Explore Yamanouchi - Home of the Snow Monkeys

Famous for its hot spring-loving monkeys, Yamanouchi is an ideal hub from which to explore the region.

Key features

Snow Monkeys
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Wildlife
Hot Springs
Yudanaka Shibu Onsen
Shiga Kogen
Kita-Shiga Kogen
1998 Winter Olympic Venue
Skiing
Snowboarding
Nature & Wildlife Photography
Hiking

Public Transport

Yudanaka Station	immediate
Nagano Station	45 minutes
Tokyo Station	180 minutes

Nearby Attractions

Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen	immediate
Jigokudani Monkey Park	5-7 minute drive
Shiga Kogen/Highland	30 minute drive

Explore Yamanouchi - Home of the Snow Monkeys

Famous for its hot spring-loving monkeys, Yamanouchi is an ideal hub from which to explore the region.

Key features

Snow Monkeys
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Wildlife
Hot Springs
Yudanaka Shibu Onsen
Shiga Kogen
Kita-Shiga Kogen
1998 Winter Olympic Venue
Skiing
Snowboarding
Nature & Wildlife Photography
Hiking

Less than an hour from Nagano City, Yamanouchi Town consists of three distinct areas – Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen, Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen. Blessed with abundant farmlands, pristine nature, numerous hot springs and heavy snow in winter, Yamanouchi is most famous for two things: snow monkeys and some of Nagano’s best skiing and snowboarding.

Home to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and ski resorts of Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi is at its most popular in winter yet offers just as many reasons to visit through spring, summer and autumn. Blessed with numerous sources of natural thermal water, Yamanouchi has a strong association with healing, refuge and renewal including use of Shibu Onsen’s restorative waters for medicinal purposes for around 1300 years.

Today, the area is home to many guesthouses offering traditional service including ‘kaiseki’ (multi-course) meal service and hot springs reserved for the exclusive use of guests. The surrounding landscape supports farms producing some of Central Japan’s best produce while the forests and mountains bordering the villages of Yamanouchi, account for more than 90% of the local area. Known for their deep powder and scenic beauty in winter, Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen offer some of Naganos’ best hiking, cycling and nature photography from spring to autumn.

Despite all this, Yamanouchi still flies somewhat under the radar for international visitors but in doing so, has retained an authentic and welcoming character.

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Recommended Highlights from Snow Monkey Resorts

Introducing Yamanouchi – Home of the Snow Monkeys

Home to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Yamanouchi is a blessed with abundant farmlands, pristine nature, hot springs and ski resorts.

Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen: Hot Springs, Local Food & More!

While people come for the monkeys, they stay for the food, onsen and the area’s many outdoor pursuits.

Shiga Kogen & Kita-Shiga Kogen in Winter

Yamanouchi boasts some of Nagano’s best ski resorts including those at Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen.

Hiking, Cycling & Photography in Shiga Kogen

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, Shiga Highland is home to important alpine flora and fauna and fantastic hiking, cycling and photography.

News / Info

Getting to & Around Yamanouchi

Yamanouchi is most easily reached via Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen – terminus of the Nagano Dentetsu Line running from Nagano Station.

20 Things to Do in Yamanouchi

No matter what time of year you're visiting, Yamanouchi blends famous destinations and actvities with the very local and unique.

Stay in Yamanouchi: Area Descriptions

Yamanouchi is home to many excellent guesthouses including large hotels, traditional ‘ryokan’ and family-run ‘minshuku’.

Tours & Charters in Yamanouchi

Operating all year round we offer group tours, private tours and charters covering all areas of Yamanouchi.

Recommended Activities in Yamanouchi

Activities in Kanbayashi Onsen inc. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Nagano's Famous Monkey Town

Home to guesthouses and some great restaurants and cafes, Kanbayashi is an ideal place to stay and go slow when visiting the monkeys.

Activities in Yudanaka Onsen & Shibu Onsen

Explore the Historic Hot Spring Towns

Within walking distance of the monkey park, Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen enjoy a long association with rest and relaxation.

Activities in Shiga Kogen

Bigger, Higher, Better!

Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest and highest ski resort with plenty to do all year round.

Activities in Kita-Shiga Kogen

Nagano's Hidden Secret

Boasting small resorts full of powder in winter and panoramic views and alpine hiking from spring to autumn, Kita-Shiga Kogen is something of a hidden gem.

Events & Festivals in Yamanouchi

Party like a local!

Yamanouchi enjoys a full calendar of events and festivals, from the quiet and cultural to the more boisterous!

Cherry Blossoms & Autumn Leaves in Yamanouchi

A Place of Seasonal Beauty

Nagano is a place of four seasons, and in Yamanouchi, visitors can enjoy the best of each including spring and autumn.

Summer Activities in Yamanouchi

Escape Back to Nature

With the deep snow of winter a distant memory, Yamanouchi has just as much to offer in summer.

Winter Activities in Yamanouchi

Stay, Explore & Have Fun

Boasting some of Nagano's best skiing and snowboarding, hot springs and of snow monkeys, Yamanouchi comes into its own each winter.