Jigokudani Snow Monkeys (Yaen-koen) Winter Season
Wild Japanese macaques bathe in a steaming mountain hot spring as snow falls around them — the world-famous 'snow monkeys' of Nagano, most iconic in winter.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/11/30 23:30 – 2027/03/31
- Where
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Jigokudani Monkey Park)（6845 Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Bus to Snow Monkey Park from Nagano Station (~40 min) or Yudanaka Station (~10 min), then a ~30 min forest walk.
- Price
- Park admission around ¥800; the 'Snow Monkey Pass' (~¥3,500) bundles transport and entry.
- Organizer
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Bus to Snow Monkey Park from Nagano Station (~40 min) or Yudanaka Station (~10 min), then a ~30 min forest walk. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Park admission around ¥800; the 'Snow Monkey Pass' (~¥3,500) bundles transport and entry.. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- families, solo-goers
Highlights
- Wild macaques soaking in an open-air hot spring
- Snow-covered Yokoyu valley setting
- Close-up wildlife viewing, best with winter snow
Background & story
Macaques have bathed in the park's hot spring since 1964; the bathing monkeys became a global wildlife icon.
Good to know
Monkeys aren't guaranteed in the bath on warm days; go on a cold snowy morning with non-slip boots.