If you love wildlife and would like to experience it on your trip to Japan, include a visit to Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) in your itinerary. Venture out to Nagano Prefecture to marvel at Japanese Snow Monkeys relaxing in a hot spring, and experience traditional Japanese guest houses and their onsens (hot spring baths). This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a memorable visit in a concise yet comprehensive way.

⏰ If you don’t have time to read this article (TL;DR)

In Japan you can observe Snow Monkeys bathing in a hot spring in Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) a few bus stops and a 1 mile (1.6 km) forest walk away from the towns of Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen. It’s about 3 hrs away from Tokyo, 2.5 from Kanazawa, and just 1 hr from Nagano. Stay in the area overnight to beat the crowds and experience traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and their hot springs (onsens). You can also do it as a day trip or a day tour, here is the best one: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip.

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🐵 Where to see Snow Monkeys in Japan

1️⃣ Snow Monkey is a colloquial name for Japanese Macaques. It comes from them living in areas with snowy winters and freezing temps. They are endemic to Japan and can be seen in many areas around the country, like in Arashiyama Monkey Park near Kyoto. However, there is only one place to see Japanese snow monkeys relaxing in a hot spring: Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park).

Admission fee: ¥800 | 🎦 Livestream | Official site (check for up-to-date hours, cost, and notices)

2️⃣ Naturally, monkeys don’t know where the park border is, and hang out in surrounding areas. You can see lots of them at the historical inn right outside the park entrance – Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan. You may even get a chance to bathe with them there, which is strictly prohibited inside the park. There are both indoor and outdoor baths, and the outdoor ones have monkeys around or in them all the time. You can stay overnight or buy a day pass. More info in the Where to Stay section of this article.

Day use hours: 12 to 4 PM | Admission fee: ¥1200

🗾 How to see the Snow Monkeys in Japan?

The Jigokudani Monkey Park – the home to onsen-bathing Japanese snow monkeys – is located just outside of the onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka in Nagano prefecture. It’s about an hour away from the city of Nagano and about 3 hours away from Tokyo. I highly recommend staying in the area overnight. Unless you are driving, it’s the only way to reach the park as it opens and enjoy it before the crowds arrive around 10-11. It’s also an incredible opportunity to stay at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) with a private onsen, enjoy a traditional meal, and even go “onsen-hopping” through public hot spring houses if you stay in Shibu.

If you are limited on time, a visit to snow monkeys on your trip to Japan can be done as a day trip out of Tokyo, Kanazawa, or Nagano. It can also be done as a part of transit between these cities. For example, leave Tokyo in the morning, visit the monkeys during the day, and arrive at Kanazawa in the evening.

🚅 How to Get to Snow Monkey Park from Tokyo or Kanazawa

• Train: take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano station, it’s covered by the JR Rail Pass. Then follow the instructions for transit from Nagano. 1.5 hr from Tokyo station | 1 hr from Kanazawa station
• By car: see parking info in the section on Yudanaka and Shibu. 4-5 hrs from Tokyo | 3-4 hrs from Kanazawa

🚉 How to Get from Nagano to Snow Monkey Park

• Bus: take the Nagaden Express Bus from the East Exit of Nagano Station all the way to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. This is the most direct option if you’re doing a day trip via Nagano. ¥1800 | 45 min
• Train: take a local train or Snow Monkey Express from Nagano station to Yudanaka station. From there take the local bus to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. To get to the right platform at Nagano station follow the signs for the Nagano-Dentetsu line. This route is not covered by the JR Rail Pass. This is the best option if you are staying overnight in Shibu Onsen or Yudanaka Onsen. ¥1290 | 45-60 min
• By car: takes about 50-60 minutes, see parking info in the section on Yudanaka and Shibu.
• Tour: most tours leave from Nagano, here is the best-rated and best-priced option – Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip.

