weekend.

The monkey's park is composed of Japanese macaques, which live in social groups.

They are used to seeing human visitors, which makes it possible to observe their interactions from really close.

The phenomenon of bathing monkeys is probably not operated only in Japan... But the Jigokudani Monkey Park seems to be reputed by visitors from all around the world.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass you can use it to reach Nagano Station. From there you need to transit the subway until Yudanaka Station and finish with the local bus to the park entrance.

When arriving at the park, you can feel free to go all-around en enjoy the monkeys.

Keep in mind that it's prohibited to touch or caress them.

For pictures, you are free to take pictures as you but can't use a drone.

If you plan to go there I really invite you to go during the end of fall, winter or maybe the beginning of spring. During hot seasons the monkeys don't really go bathing and you will be disappointed to find an empty bath.

If you have any questions about this park, feel free to contact me and I will do my best to give you the right advice!