Jigokudani Monkey Park

At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you get the extraordinary chance to watch wild monkeys enjoying a soak in a natural hot spring. These are Japanese Macaques, endearingly known as Snow Monkeys. Nestled in their natural environment, the park is set within the lush forests of the Jigokudani Valley in Yamanouchi, conveniently close to the charming onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka.

The park features a single man-made pool where these playful creatures gather. It's just a short stroll from the entrance. As you wander along the path to the pool, you'll likely spot a few monkeys already. Living in large, lively groups, their interactions can be quite amusing to observe. These monkeys are used to human visitors and will let you watch them from close quarters, paying little attention to the people around them. Just remember, touching or feeding the monkeys is strictly off-limits.

There's a cozy information center on-site, primarily offering details in Japanese, but fear not! You'll find a brief explanation in English about the fascinating alpha male hierarchy within the monkey troop, complete with portraits of the park's current and past alpha males, some dating back decades. For those tech-savvy travelers, a live camera streams the monkey pool online, letting you share the experience in real-time.

The park is open year-round, yet the sight of bathing monkeys against a snowy backdrop is especially captivating. Snow blankets the region from December through March, with the prime visiting months being January and February. While monkeys do take a dip throughout the year, park wardens sometimes entice them into the pool with food during the warmer months.

Jigokudani translates to "hell valley," a name often given to valleys featuring volcanic activity. While its scenery might not match the drama of other famed jigokudani in Japan, Yamanouchi's Jigokudani does boast a few steaming hot springs. Along your route to the monkey park, you'll pass by a traditional ryokan called Korakukan, which adds a touch of historic charm to your journey. Consider stopping there to soak in the local culture and perhaps enjoy a hot spring bath yourself.