A complete guide to Jigokudani Monkey Park, perfect for beginners!

introduction

Overview and History of Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a natural park located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. It opened in 1964 and is famous for being able to see wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. This park is loved by many tourists as it is the only place in the world where you can see monkeys bathing in hot springs.

Why is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park such a popular tourist destination?

Jigokudani Monkey Park attracts tourists with its unique experience. The sight of the monkeys relaxing in the hot springs is something you won’t see anywhere else, and the sight of the monkeys bathing in the hot springs amidst the snowy winter scenery is particularly spectacular. In addition, the beauty of nature in every season and the adorable behavior of the monkeys have captured the hearts of many visitors.

1. Access to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

How to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Tokyo

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is very easy to get to, with many transport options available from Tokyo.

How to use trains and buses

You can get to Jigokudani Monkey Park from Tokyo by Shinkansen, limited express train, or bus. First, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, which takes about an hour and a half. From Nagano Station, transfer to the Nagano Electric Railway and head to Yudanaka Station for about 45 minutes. From Yudanaka Station, take a bus to the entrance to Jigokudani Onsen, and then walk for about 30 minutes to reach the park.

Access by car

If you want more freedom of movement, we recommend accessing Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by car. It takes about three and a half hours from Tokyo to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park via the Kan’etsu Expressway and the Joshinetsu Expressway. There is a parking lot near the entrance to Jigokudani Onsen, but you will need to walk from there to the park.

How to combine your visit with other nearby tourist attractions

After visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can also enjoy the surrounding tourist spots. For example, Shibu Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and other places are nearby, where you can enjoy hot springs and nature. By visiting these spots together, you can experience the charm of Nagano on a deeper level.

2. Highlights of Jigokudani Monkey Park

Monkeys bathing in the hot springs

The biggest attraction of Jigokudani Monkey Park is the sight of the monkeys bathing in the hot springs. During the cold winter months, many monkeys warm their bodies in the hot springs. This is a very relaxing sight, and it is a time of healing for tourists. Another attraction is watching the monkeys play in the hot springs and groom themselves.

Scenery of the four seasons

At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in every season. New greenery sprouts in spring, lush green trees grow in summer, and the leaves change color beautifully in autumn. In winter, the scenery is covered in snow, making the monkeys bathing in the hot springs stand out even more. No matter what season you visit, you will experience a different charm.

Walking courses and nature observation

There are walking trails within the park where you can enjoy nature observation. While walking along the trails, you can observe various plants, wild birds, insects, etc., and refresh yourself in nature. You can also observe the ecology of monkeys up close, so it is especially recommended for animal lovers.

3. How to enjoy Jigokudani Monkey Park

Important points to note and manners in the park

When visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park, it is important to observe a few precautions and manners. First, touching or feeding the monkeys is prohibited. Monkeys are wild animals and should be avoided from coming into contact with humans. Also, please be quiet and keep quiet within the park so as not to disturb other tourists or the animals.

Photo spots and tips

There are many photo spots in Jigokudani Monkey Park. The sight of the monkeys bathing in the hot springs is a particularly good opportunity to take a photo. To take good photos, it’s a good idea to use a telephoto lens, which makes it easier to capture the monkeys in their natural state. You can also take beautiful photos in the soft light of early morning or evening.

How to enjoy each season

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park shows different beauty throughout the year.

Winter snow scene and hot spring monkeys

In winter, you can see monkeys bathing in the hot springs in the snow-covered park, a truly mystical sight that draws many tourists.

Fresh spring greenery and baby monkey

In spring, you can see newborn baby monkeys amid the budding greenery. Their adorable appearance soothes the hearts of tourists.

Lush summer scenery

In summer, the trees are lush and the cool breeze is pleasant, and you can enjoy watching the monkeys roaming about.

Autumn leaves and a group of monkeys

In autumn, the park is filled with beautiful autumn leaves and monkeys roaming about among them. This is a season not to be missed, as you can enjoy the colorful scenery.

4. Recommended spots around Jigokudani Monkey Park

Shibu Onsen

Located near Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town with a charming townscape. There are nine outdoor baths, and the “Kyuto Meguri” tour, which uses a pass to visit all of the outdoor baths, is popular. The hot spring town is also lined with traditional inns and souvenir shops, making it a fun place to stroll around.

Shiga Highlands

Shiga Kogen is a beautiful highland area located about 30 minutes by car from Jigokudani Monkey Park. You can enjoy nature in every season, especially skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Hiking and trekking are popular in the summer, and you can encounter a variety of wild animals and plants.

Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is located about an hour’s drive from Jigokudani Monkey Park and is a town famous for its hot springs and skiing. There are 13 outdoor baths that can be used for free, and you can enjoy hot springs that flow directly from the source. In winter, the town is also bustling as a ski resort, with abundant snow quality and a vast ski area.

Local gourmet food and places to eat

There are many spots around Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine. Shinshu soba, pickled Nozawana, and hot spring manju are especially popular. It’s also fun to stroll around the hot spring town eating your way through the town, and we recommend strolling around while sampling the local specialties.

5. Practical Information

Opening hours and admission fees

Jigokudani Monkey Park is usually open from 8:30am to 5pm (9am to 4pm in winter). Admission costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. Please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

Barrier-free Information

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is located in a natural setting and is therefore not fully wheelchair accessible, however some areas are equipped with wheelchair accessible facilities. Please check the details before your visit and contact the park in advance if you require any assistance.

Souvenir shops and recommended items

There are also many souvenir shops around Jigokudani Monkey Park. Monkey-themed goods and local specialties are popular. Hot spring manju and Shinshu soba are especially popular souvenirs. There are also products that are only available at Jigokudani Monkey Park, so be sure to check them out as a memento of your visit.

Nearby accommodation

There are various accommodations around Jigokudani Monkey Park. You can choose from hot spring inns, hotels, and guesthouses to suit your travel style. Accommodations in Shibu Onsen and Nozawa Onsen are particularly recommended, as you can enjoy the atmosphere of the historic hot spring towns. Accommodations in Shiga Kogen are also popular during the ski season.

summary

The charm of Jigokudani Monkey Park lies in the unique sight of the monkeys bathing in the hot springs and the beautiful nature of the four seasons. Use this article to plan your visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park and have a wonderful time. We have provided detailed information on access, highlights, and how to enjoy the park so that even beginners can enjoy it, so we hope you will make use of it. You can also fully enjoy the charms of Nagano by visiting the tourist spots around Jigokudani Monkey Park. Your next trip to Nagano is sure to be an unforgettable memory.

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