Jigokudani Monkey Park: Access and Nearby Nagano Attractions

The Charm of Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano

While zoo animals bathing in thermal springs is a familiar winter sight, wild monkeys independently learning to soak in hot springs for comfort and relaxation is truly extraordinary.

In the snow-covered valley of Nagano’s Jigokudani, wild Japanese macaques famously learned to brave the winter cold by bathing in natural hot springs. Today, their peaceful, blissfully relaxed expressions attract visitors from all across the globe.

Read on to discover the unique charm of Nagano's Jigokudani Monkey Park, along with top local dining recommendations so you can enjoy a great meal after your journey!

• Table of Contents
• How to Get to Jigokudani Monkey Park From Tokyo
• Jigokudani Monkey Park: Attractions and Features
• Places to Visit Near the Jigokudani Monkey Park
• Must-Try Nagano Cuisine
• Use the Cost-Efficient Snow Monkey Pass

How to Get to Jigokudani Monkey Park From Tokyo

The fastest way to reach Nagano from Tokyo is by Hokuriku Shinkansen, arriving at Nagano Station in about 80 minutes. From Nagano Station, there are two main options to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park:

Option A: Express Bus (Direct)

Board the Nagaden Express Bus bound for Shiga Kogen from stops 23 or 24 at Nagano Station's East Exit, and get off at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop (1,400 yen one-way). Check the Nagaden Express Bus timetable for current schedules.

Click here for the bus timetable

B. Option B: Train and Local Bus

Take the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) Line from Nagano Station to the final stop, Yudanaka Station (1,160 yen one-way). From Yudanaka Station, transfer to a local bus bound for Kanbayashi Onsen (310 yen one-way).

Travel Tip: The trail leading into the park is often wet, muddy, or icy. You can rent snow boots for 500 yen per day at the Information Center right outside Yudanaka Station.

Click here for the Nagano Electric Railway timetable
Click here for the Nagaden Bus timetable

Whether arriving by express or local bus, simply follow the signs from the bus stop to reach the trailhead entrance in about 10 to 15 minutes. From there, take a scenic 40-minute walk along the Yumichi Trail to reach the main monkey park area.

Jigokudani Monkey Park: Attractions and Features

Located within Shiga Kogen in northern Nagano’s Joshin'etsu-Kogen National Park, Jigokudani sits at an elevation of roughly 850 meters.

Surrounded by steep, rugged cliffs and constantly shrouded in thermal steam, the area well deserves its name, which translates to "Hell Valley."

Established in 1964, Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen) was created to observe the natural behavior of wild Japanese macaques in their native habitat. Winters here are exceptionally harsh, with heavy snowfall often reaching over one meter and temperatures dropping down to -10°C.

Bathing in thermal springs is not natural behavior for most primates. However, the wild macaques of Jigokudani uniquely learned to soak in hot springs to survive the valley's bitter winter cold.

This rare sight first gained global fame when it featured on the cover of Life magazine in 1970.

The park's popularity skyrocketed worldwide during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, when international media extensively covered the famous "snow monkeys." Today, it remains one of Japan's most sought-after travel destinations for global visitors.

Because these are wild animals, all visitors must strictly follow these park rules:

- No Feeding: Do not give food to the monkeys under any circumstances.

- No Eating or Drinking: Consume food and beverages only inside designated rest areas.

- Keep Your Distance: Do not attempt to touch the monkeys or get too close to them.

- No Selfie Sticks: Selfie sticks are strictly prohibited to prevent disturbing the animals.

The monkeys at Jigokudani do not spend all their time soaking in the hot springs. On colder days, you will often see them huddled together along the thermal heating pipes to keep warm, or sipping the mineral-rich hot spring water to supplement their diet.

Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park

6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401

Places to Visit Near the Jigokudani Monkey Park

While the express bus offers a direct route between Snow Monkey Park and Nagano Station, taking the local bus makes it easy to explore these nearby attractions along the way.

Shibu Onsen

A 10-minute local bus ride from Kanbayashi Onsen brings you directly to Shibu Onsen (get off at the Shibu Onsen Iriguchi or Shibu Onsen Wagobashi bus stops).

