March has flown-by and here we are in the final week of the month and time for our monthly photoblog! The first thing to say is that winter has well and truly finished at the park. Temperatures i...
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March 22, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in March 2021
March has flown-by and here we are in the final week of the month and time for our monthly photoblog! The first thing to say is that winter has well and truly finished at the park. Temperatures i... -
February 20, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in February 2021
February marks midwinter in Nagano and this year’s season certainly hasn’t disappointed! The snow has been falling steadily, blessing the monkey park and the ski resorts of Nagano with some f... -
January 13, 2021
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in January 2021
It’s certainly been a great start to winter with plenty of snow falling all over Nagano and in the monkey park. As always, the monkeys have been coming to the park in big numbers this winter as t... -
December 21, 2020
Say Goodbye to 2020 and ‘Hello’21!’: There’s Plenty of Great Deals in Nagano this Winter!
Winter
is off to a great start here in Nagano! The snow has been falling and the
resorts are already looking fantastic, with great powder and very quiet ski
runs offering an enticing reason to vi... -
December 11, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in December 2020
As
we head into the middle of the month, it’s time for our photoblog for December
2020. December has seen plenty of monkeys in the park each day as the
temperature quickly becomes cold and th... -
December 7, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 7th December 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m... -
November 30, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 30th November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m... -
November 23, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 23rd November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m... -
November 16, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 16th November 2020
Looking for information and updates
about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a
dedicated ‘COVID-19
Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m... -
November 11, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in November 2020
Many people wonder, do the monkeys come to the park during autumn? The answer is a very definite yes! While their behaviour can be somewhat erratic through October and November, the monkeys still... -
November 9, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 9th November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ page includes a dedicated ‘COVID-19 Update’ page which we update each week or whenever m... -
November 5, 2020
#GOTOTRAVEL: The Snow Has Started Falling in Nagano – Plan & Book Your Nozawa Onsen Ski/Snowboard Trip for Winter 2020/21!
Once best known for its hot springs and as a place of healing, Nozawa Onsen has in more recent years emerged as one of Nagano’s most popular ski resorts, offering great powder, a good mix of ... -
November 2, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 2nd November 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m... -
October 30, 2020
Looking for Cheap Shinkansen Tickets? Use Our Step-by-Step Guide to Access Savings of up to 50% Online!
Japan’s rail system is famous throughout the world for its efficiency, speed and comfort. A pleasure to use it does not however come cheap - particularly the ‘shinkansen’ (Bullet Train) syste... -
October 26, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 26th October 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m... -
October 20, 2020
#GOTOTRAVEL: Shiga Kogen – Everything You Need To Know About Japan’s Largest Ski Resort & ‘Go To Travel’ Deals for Winter 2020/21!
Just over an hour from Nagano Station, Shiga Kogen is Japan’s largest and highest ski resort offering over 600 hectares of terrain spread across eighteen ski areas. Covered by an all-mountain pas... -
October 19, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 19th October 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m... -
October 13, 2020
#GOTOTRAVEL: Winter is Coming – Plan & Book Your Hakuba Ski Trip for Winter 2020/21!
Located only one hour from central Nagano City, Hakuba is home of some of Japan’s best ski resorts. Collectively known as ‘Hakuba Valley’, a total of ten resorts offer an outstanding variety ... -
October 12, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 12th October 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m... -
October 7, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – Head to Hakuba & Enjoy the Autumn Leaves of Tsugaike
The temperature continues to drop here in Nagano, and with that, the beautiful autumn leaves are quickly transforming the landscape – perhaps the most beautiful time of year in Central Japan.
... -
October 5, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 5th October 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m... -
September 30, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Japan Set to Lower Travel Advisories for Certain Countries
It’s important to start this blog by saying that at this time, travel to Japan for tourism purposes remains extremely difficult and for nationals of many countries, impossible. In total, as of Se... -
September 28, 2020
COVID-19 Update for Nagano, Japan: Monday 28th September 2020
Looking for information and updates about the impact of COVID-19 in Japan? Our 'Clean Green & Healthy' page includes a dedicated 'COVID-19 Update' page which we update each week or whenever m... -
September 25, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Online Shop: Can’t Come To Us? Let Us Send The Monkeys To You!
