Jigokudani Monkey Park: The Snow Monkeys
See the famous wild macaques bathing in hot springs. A winter guide to one of Japan's most unique wildlife encounters.
Jigokudani Monkey Park: The Snow Monkeys
In the mountains of Nagano, wild Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys) have discovered the joy of hot springs. Watching them soak in the steaming water while snow falls around them is a truly magical sight.
The Best Time to Visit
While the monkeys are there all year, they only bathe regularly during the cold winter months (January and February).
Conclusion
It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the reward of seeing these intelligent animals at close range is worth every step.
The Ashabby Team
A collective of Japanophiles, language learners, and tech enthusiasts dedicated to bringing authentic Japanese culture, language tools, and curated travel itineraries to the world. We believe that understanding the culture makes every experience richer.