Jigokudani Monkey Park

What to know

Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑, Jigokudani Yaen Kōen) lets you see wild monkeys soaking in a natural hot spring. The park is home to Japanese macaques, also called snow monkeys. It sits in the monkeys' natural habitat, the forests of Jigokudani valley in Yamanouchi, near the onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka.

The park has one man-made pool where the monkeys gather, just a short walk from the entrance. You might even spot monkeys along the path. They live in large social groups, and watching their interactions is fascinating. Used to humans, they allow close observation and mostly ignore visitors. However, touching or feeding them is forbidden.

A small information center explains the alpha male system of the troop and displays portraits of current and former alpha males from decades past. There is also a live webcam by the monkey pool.

The park is open year-round, but the bathing monkeys are most photogenic when snow covers the area. Snow typically falls from December to March, with January and February being the best months. Monkeys bathe all year, but in warmer seasons, wardens sometimes toss food into the pool to encourage them.

Monkeys are free to come and go, so there may be times when none are around. To avoid disappointment, check the official website for updates and forecasts on monkey presence.

Jigokudani means "hell valley," a common name for valleys with volcanic activity. While not as dramatic as other jigokudani in Japan, Yamanouchi's Jigokudani does have steaming hot springs. On the way to the park, you'll pass a ryokan called Korakukan.