Jigokudani Monkey Park, Snow monkey park in Yamanouchi, Japan.
Description
Jigokudani Monkey Park is a mountain facility in Nagano where Japanese macaques roam freely in their natural setting, living among forests and hot springs. The grounds feature wooded slopes where the animals spend their days foraging, socializing, and bathing in the warm water pools.
History
Founded in 1964, it came about after a hiker discovered a monkey group in this mountain region during earlier explorations. The establishment allowed visitors to observe these animals in their original setting.
Culture
Japanese macaques demonstrate natural behaviors and social hierarchies, maintaining traditional group dynamics while interacting within their mountain habitat.
Practical
A forest trail climbs from below to reach the park, with the path being walkable in good weather and requiring sturdy footwear. Visiting is possible year-round, though winter conditions make the way slippery.
Did you know?
In the coldest months, the macaques bathe regularly in the hot springs and use the warm temperature for grooming and comfort. This behavior becomes especially striking when snow-covered landscapes surround the steaming pools.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Yamanouchi).
Hot springs form where geothermal activity or groundwater systems naturally heat water. This collection features such springs across volcanic zones, mountain ranges and remote areas on all continents. Each location has distinct mineral content and temperatures shaped by its underlying geology. In...
Shiga Highlands
4.5 km
Yudanaka Station
4.5 km
Mount Yokote
9.1 km
Ganshō-in
12.2 km
Mount Iwasuge
8.6 km
Kaminari Falls
8.2 km
Mount Shiga
5.7 km
Takanashi clan fortified residence
7.9 km
Tarudaki Falls
10.7 km
Nakayama Shinpei Memorial Hall
8.4 km
Mount Higashidate
5.4 km
Kobayashi Issa Museum Issakan
11 km
Nakano Jinya Prefectural Capital Memorial Hall
8.2 km
Higashitateyama Alpine Botanical Garden
5.2 km
法運寺
8.2 km
大徳寺
11 km
Nyohō-ji
7.3 km
南照寺
8.2 km
Nakanoshiritsu Library
8.9 km
常楽寺
7.5 km
命徳寺
10.9 km
Japan Clay Doll Museum
7.3 km
霊閑寺
7.3 km
鈴泉寺
8.2 km
高梨館跡公園
7.9 km
Fukuroya Museum
8.4 km
Shinshū-Nakano Dōsekihanga Museum
8.2 km
Mount Yakebitai
5.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes