Are you planning a trip to see the world-famous "Snow Monkeys"? This guide provides the operational details and access information you need to visit Jigokudani Yaen Koen and witness the unique sight of Japanese macaques in their natural habitat.
A Legacy of Conservation
The park was founded in 1964 as a dedicated conservation area to protect a local troop of monkeys whose territory was threatened by urban development.
Because generations of this troop have been raised in close proximity to people, they have become exceptionally comfortable with human presence. There are no barriers separating you from the monkeys; they are non-aggressive and go about their daily routines in a near-natural state, providing a rare and intimate viewing experience.
Opening Hours and Prices
Seasonal Opening Hours
- Green Season (April to October): 8:30 to 17:00.
- Winter Season (November to March): 9:00 to 16:00.
Pro Tip: While famous for winter snow, the park is a fantastic year-round destination. Visit in spring to see newborn babies, summer for lush greenery, or autumn for vibrant fall colors.
Admission Prices
- Adults (18+): ¥800.
- Children (6–17): ¥400.
- Infants (0–5): Free of charge.
The park is open every day of the year* however opening hours vary between winter and other times of the year due to changing weather conditions, hours of light, and seasonal behavior of the monkeys.
Although famous for its wintery scenery, the monkey park is a great place to visit all year round. Whether to enjoy the fall colors in autumn, watch the cute baby monkeys in spring, or cool off in summer, there is always something that draws visitors to the park. For more information on planning your visit, see our page "When to See Japan's Famous Snow Monkeys".
Snow Monkey Park Updates
Current Status: The Jigokudani Monkey Park is currently operating as normal.
Weather Policy: The park generally remains open during standard rain or snow. Closures are rare and only occur during extreme events such as typhoons, heavy blizzards, or earthquakes that could impact trail safety.
Travel Advice: Before altering your plans due to weather forecasts (like a distant typhoon), always check for park-specific closures, as Nagano's weather often differs from coastal regions.
Monkey Park Rules and FAQs
Monkey Park Rules & Visitor Etiquette
To ensure a safe and respectful environment for both visitors and the wild macaques, the park enforces the following strict rules:
- Do Not Feed the Monkeys: Feeding makes them aggressive toward humans and disrupts their natural diet.
- Do Not Touch the Monkeys: Even if they come close, do not reach out to touch them.
- Keep Your Distance: Maintain a respectful distance of 1 to 2 meters at all times.
- No Food or Drink: Do not eat or drink while in the park or on the forest trail.
- No Bathing with Monkeys: The hot springs are for the monkeys only.
- Photography Rules: Do not use flash photography or selfie sticks, as these can startle or threaten the animals.
Snow Monkey FAQs
Do you have specific questions about the park's history, the monkeys' behavior, or what to bring? Visit our comprehensive 'SNOW MONKEY FAQs' page for everything you need to know before your visit.
Access: Walking to the Park and What to Wear
Access: Walking to the Park & What to Wear
To reach the monkeys, you must walk a 1.6km (1 mile) forest trail each way from the entrance in Kanbayashi Onsen.
Trail Details
- Duration: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes each way.
- Terrain: The path is mostly level and well-maintained.
- Inclines: The first 20 meters incline upwards before leveling out. At the very end, there is a staircase or steep path required to enter the park itself.
- Accessibility: While wheelchairs can navigate the main forest path in good weather, they cannot negotiate the final staircase and steep entry path into the park.
Seasonal Preparation & Clothing
- General Footwear: We strongly recommend sturdy walking shoes or sneakers for all seasons.
- Winter Conditions: From December to March, the trail becomes covered in deep snow and ice. It can be extremely slippery; please ensure you have winter boots and consider using crampons (ice cleats).
- Clothing: Dress according to the season. Even in summer, the forest can be cooler than Nagano City, while winter requires full thermal gear.
Need more detail? For a full breakdown of trail conditions and how to prepare for a winter visit, please refer to our dedicated our 'INFORMATION ABOUT THE WALK TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK' page.
Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop
Need assistance before or after your walk to the monkeys? The Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop is conveniently located at the start of the forest trail in Kanbayashi Onsen.
Services & Support
- Winter Gear: Don't get caught on the ice! We offer snow boot rentals and crampon (shoe spike) purchases to help you navigate the winter trail safely.
- Luggage Storage: If you are traveling between destinations, you can leave your heavy bags with us while you visit the park.
- English Assistance: Our English-speaking staff are on hand to help with bus timetables, park information, and recommendations for nearby attractions.
- Merchandise: Browse a unique range of monkey-themed souvenirs and official merchandise.
Operating Hours
- Open Year-Round: 9:00 to 17:00 JST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the shop located? You will find us at the entrance of the 1.6km trail leading to the park—look for our shop right as you prepare to enter the forest path.
Can I rent boots and return them later? Yes. You can rent your boots before heading into the park and return them once you have finished your walk back from the monkeys.
Dining Options at the Park
Visitors the the park can enjoy a couple of great dining options starting with Enza Cafe. Located immediately before the trail entrance, Enza Cafe serves both Japanese and Western dishes, coffee and other drinks including craft beer and more - the ideal place to grab a snack or sit down for a meal or drink before or after heading into the park.
Enza's menu includes delicious chicken ramen, sushi, fried chicken and french fries, coffee, hot chocolate, refreshing soft drinks and juices, and alcoholic beverages. Most menus can be taken out, but please note that food and drinks cannot be taken into the park so if you're after takeaway, do so when departing the park otherwise your tasty little snack is likely to become the property of one of the monkeys!
The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed, open-plan design which encourages you to take your time at the park. For visitors headed there through spring to autumn, Enza's large terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal and drink - especially beautiful in autumn as the large 'momoji' above the terrace turns deep red.
Further down the hill and nearby the bus stops, Hotarutei offers visitors the nearest fine-dining experience to the monkey park. Housed in a converted 170-year-old farmhouse.
Hotarutei serves an indulgent menu of tempura, wagyu beef, hot pot and sushi in a tranquil atmosphere. Particularly beautiful as the snow falls in winter, we recommend Hotarutei to any visitor looking to enjoy a more traditional Japanese meal during their time at the monkey park. Please note that reservations are required at least 3 days prior to the date of your visit.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Monkey Park
Visitors to the monkey park are spoiled for choice when it comes to nearby accommodation. Located in the small hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen and a short drive from the larger Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen, the park can be enjoyed while staying at one of the area’s many guesthouses, many of which have their own hot springs, or further afield in Shiga Kogen or Nagano City.
The above mentioned restaurant, Hotarutei, also offers two luxurious villas each equipped with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchenette, and their own private onsen. Our ‘Where To Stay Around The Jigokudani Monkey Park’ page lists the best areas to stay, our recommendations and accommodation listings.
How to Get to the Monkey Park
Public Transportation
Nagano Station is the primary hub for visitors traveling to the park. As a major stop on the the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, it is the most common starting point for guests coming from Tokyo for a day trip.
From Nagano Station, you have two main public transport options:
- Nagaden Express Bus: This service departs from Nagano Station and drops you within walking distance of the trail entrance.
- Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) Train Line: Take the train to Yudanaka Station (the terminal stop). From there, a short local bus ride will take you the rest of the way to the park area.
Both the express bus and the various train services (Limited Express and Local) are operated by the Nagaden company and are easily accessible from the station.
Detailed Access Guides
For specific directions from other popular starting points, including the Nagano ski resorts, Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, please visit our comprehensive 'How To Get To The Jigokudani Monkey Park' main page.
The Easiest Way to Visit: Guided Tours
The simplest way to experience the park is by joining a guided tour. A tour removes the stress of navigating train schedules or finding the correct bus stop, allowing you to focus entirely on the monkeys.
If you are interested in a professional, hassle-free experience, please see the Tours section below for our top-rated recommendations.
Tours and Charters to the Monkey Park
As Nagano's No.1 tour operator, we are proud to offer multiple tours that combine a visit to the Snow Monkey Park with other fun local activities. No matter the season, we can help you make the most of your time in Nagano. Whether with your family or friends, or on your own, we are sure to have something that suits your needs!
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Our most popular offering is our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Sake in Nagano". Guests on this delightful excursion will first be treated to Sake Tasting and a guided tour of the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, including lunch at a nearby restaurant.
With the first half of the tour complete, you will then depart for the Monkey Park on our private tour vehicle. Once you have arrived your guide will lead the way up to the place the Monkeys call home, before you once again board the bus and return to your starting destination.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
For those guests coming in the winter, we also offer the "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen", combining exciting snow activities such as sledding and riding snow scoots with a visit to the Monkey Park. Lunch is also included, making for the perfect day trip for anyone looking to experience what winter in Nagano is all about!
Popular
(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Another unforgettable tour is our "1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano". Including two of Japan's most amazing natural spectacles, the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms and the hot-spring loving monkeys of Jigokudani, this offering is the easiest way to enjoy a relaxed spring day in Nagano.
Popular
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
For those who want a more customized experience, we also offer private tours of the Snow Monkey Park and nearby attractions such as Zenkoji Temple. For more information, please click the link above or send us an inquiry describing your ideal itinerary.
Charter a Vehicle to the Snow Monkey Park!
Please see our charter page and send us your trip details so we can start planning your journey to the Snow Monkey Park. Many starting point options are available such as Nagano Station, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and more.
Taking only about 50 minutes each way, enjoy a seamless journey from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park on our private van or bus, instantly bookable at this option below. This option includes both the vehicle and driver, so you do not need to worry about the strict parking situation near the park itself.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The monkeys are wild and free to roam. While they are present at the park almost every day of the year, their appearance is not 100% guaranteed. During the autumn mating season or during harvest time, they may occasionally arrive later or stay in the mountains. We recommend checking the official live cam before you start your journey.
While the park is most famous for the "Snow Monkeys" in winter (December–March), it is a great year-round destination. Spring (April–May) is the best time to see newborn babies, while Autumn (October–November) offers stunning fall foliage.
The walk from the entrance at Kanbayashi Onsen to the park is 1.6km (1 mile) and takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes each way. The trail is mostly level but can be very icy and slippery during the winter months.
No. There is no road access for vehicles to the park itself. All visitors must walk the 1.6km forest trail to reach the monkey habitat.
The forest trail is mostly level and can be navigated by wheelchairs or strollers in fine weather. However, the final entrance to the park involves a steep staircase and a rugged path that are not accessible by wheelchair.
In winter, the trail is covered in snow and ice. You should wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy boots with good grip. If you do not have appropriate footwear, boot rentals and crampons are available at the Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop at the trail entrance.
There are no restaurants or food stalls inside the park to prevent the monkeys from begging for food. Toilet facilities are available at the park entrance and the gift shop, but we recommend using the facilities at the bus stop or gift shop before starting the walk.