With its historic wooden ryokan and lantern-lit streets, this traditional hot spring resort exudes a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere.

Shibu Onsen boasts an abundance of rich thermal sources. Thanks to the high water volume and exceptional quality, both the local ryokan inns and the neighborhood public bathhouses (sotoyu) feature 100% natural, free-flowing hot spring water (gensen kakenagashi).

Overnight guests enjoy complimentary access to all nine public bathhouses on the Nine Bath Tour, while day-trippers can experience the main Oyu bathhouse or relax at the town's public footbaths.

Shibu Onsen Visitor Center Shibu Onsen Ryokan Association

21121 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano...

Yudanaka Onsen

A short bus ride from Kanbayashi Onsen or Shibu Onsen brings you to Yudanaka Station, where you will find Kaede-no-yu right beside the station building.

For just 300 yen, visitors can enjoy a relaxing bath in 100% natural, free-flowing thermal water, or take advantage of the free outdoor footbath on site.

The neighborhood surrounding Yudanaka Station is a charming hot spring town filled with unique independent shops.

Before boarding your train back to Nagano City, take a moment to unwind and sample a freshly baked apple pie made with local Nagano apples.

From Yudanaka Station, you can ride two distinct limited express trains back toward Nagano: the Snow Monkey and the Yukemuri.

The front and rear carriages of the Yukemuri feature wide observation seats, offering sweeping panoramic views of Nagano's magnificent mountain landscapes.

Must-Try Nagano Cuisine

Blessed with an abundance of natural surroundings, Nagano boasts many unique local delicacies that you absolutely should not miss during your visit.

Shinshu Salmon

Landlocked Nagano Prefecture crossbred two species of trout to cultivate its signature delicacy, Shinshu Salmon. Because Shinshu Salmon are sterile and do not spawn, all the nutrients that would normally go toward reproduction remain concentrated in their body.

This creates finely textured, tender meat with a rich yet delicate fat content that melts in your mouth. It has an exceptionally clean flavor with no fishy odor—making it a favorite even among those who typically avoid seafood.

Horsemeat Sashimi (Basashi)

Nagano—particularly the Southern Shinshu area—historically raised large numbers of horses for farming and cargo transport, laying the foundation for a vibrant regional culture of consuming horsemeat.

Low in calories, high in protein, and exceptionally rich in iron, horsemeat has become increasingly popular in recent years among health-conscious diners. When visiting Nagano, do as the locals do and try a plate of fresh Basashi (horsemeat sashimi).

Soba Noodles

Nagano's nutrient-rich, volcanic ash soil and high-altitude climate—characterized by sharp day-and-night temperature swings—are ideal for growing exceptional buckwheat.

Dating back to the Edo period, Shinshu Soba has been celebrated throughout Japan for its firm, chewy texture and vibrant, earthy flavor. After finishing your noodles, be sure to enjoy a warm cup of sobayu (the nutrient-rich cooking broth) to fully savor the rich, aromatic essence of buckwheat.

Use the Cost-Efficient Snow Monkey Pass

If you plan to thoroughly explore Jigokudani, Shibu Onsen, and the surrounding stops along the Nagano Electric Railway, the Snow Monkey Pass (4,800 - 5,100 yen for adults and 2,400 - 2,550 yen for children) issued by Nagaden is highly recommended.

The pass includes unlimited travel on the Nagano Electric Railway (including express trains), local and express Nagaden buses connecting Nagano Station, Yudanaka, and Shibu Onsen, as well as a single admission ticket to Jigokudani Monkey Park.

This affordable, all-in-one pass has become a favorite among travelers. For anyone planning a trip to see the snow monkeys, grabbing a Snow Monkey Pass first is the easiest way to ensure seamless, stress-free travel through wintery Nagano!

Enjoy Exploring Nagano

During the summer, Nagano is a prime destination for hiking and mountain climbing, but winter transforms the region into a tranquil, snow-covered world.

Don't let the cold stop you—head to Nagano to meet its world-famous snow monkeys, indulge in delicious Shinshu cuisine, and experience the unique charm of this winter mountain kingdom!