🚗 How to Get to Snow Monkey Park from Shibu or Yudanaka Onsen

• Walk: from Shibu Onsen, it’s a 30-minute walk. Yudanaka is just a bit too far for a comfortable walk.
• Hotel shuttle: Ask your accommodation about a shuttle. Most offer a shuttle to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and to and from Yudanaka station.
• Local bus: drops you off at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. Check the schedule at Yudanaka station, your hotel, or on Google Maps. ¥170-310 | 10-20 min
• By car: if you are driving, there are two parking lots. The main all-season lot is near Kanbayashi Onsen Hotel and it’s free. There is also a paid summer-only parking lot. It’s located at the end of a narrow forest road and puts you much closer to the Monkey Onsen. Beware of winter driving conditions and road closures.
• Taxi: Nagaden Taxi Yudanaka Office is located right across from Yudanaka station, or ask at your accommodation. The rate from the station to the parking near Snow Monkey Park is ¥1600. 

🛂 Snow Monkey Pass – Is It Worth It?

You may save or lose money by buying a Snow Monkey Pass. It’s sold online and at Nagano Station, valid for 2 days, and costs ¥4000. The pass includes:

• Unlimited rides on the Nagano Dentetsu rail line
• Unlimited rides on the Nagaden Express bus between Nagano and the Snow Monkey Park stop
• Unlimited rides on the local bus between Yudanaka station and Snow Monkey Park
• One entrance fee to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Here is a breakdown of costs to help you decide if you should buy a Snow Monkey Pass:

• If you’re staying more than 1 night, you will lose money because it lasts 2 calendar days, not 48 hours.
• If you are taking an express bus to and from Nagano, it will save you at least ¥400. If purchased separately, the bus tickets are ¥3600 and the park admission fee is ¥800.
• If you are taking a train or local bus, it depends:
  • You lose money if your accommodation provides a shuttle and you only take the local bus from Snow Monkey Park. You will spend ¥2580 on train tickets, ¥190-310 on a local bus, and ¥800 on the admission fee. All that comes out to ¥3570-3690 (less than the ¥4000 pass).
  • You will likely save at least ¥140-620 if your accommodation doesn’t provide a shuttle and it’s too far from the station to walk. That’s because you’ll need to ride the bus to and from the station and to and from Snow Monkey Park. 

📌 How to get to the Monkey Onsen inside Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park)?

The Monkey Onsen is just past the entrance to the Snow Monkey Park. To get to the park entrance, walk about 20-40 minutes on a 1-mile (1.6 km) long forest path. It starts next to the Info & Gift shop, about 5 minutes away from the parking lot and 10 minutes away from the bus stop. The trail is mostly flat with a few stairs. It goes through a gorgeous forest, give yourself time to enjoy it.

TIP: For the best experience, arrive at the start of the forest walk 40 minutes before opening. You want to arrive at the park entrance, which is at the end of the trail, just as it opens. You will beat the crowds and have a more intimate experience.

I mistakenly thought that the entrance to the Jigokudani Monkey Park was at the beginning of the walk 🤬, so we lost about 40 minutes of quiet time by arriving later. By 9:40, when we arrived, there were a dozen people. By 10:30 a large crowd arrived but then it subsided again closer to noon.

♨️ Can I visit a public hot spring bath on a day trip?

Short answer – yes! While I highly recommend staying overnight to experience the area, it may be impossible to fit an overnight stay into your itinerary. A day trip to the Snow Monkeys in Japan is still a treat! To get the most out of your day, visit a public hot spring bath after seeing the monkeys. Here are your options:

• The historical inn is right outside the park entrance. Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan offers day passes to their onsens from noon to 4 PM for ¥1200. There are both indoor and outdoor baths, and the outdoor ones often have monkeys around or in them.
• In Shibu Onsen town there is only one public bath available for people not staying there – Public bath No.9 O-yu. Tickets are sold at the Information Office and Shibu Onsen Parking Lot for ¥500. There is also a free open-air foot bath for anyone to use on the second floor.
• Yudanaka Station Front Kaede Hot Spring – public bath right next to the station which costs only ¥300.
• Free foot bath next to Yudanaka station – nice outdoor spot to warm your feet while waiting for the train.

