Although Jigokudani Monkey Park is open throughout the year, winter is the best season for observing the monkeys when they hover in and around the hotsprings to keep warm.

Famous for being "snow" monkeys, they enjoy soaking during the cooler months from about November till March.

Although the monkeys are still observable at other times of the year, they may not spend as much time in the hot springs in the warmer months. However, mating season occurs in the Autumn so their offspring are born from April till June. This means that although fewer monkeys will be hovering around the hot springs in the Summer, there will be a higher concentration of cute baby monkeys in sight!

Moreover, monkeys can be seen throughout the year, however, winter is the optimal time for watching the monkeys.

Jigokudani Monkey Park hours:
April to October: 8:30am - 5pm
November to March: 9am - 4pm
Admission: 500yen adult, 250yen child

How to get there

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in central Nagano Prefecture to the East of Nagano City.

By Train:
From Tokyo catch the JR Shinkansen to Nagano station (1.5hrs) From Nagano, take the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka(40mins)

From Yudanaka station take a bus or taxi to "Kanbayashi Onsen" (5mins)

From Kanbayashi Onsen, Jigokudani Monkey Park is a 30minute walk. There is no vehicle access to the park.

Where to stay
The Monkey Park is best visited as a day trip from Nagano city where many accommodation options are available: hotels, ryokans and even temple stays (shukubo).

For more information please visit