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Natural Phenomenon · Yamanouchi (Nagano), Japan

Snow Monkey Season (Jigokudani)

“Wild Japanese macaques bathing in a hot spring — 4-month winter season, iconic photography”

Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to the world-famous "snow monkeys" — Japanese macaques bathing in a natural hot spring surrounded by snow. Year-round monkeys but December-March is the iconic snow-covered scene. 90-min from Nagano. Combines well with Hakuba skiing + Zenkoji temple.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026-27
Peak December 15-March 15 (winter with snow)
Following year
2027-28
Peak December 15-March 15

Year-round but snow scene only December-March. Peak January-February deepest snow.

Duration
3-4 month winter season
Crowd
Popular but manageable
Budget/day
$100-250 mid-range Nagano
Book ahead
3+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Photographers + wildlife enthusiasts + families + Japan repeat visitors
  • ✓Fly Tokyo NRT/HND → Nagano (1h 40m Shinkansen from Tokyo, JR Pass covered)
  • ✓Park entry ¥800 (~$5.50). 30-min walk from parking through forest
  • ✓Book Yamanouchi ryokan (Shibu Onsen village) for combined onsen + monkey experience
  • ✓Winter access requires snow boots + waterproof pants — trail can be icy
  • ✓Combine with Hakuba/Shiga Kogen skiing (30 min-1h drive)
  • ✓Zenkoji Temple in Nagano city is worth a half-day

Book hotels for Snow Monkey Season (Jigokudani) 2026-27

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.

Fly to Tokyo Haneda / Narita (1h 40m Shinkansen to Nagano)

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Getting out of Yamanouchi (Nagano) (HND)

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Frequently asked

Where is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park?
Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. 1h 40m by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano + 60 min bus + 30-min walk. Approx 4-5 hours total from Tokyo.
When is the best time to see snow monkeys?
December-March for the iconic snow scene. Peak snow January-February. Monkeys are there year-round but snow makes the photo iconic.
How much is Snow Monkey Park entry?
¥800 (~$5.50) foreigner. Park opens 09:00-16:00 winter, 08:30-17:00 summer. Cash only.
Is the walk to the monkey park hard?
30-min forest walk from parking to onsen. Uphill but not steep. Winter requires snow boots + waterproof pants (trail is snowy + slippery).
Where should I stay for Snow Monkeys?
Shibu Onsen (2 km) is the traditional onsen village — ryokan overnight. Yudanaka Onsen is closest to station. Nagano city (1h drive) has more hotels.