❄️ Things to know when visiting Japanese snow monkeys

Weather and monkeys’ behavior patterns may affect your visit

There may be road closures and even park closures because of heavy snow. Hours of operation can also be affected due to heavy snowfall. Check the official website before you go. There is a tiny chance that the monkeys aren’t present, check the livestream and the park’s site. Although the walk is worth it regardless.

Best time to see Snow Monkeys in Japan and how to pack for the weather

You can visit year-round, but it’s a particularly enchanting and photogenic sight when it snows. However, it gets quite cold in the winter! I believe the sweet spot to be the shoulder months of March and December.

TIP: If visiting Japan during the Sakura season, put your visit to the Snow Monkey at the beginning of your itinerary for higher chances of snow.

It’s significantly colder than in Tokyo. When visiting outside of the summer season:

• Bring a jacket. Which one? Defer to the weather forecast.
• If you’re underdressed for the cold, layer up. I wore leggings and pajama pants under my regular pants and 4 layers under a puffy jacket. We visited around 20th of March and the temps were around 0 C.
• Grab some chemical pocket and feet warmers in a corner store. Look for yellow, orange, and red packs, or ask the staff for ‘kairo’. You can put them in your shoes and pockets, or stick them to your back.
• Footwear: water resistant is best. You may get away with regular closed shoes if it’s not actively snowing, but you’ll have to really watch your step and might end up with wet feet anyway. The trail can also be extremely slippery. If you don’t have appropriate footwear, rent it at Info & Gift shop.
• There is an indoor space close to the Monkey Onsen where you can warm up and use a toilet. It’s right at the park’s entrance/exit.

TIP: many hotels in Japan have customer-friendly cancellation policies. You can use that to reorganize your itinerary based on weather and other factors. Just don’t be inconsiderate and cancel the day before just because.

🥾 Where can I rent shoes when visiting Snow Monkey Park?

You can rent shoes for snow and rain, and other warm items at the Info & Gift shop at the start of the trail. You can also buy gloves and a couple of other warm things there.

It may open at the same time as the park, so it’s unlikely that you can buy or rent gear and also arrive at the park gate before opening.

⌛ How much time do I need to see the Snow Monkeys in Japan?

Staying a bit longer will let you observe different activity cycles.

Refer to the transit times above, but how much time you need at the onsen itself – that really depends on how you travel. The place is pretty small so for some people 10 minutes would be enough to check it out. Others, including yours truly, may linger for hours especially if one is passionate about photography or videography. I recommend staying a bit longer to witness the change in the troop’s behavior throughout the day. If they aren’t in the onsen when you arrive, they may come back in a while. Our experience was seeing lots of them warming up in the onsen in the morning, then the onsen was empty for a bit as the macaques spent time grooming each other in the sun, and then many went back in the water closer to noon.

🏨 Best Accommodations Near Snow Monkey Park  

Some of the traditional stays in Japan aren’t listed on big hotel booking sites like Booking.com (which is what I use to book most of the time). You may have to reach out directly via their website, phone number, or a smaller local booking site.

I highly recommend picking an accommodation with their own hot spring baths. Luckily there are plenty of options. Arrange a traditional Japanese dinner beforehand, if it’s not already included in your stay. Traditional ryokans usually include both dinner and breakfast. Hotels, which may still boast traditional rooms and hot springs, often only include breakfast and you can pay extra for dinner (which we did at Hotel Omodaka and loved!). Staying in a ryokan or hotel with an onsen will make your trip to the Snow Monkeys in Japan all the more memorable.

Accommodation closest to the Snow Monkey Park

Most unique experience – Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan

This traditional historic inn is located steps away from Snow Monkey Park entrance. You won’t be able to miss it on your walk to the park. It’s great for an authentic ryokan experience, a beautiful and peaceful setting away from the town with lots of monkeys around, and a potential opportunity to bathe with them. Up to you if you are ok with this hygiene-wise, there are several baths that monkeys can’t get to.

