Know Before You Go: Visiting the Nagano Snow Monkeys

The snow monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen are wild animals, and there are no enclosures. They live in the area, enticed to visit the park because of the food put out by the park staff and the hot spring facility that has been set up for them. As such, they come and go as they please, and only bathe in the hot springs during the cold season, generally November to March. Winter is also the season during which food is scarcest, so they may be more likely to visit the park for both sustenance and warmth.

They do regularly come to the park to eat during the rest of the year though, but there's no guarantee they'll be in residence. For reference, babies are born in the spring, and mating season is in the fall.

Insider tip: The park's hours also vary slightly depending on the season: it's generally open 9am–4pm in the winter (approximately November to March) and 8:30am–5pm in the summer (roughly April to October). These periods are estimations according to the seasons, not specific calendar dates, so it's always a good idea to confirm opening hours for your visit.

There are no cages and there's no barrier between humans and primates, but these monkeys are wild animals and should be respected as such. Walking along the path, you may see macaques scampering in the adjacent forest, or climbing through the trees. You may see mothers closely protecting or nursing their babies, troopmates grooming each others’ fur, or the troop “boss” swaggering around. In winter, you'll likely see them bathing in the springs.

Whatever they're doing, it’s best to keep your distance; under no circumstances should you attempt to touch them, as serious injury could result (not to mention you might be endangering their safety).

Be sure that your gear is appropriate to the season and the weather in the mountains. In the winter, think warm, waterproof clothing; in other seasons, consider lighter layers. It’s very important to refrain from eating or drinking in the park, so keep any food tightly tucked away in your pack and not visible or loose (even in a plastic shopping bag). The monkeys are notorious thieves and will have no problem stealing your snacks. Additionally, selfie sticks are not permitted because they may be seen as a threat by the monkeys.

Board a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano station and a local limited express from Nagano to Yudanaka (approx. ¥10.330), and then a local bus from Yudanaka Station to the entrance of the park (about 10 minutes, approx. ¥310). From the entrance to the park to the monkey area, it’s about a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) walk along an unpaved trail through the forest with some moderate slopes and a few steps. Entrance to the park is ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for children under 18, and free for children under 6 years of age at the time of writing.

Select a half- or full-day tour departing from Tokyo or closer points, such as Nozawa Onsen or Yudakana. Combine your visit with other local attractions, such as Zenko-ji Temple and sake tasting, or seeing cherry blossoms in Nagano city in the spring. You can also choose between group tours and tours with a private guide.

Whichever option you choose, it's worth taking a guided tour to avoid the hassle of dealing with logistics and transportation independently.

The trail between the park entrance is unpaved, wooded, and includes slopes and steps, and is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Because of the potential for injury of both parties, service animals are not permitted in the park. The park is well signposted in Japanese and English with distance markers, information, and warnings. For those with sensory concerns, the park is in a natural wooded/mountainous area with few human-made sounds or lights.

Although it’s possible to travel to the Jigokudani Monkey Park as a day trip from Tokyo, we recommend that you combine it with other activities in the area. The entrance to the park is less than an hour by public transportation from Nagano City, home to attractions such as the Zen temple Zenko-ji. The park is close to a number of small hot spring (onsen) towns such as Yudanaka Onsen or Shibu Onsen.

It’s also an easy distance from Nagano ski areas and other winter attractions such as Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, close enough to visit here as a half-day trip.

• Can I visit the park with my family? Yes you can. Please make sure that children do not try to touch or antagonize the monkeys.

• Can I take pictures with the snow monkeys? You can take photos with the monkeys in the background, but do not attempt to get too close to them, as they may feel threatened.

• When can I see monkeys bathing in hot springs? The best time to see monkeys in the onsen is during the winter months from November to March.

• When can I see baby snow monkeys? Babies are born in the spring and are still small in the summer. Be careful not to get between a mother and her baby.

• When did the park open? The park opened in 1964.