Most famous for their antics in winter, the ‘snow monkeys’ of Jigokudani actually come to the park all year round! Just as much fun in spring, summer and autumn as they are in winter, the monkeys... -
September 24, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – Enjoy the Autumn Leaves of Shiga Kogen & Kita-Shiga Kogen, Yamanouchi
Autumn is a time of true beauty in Japan. The high temperatures of summer have dissipated yet the days remain pleasantly warm while the evenings are cool and crisp. As we move further into autumn... -
September 23, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in September 2020
There’s no question, that autumn is now
upon us and with that, we turn our attention to the coming winter. September
has seen the temperature remain warm during the day but without the humidity o... -
September 11, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: ‘Go To Travel’ Extended to Tokyo as of October 1st 2020
As highlighted in our recent blog article – ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTS LOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ – Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan are currently eligible for by s... -
September 10, 2020
Go Slow & Discover Yamanouchi – Snow Monkeys, Ski Resorts & A Whole Lot More!
Visitors to Nagano will almost certainly of heard of the Jigokudani Monkey Park and its now famous, hot-spring loving monkeys!
One of Nagano’s most popular destinations, the monkeys c... -
August 31, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?
For our friends living in Japan, you have no doubt heard of the national 'Go To' campaign by now. Under that campaign, those living in Japan – including Japanese citizens and foreign residents – ... -
August 24, 2020
Using the Joetsu Shinkansen to Visit Yuzawa & Niigata – Escape the City & Get Back to Nature
With the summer holidays now drawing to a close, our attention turns to the coming autumn. Though days are still hot, the worst of the humidity has now gone and the evenings are cool and comforta... -
August 17, 2020
Explore Central Japan – Using the Tokaido Shinkansen to Reach Nagoya & Beyond!
Running from Tokyo to Osaka, the Tokaido Shinkasen is one Japan’s main shinkansen lines – connecting those to cities to other major destinations including Kyoto and Nagoya. Located in Aichi Prefe... -
August 13, 2020
Using the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Visit Nagano & Central Japan – 50% Discounts Available from August 20th!
With the summer holidays in full swing, it’s a great time to visit Central Japan and escape the intense heat and humidity of the coastal cities. Though also hot during the day, Nagano and Central... -
August 7, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in August 2020
As summer heats-up we’d like to share some
photos from a recent visit to the monkey park including lots and lots of
babies!
This year, mums in the troop have given birth to around forty ba... -
July 30, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Relax & Renew in the Hot Springs of Central Japan
When planning your travel in Central Japan,
we recommend staying in the region’s many outstanding hot spring towns. Known
as ‘onsen’ in Japan, natural hot springs are found throughout the prefect... -
July 28, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Visit Kanazawa – One of Central Japan’s Most Enjoyable Cities
Sitting in north-west corner of Central Japan, Kanazawa is a popular stop on the route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. Terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo via Nagano, along... -
July 21, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Experience the Beauty of Mount Fuji & Central Japan
Lying around 2.5 hours to the west to Tokyo, Mount Fuji is Japan’s most recognisable natural landscape and iconic tallest mountain. An active volcano, Fuji is an imposing presence that dominates ... -
July 3, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Discover Central Japan
When researching and planning a visit to Japan, understanding the regions and which areas are nearby others, can be a little confusing – particularly for first-time visitors.
While some n... -
July 1, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Accessing Medical Assistance in Japan during COVID-19
In anticipation of the borders opening in future
and travel resuming under the cloud of COVID-19, one of the most important
questions travellers can ask is, should I need it, what access will I h... -
June 29, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – Choosing your Accommodation in Japan
When considering your future travel to Japan, one of the biggest decisions is where to stay and what to expect once you arrive.
Japan is one of the cleanest countries and hygiene-focused ... -
June 26, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy – When Can I Travel to Japan & is it Safe?