Stay here for an unbeatable location, historic interior, traditional meals, and to spend more time with the snow monkeys on your trip to Japan. This may not be a good bet if you are looking for a fancier stay. There is also no road leading directly to the inn. You will need to walk from the parking lots/bus stop closest to the park, so it might be a good idea to leave the suitcases at the station or the Info & Gift shop at the start of the trail, and just grab a small overnight bag.

How to book: the inn isn’t available on large hotel aggregator platforms, call the numbers listed on their website or book online here.

Other hotels closest to the Snow Monkey Park

The following options are all located at the foot of the hill, where everyone begins the walk up to the Monkey Onsen. When staying here you will not need to use any transport to get to the park. All options have their own hot spring baths to enjoy.

Hot spring hotel with traditional rooms: Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku

Elegant stay with traditional rooms, large hot baths, and a restaurant. Check rates and availability.

Smaller ryokan with nice amenities: Yuyado Sekiya

Beautiful 100+-year-old guest house, with 3 shared outdoor hot springs and a private hot spring bath in each of its 8 rooms. To book fill out a form on their website or call. Rates are ¥22,000-35,200 per person.

Family-run and budget-friendly ryokan: Fudouson-no-yu Kotobuki

Very highly rated, a well-priced option for this location. It’s a cozy, family-run ryokan that checks all the boxes: it offers an outdoor hot spring bath, traditional rooms, and meals, and has an amazing location. Bathrooms are shared, which is common for small ryokans. Check rates and availability

Best Accommodation in Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen

You will find that most accommodations are in these small towns famous for their hot springs. All options I share have traditional rooms and hot spring baths. Check out all stays with hot springs in the area.

Shibu Onsen is a small historic town located closest to Snow Monkey Park (you may be able to walk there) and about 15 minutes away from Yudanaka. Its streets are quant and picturesque and some of its ryokans are centuries old. Another reason to stay here is that there are nine public bathhouses that you can use. Eight of those are reserved only for the locals and the guests staying in the town. Guests receive a key for all nine public bathhouses, so it’s not unusual to see people strolling the streets in yukata robes  – the traditional clothing of onsen visitors. Your ryokan will provide you with one.

• Budget: Daymaruya Ryokan and Kaneki Hotel
• Mid-budget: Suminoyu
• On the fancy side: Shibu Onsen KOKUYA (400-year old ryokan!) and Sakaeya

Yudanaka Onsen has a more modern feel and is located right next to the train station. It also has a few more budget-friendly options to offer. Important to note that guests staying in Yudanaka don’t get access to the public baths of Shibu.

• Budget: Yudanaka Yasuragi ryokan and Hotel Omodaka. The latter is not a ryokan but an old-school hotel with traditional rooms, hot springs, and great views. We stayed here and loved it!
• Mid-budget: Yudanaka Seifuso and Yudanaka Onsen Yamazakiya
• On the fancy side: Wafu-no-Yado MASUYA and Aburaya Tousen

💀 Important rules for your visit to the Snow Monkey Park

Undoubtedly, you want to be a respectful and polite guest when traveling. Here are a few tips specific to the monkeys.

• DO NOT feed the monkeys (or any wild animals or birds EVER) or show them food
• Keep your distance over 1 meter away, this includes your phone and camera
• Do not enter the hot springs, touch or put your camera in them

Is it worth it to visit Snow Monkeys in Japan?

Visiting the Japanese Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience Japan’s onsen culture. The combination of observing the monkeys as they soak in hot springs, staying in traditional Japanese inns, and enjoying the scenic forest trail makes for an unforgettable adventure. It certainly was one of the biggest highlights of our month in Japan. Whether you choose to make a day trip from Tokyo, Nagano, or Kanazawa, or decide to stay overnight in the charming onsen towns nearby, I hope this guide provides all the details you need to plan your visit.

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