Explore Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Knowledgeable Local Guide
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is home to hundreds of “snow monkeys”, known as such because they spend their days soaking in the mountainous hot springs. In 1970 they appeared on the cover of Life magazine in the U.S. due to this unique behaviour. Furthermore, in 1998, when the winter Olympic Games was held in Nagano, lots of athletes, media, and tourists from foreign countries visited.
Monkeys don’t soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter. Soaking in the hot spring is only one part of the monkeys’ life. You can also see them lazing or frolicking on the nearby mountain and forest.
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Yudanaka Station Tourist Information Center, 3227-2 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture
The tour starts from this station.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Yudanaka Station Tourist Information Center, 3227-2 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture
This tourist information center is pretty small, but interesting and has quite good information for tourists. You can take a map or brochure for free.
Stop At: Jigokudani Funsen, Hirao Jigokudani, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture
Jigokudani Fountain is blowing high. Jigokudani means Hell Valley in Japanese, Jigokudani Fountain is designated as a national natural monument. The hot spring that gushes from the bottom of the river is a natural fountain that can be up to 20 meters high. It’s dynamic landscape is also great!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, 6845 Heion, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture
Located in the Yokoyu River Valley at an altitude of 850m, the Jigokudani Yaen Koen is known as "Hell Valley" due to the steep cliffs and steam emitting from the springs. It's buried in snow for a third of the year but is a paradise for the monkeys of Nagano area as they enjoy bathing in the hot springs to warm up.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Shibu Onsen, 2211-1 Oaza Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun 381-0401 Nagano Prefecture
Shibu Onsen is a historic and attractive hot spring town in Yamanouchi, which has retained a traditional atmosphere. Nestled in a small valley, Shibu Onsen is spread out on a gentle slope beside the Yokoyugawa River, with Yudanaka Onsen located below and the Jigokudani Monkey Park above.
Informacion Adicional
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Infants must sit on laps"
"Not recommended for travelers with back problems"
"Not recommended for pregnant travelers"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in and do not bring heavy baggage because you will walk the mountain paths"
"A maximum of 8 people per booking"
"Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"
Start Time:
12:30 PM
Duration: 4 Hours
Start location: Yudanaka Station, Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Cancellations and refunds:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.