At the time of writing, entry to Japan is still banned for many foreign passport-holders. There is however conversation about how and when entry bans will be lifted with a strong focus on opening... -
June 24, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Clean Green & Healthy Japan
As announced in our recent blog, our website has been updated to include a section dedicated to COVID-19 including pages intended to help you make an informed decision about travelling to Japan. ... -
June 22, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Update: Introducing our Dedicated COVID-19 Information Pages
In response to the ongoing impact of coronavirus on global tourism, we have revised our website to include information and updates regarding COVID-19.
From our homepage you can access our... -
May 18, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Update: the Jigokudani Monkey Park has Reopened to the Public
Snow Monkey Resorts is happy to advise that the Jigokudani Monkey Park has reopened and is again welcoming visitors. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the park requests that visitors respect the ... -
April 16, 2020
Snow Monkey Resorts Update: the Jigokudani Monkey Par is Closed until May 15th 2020
As a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, the Jigokudani Monkey Park will be closed from this Saturday April 18th until Sunday May 15th 2020. It is possible that the date of re-opening will... -
April 13, 2020
Nagano Cherry Blossom Update: April 13th 2020
From everyone at Snow Monkey Resorts, we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and with that, provide a quick cherry blossom update. Yesterday was lovely, sunny and warm spring day here in Nagano. ... -
April 2, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Plan Your Visit to on of Japan’s Most Stunning Natural Landscapes
Nestled high in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is one of Nagano and Japan’s most beautiful alpine landscapes. Renowned for its pristine nature and spiritual importance, the stunning alpi... -
March 27, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in March 2020
As March draws to a close it is certainly quiet in the Jigokudani Monkey Park. While the park remains open, visitor numbers are extremely low given current circumstances impacting travel to and from... -
March 26, 2020
Travelling in Japan: Coronavirus Update as of Mar-26 2020
The impact of the coronavirus on daily life around the globe is now dramatic. We wish everyone well and please follow the advisories in your home countries and regions, to ensure your health and saf... -
March 13, 2020
Travelling in Japan: Coronavirus Update as of Mar-13 2020
As the coronavirus continues disrupt daily life around the world, many are wondering about its impact in Japan and their plans to travel to Nagano. As included in our previous blog, the following we... -
February 22, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in February 2020
We are now well into the second half of winter and life goes on, much as usual, at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This year’s weather is much warmer than usual and from day-to-day, conditions at t... -
February 3, 2020
2020 Nagano Cherry Blossom Forecast
Known as 'sakura', cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japan and are seen to embody the fragile beauty of life itself. As the weather warms in spring, the flowers bloom and Japan will emerge from th... -
January 27, 2020
Snow Report January 2020: Where’s the Best Snow in Nagano this Winter?
It’s no secret that the snowfall in Nagano this winter is much less than usual. Unusually warm weather patterns have led to higher than normal temperatures and as a result, lower snowfall. Many ski ... -
January 13, 2020
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in January 2020
Happy New Year from Snow Monkey Resorts! It's been a strange and frustrating start to the year here in Nagano and at the Snow Monkey Park. Temperatures remain unusually high for January with relativ... -
December 14, 2019
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in December 2019
Winter has arrived at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! As temperatures continue to drop and the first flutters of snow powder the valley, here’s our final photoblog for 2019!
The start of Decembe... -
November 13, 2019
Photoblog: Jigokudani Monkey Park in November 2019
It's a typical November here at the Snow Monkey Park. The temperature is dropping quickly with strong hints of winter in the air. But before winter arrives, we are being treated to a typical Novembe... -
November 11, 2019
Snow Monkey Resorts Update Nov-11 2019: Water has been Restored & Final Repairs to the Park are Underway
We are now one month on from the typhoon which affected Nagano and it’s a good time to provide an update. While Nagano City was relatively unaffected, areas nearby experienced a significant impact a... -
October 18, 2019
Snow Monkey Resorts Update for Oct-18 2019: the Park is Open & the Monkeys have Returned!
