Winter Snow Monkey Park Experiences
From $50
Discover the famous Snow Monkeys and hot springs. Book online to save time and enjoy your visit.
The primary attraction is the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, where wild macaques bathe in hot springs. Visitors can also enjoy scenic nature trails, a small information center, and the nearby historic hot spring towns like Shibu Onsen.
Most visitors prioritize the main monkey pool for photography. If you enjoy hiking, allow extra time for the forest trail. For a cultural experience, combine your park visit with a stay in a traditional Ryokan nearby.
Winter (December to March) is the most popular time to see monkeys in the snow. However, spring offers the chance to see newborn babies, and autumn provides beautiful foliage with milder weather.
While entry tickets can often be purchased on-site, booking a combined tour or transportation pass online in advance is highly recommended to secure your travel logistics and ensure a smooth entry.
The park is great for families, but accessibility is limited. The path to the entrance is a 1.6km unpaved forest trail that can be snowy or muddy, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for strollers.
From Nagano Station, you can take an express bus directly to the park area or a train to Yudanaka Station followed by a local bus. From the bus stop, a 30-minute walk is required to reach the monkeys.
Yes, the Snow Monkey Pass is a popular option. It includes park admission and unlimited use of the Nagaden train and bus lines for a set period, offering significant savings for travelers.
To avoid crowds, try to arrive immediately upon opening in the morning. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, and visiting during the 'Green Season' (late spring to autumn) is much less crowded than winter.