The Snow Monkey Resorts Info and Gift Shop is the shop that is found right in front of the trail entrance to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It is the last stop before you begin your 30-minute long journey to the Monkey Park.
In winter, proper preparation is needed to get to the Snow Monkey Park safely. It is very cold, with a mix of snow, ice and mud lining the forest trail. If you are not in possession of sturdy snow boots, crampons, or a thick, watertight coat, the walk might be a very difficult one.
The trail leading to the Jigokudani Monkey Park is covered with snow in winter. Winter is peak season for a snow monkey visit so many people walk the path. Temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius regularly so an icy, extremely slippery path is easily created. Because of the many people and the many snow, parts of the trail can become a bit hazardous. Please be careful and stay away from the edges.
Walking 30 minutes to get to the park, stay at the park for about 1 hour, and walking back for 30 minutes, you will be out in a snowy wonderland for around 2 hours. Unless your shoes are warm and waterproof, your feet can get very cold, very quick.
If snow and waterproof items are not items that you have put in your suitcase for your Japan travels, the Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop can help you out by providing the items stated below:
・The shop has snow boot rentals in all sizes, for adults and children, for 800 JPY on offer for those looking for warm shoe wear.
・If your shoe is already watertight but you’re worried about slipping, crampons can be bought for 1350 JPY.
・Warm upper body wear is also available in the form of coat rentals for 500 JPY.
If you want advise before you begin your trek on the forest trail, feel free to step into the shop and ask the staff!