As already reported, the Snow Monkey Park has now reopened to the public and we are happy to the report, the monkeys have now returned! After an unusually long absence from the park after the typhoo... -
October 16, 2019
Snow Monkey Resorts Update for Oct-16 2019: Tours are Operating as Normal
Given the recent impact of Typhoon Hagibis on Nagano Prefecture, we are receiving many enquiries about the availability of our tours, access to the Snow Monkey Park, and ability to travel to and fro... -
October 15, 2019
Snow Monkey Park Update for Oct-15 2019: the Park has Reopened
We are happy to announce that the Snow Monkey Park is open again and accepting visitors. Due to recent damage to the park and trail, visitors may encounter ongoing repairs. Please be careful to foll... -
October 14, 2019
SNOW MONKEY PARK UPDATE FOR OCT-14 2019: THE PARK REMAINS CLOSED
The Snow Monkey Park is again closed today - Monday October 14th 2019 - due to ongoing repairs required after Typhoon Hagibis left significant damage across Nagano. The trail leading to the park h... -
October 13, 2019
SNOW MONKEY PARK UPDATE FOR OCT-13 2019: THE PARK IS CLOSED
Typhoon Hagibis has now passed Nagano. Unfortunately it has left a significant amount of damaes to the trail leading to the park and the park itself. Due to this damage, park staff have decided to... -
October 12, 2019
SNOW MONKEY PARK UPDATE FOR OCT-12 2019: CLOSED DUE TO TYPHOON
Typhoon Hagibis is expected to impact on Nagano today and all residents have been advised to take necessary precautions to remain safe. For that reason, the Snow Monkey Park will be closed as heav... -
October 4, 2019
Sales of “Snow Monkey Pass” for 2019 Green Season finished.
Sales of “Snow Monkey Pass” for 2019 Green Season finished on Sep 30th.
For winter season, it will be re-sold from 7th December.... -
October 1, 2019
Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen: Ichinose, Okushiga or Sun Valley?
Shiga Kogen, the largest and highest ski resort in Japan, accommodates 18 interconnected ski areas, each located at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,300 meters. Shiga Kogen is nestled in the north-eastern al... -
September 24, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN SEPTEMBER 2019
Another September has rolled around at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and we are now feeling the first of the cooler autumn weather. Strolling to and from the park along the beautiful forest trai... -
July 31, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN JULY 2019
It’s a little later than usual – let’s face it, a whole lot later than usual! – but here, finally, is our July photoblog for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Summer has arrived at the park and in ... -
July 28, 2019
WINTER-ONLY SHUTTLE SERVICE: YOU CAN NOW JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING 1-DAY SNOW MONKEY TOUR FROM HAKUBA!
Recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan with a 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, guests based in Hakuba this winter will be able to join our most popular tour through use of o... -
July 7, 2019
Get More Out of Your Winter Adventure in Japan: Private Charters to, from & Between any Nagano Ski Resort!
As host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is home to around 80 independent ski resortsand blessed with some of the best powder in the world. Whether you are visiting Nagano for the first time o... -
June 25, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN JUNE 2019
June in Japan is known as the rainy season and as such, is always a little wet, wild, and unpredictable. The days are steadily getting warmer and humid, punctuated by downpours as the springtime c... -
June 22, 2019
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARDS: OUR 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS, ZENKO-JI TEMPLE & SAKE TOUR NAMED ONE OF JAPAN’S TOP 10 EXPERIENCES FOR 2019!
Snow Monkey Resorts is happy to announce our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour has been recognized as one of Japan’s best tour experiences winning a 2019 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Cho... -
June 4, 2019
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS WINTER TOURS & CHARTERS! START PLANNING YOUR NAGANO SKI & SNOWBOARD ADVENTURE FOR WINTER 2019/20!
Winter is never far away – or at least never out of mind – here in Nagano. With the past winter having come late but then refusing to call it quits, and ultimately blessing us with a massive amoun... -
June 3, 2019
NAGANO’S BEST SPRING/SUMMER TOURS! COMBINE TOURS & CREATE YOUR OWN MULTIDAY PACKAGE!
