Things to Know Before Visiting the Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park, located just a few bus stops and a forest walk from Shibu Onsen, is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe naturally in hot springs.
I love this place and always try to include it when planning a trip to Japan for my family or friends for a first-time visit. In this article, you will find tips to prepare your visit, such as information about the park, transport, what to wear, suitcase storage, etc.
When to Go
The Jigokudani Yaen Koen is open all year around, but December to March is usually the best time to see the monkeys bathing. I have gone once in February and twice in December, each time seeing many of them.
The park provides a live camera on its website, so you can check for yourself whether the monkeys are there or not on the morning you decide to go.
Park Information
Opening time:
April to October: 8:30 to 17:00
November to March: 9:00 to 16:00
Admission prices:
Adults (18 years & over) = ¥800 per person
Children (aged 6 to 17) = ¥400 per person
Infants (aged 0 to 5) are free of charge
You can find more information on the park’s official website and brochure.
Plan Your Transport in Advance
If you plan to use public transports to visit the park, I highly recommend checking the bus schedule beforehand as there is only one local bus per hour between the Snow Monkey Park and Yudanaka Station. On the right is a photo of the bus schedule at Snow Monkey Park bus stop for buses heading to Yudanaka Station. Please note that this photo was taken in December 2022 and that the bus schedule may have changed.
Another convenient option are the express buses that run directly from Nagano station to the Snow Monkey Park. And in case you are traveling with luggage, I saw signs for lockers on the building next to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop as well as at the souvenir shop by the park’s entrance.
For more information on how to get to Yudanaka Station from Nagano or Tokyo as well as the Snow Monkey transport pass, you can read my article on the nearby Shibu Onsen.
Access: Walking to the Park & What to Wear
The park can be reached by a 1.6 km (1 mi) path through the forest, about 30 minutes each way. With the exception of the steps at the beginning and end, the path is flat and easy to walk on. However, take care if you visit the park in winter time as the snowy path can be slippery. When I visited the park in early December, the snow cover was minimal.
Good shoes are advisable for comfort and to avoid slipping, although I saw many tourists wearing sneakers, even ladies in high heels, so I imagine it is manageable with extra care. However, I would not recommend this.
If you are visiting in winter, warm clothing is also a must as you will spend at least two hours in the cold. Something you may want to try on this occasion are kairo (カイロ or Japanese heat packs), a must-have when exploring Japan in the wintertime.
Do and Don’t around the Snow Monkeys
It may seem obvious to you but here are the rules to follow in the park when observing the monkeys:
Keep as much distance as possible between yourself and the monkeys, and do not touch or scare them.
Do not show or give them any food.
Do not bring dogs, cats, or other pets inside.
Even though cameras are permitted, the use of drones, selfie sticks or any other special filming equipment, is prohibited.
How Long to Spend There
The length of the visit will of course depend on your interests, but I personally like to spend 2 to 3 hours from the start of the walk to the return to the bus stop. There is a rest room and toilet after the ticket office, so it is possible to take a break there and warm up before and/or after visiting the monkeys.
Enza Café: A Nice Stop on the Way Back
The Enza café is a nice place to stop after visiting the Snow Monkey Park, just before the start/end of the walk. My family and I can recommend the hot chocolate and mocha coffee, delicious and so comforting after a long walk in the cold.
Where to Spend the Night Near the Snow Monkey Park
If you’d like to stay overnight in the area, there are several options in terms of accommodation close to the Snow Monkey Park. I’d recommend you to stay at one of the nearby onsen towns: Shibu Onsen or Yudanaka Onsen.
The three times I have visited the Snow Monkey Park, I have been to Shibu Onsen and stayed at the historic Kanaguya ryokan (歴史の宿金具屋) for a traditional and relaxing experience.
➡️ You can read a more detailed review of Kanaguya in my article “A Night at Kanaguya: A Review of a Traditional Ryokan in Shibu Onsen”.
To Conclude
I hope you found this article useful and that your visit to the Snow Monkey Park will be as unforgettable as it was for me.
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