As Nagano’s No.1 tour operator, Snow Monkey Resorts continues to welcome new and old friends into the region, as more and more people discover the seasonal beauty of Central Japan. There’s never a... -
June 2, 2019
ANNOUNCING OUR NEWEST TOUR: 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS & ZENKO-JI WINTER ILLUMINATION!
*The illumination event scheduled for December 2019 has been moved to February 22nd to March 1st 2020. As a result, our tour will operate on the same days in February and March 2020. It ... -
May 17, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN MAY 2019
May has been another great month in the Snow Monkey Park with the introduction of the first baby monkeys of 2019! At first slow to emerge as their nervous mums inch back into the park, it's now ba... -
April 27, 2019
PHOTOBLOG SPECIAL: THE FIRST BABY SNOW MONKEYS OF 2019!
We are very happy to announce that the first babies of 2019 are now being welcomed to the Snow Monkey Park! Expectant mothers give birth from late-April to early-June each year, making spring one ... -
April 22, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN APRIL 2019
It’s funny. It doesn’t seem so long ago that the snow still had a hold on us and the monkeys (just like us), were shivering away in the last clutches of Nagano’s beautiful but long, cold winter. N... -
April 16, 2019
CYCLING THROUGH RURAL AZUMINO TO MATSUMOTO CASTLE!
As mentioned in the recent cherry blossom forecast, Nagano’s long winter has finally come to an end!
The snows that attract skiers from all over the world are giving way to the leaves, buds, an... -
April 3, 2019
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21 – SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FOR NAGANO STATION
Hotel Kokusai 21 is conveniently located for access to a number of attractions in central Nagano City, including Zenko-ji temple, the Gondo district, and Uruoikan (the city center’s only hot spring).... -
March 15, 2019
FIVE RECOMMENDED CHERRY BLOSSOMS SPOTS IN THE MATSUMOTO-AZUMINO AREA IN NAGANO
Are you arriving in Japan too late to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo? Don’t worry! Given the higher elevation, Nagano Prefecture`s blossom trees bloom later than in the capital, typically sometime from ... -
March 15, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN MARCH 2019
March is always an enjoyable time in the Snow Monkey Park and a great time to visit Nagano`s most famous furry residents! It`s a time of two seasons, with the first days of spring wrestling with t... -
February 26, 2019
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN FEBRUARY 2019
It's been a strange old winter here in Nagano and at the Snow Monkey Park. The usually reliable snowfall came as late as anyone can remember but when it did eventually arrive, it fell in abundance... -
December 11, 2018
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS INFO & GIFT SHOP: OPEN EVERYDAY THROUGH WINTER!
Visiting the famous Snow Monkey Park is one the highlights of any visit to Nagano and an experience perhaps best enjoyed in winter. After all, 'snow monkeys' don't really live-up to the name without a... -
December 7, 2018
HOTARU-TEI: JAPANESE DINING & LUNCH IN A 160-YEAR-OLD MANSION
Newly opened Japanese restaurant Hotaru-tei in the Kanbayashi Onsen area is the place to go if you're looking for a local food experience in a traditional setting. The restaurant, located only 10 minu... -
November 30, 2018
WINTER TOUR PICKUP SERVICE: AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (Dec 1st 2018 to Mar 31st 2019)!
*Please note that in 2019, this service has been extended to now be available all year round for guests joining us in Nagano City. Up-to-date information can be found at: 1-DAY SNOW MONKEYS, ZENKO-JI ... -
November 19, 2018
WHEN WILL IT START SNOWING IN THE SNOW MONKEY PARK?
With the temperature steadily dropping and the clouds puffing-up and rolling-in, the question many people ask is when will it start snowing in the monkey park?
Affectionately known as... -
November 16, 2018
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN NOVEMBER 2018
Autumn is reliably the least reliable season in the Snow Monkey Park as the monkeys trade their beloved hot spring for the promise of food and love in the forest. October through November is matin... -
November 6, 2018
How To: Getting to Nagano from Tokyo by Shinkansen
When heading to Nagano from Tokyo, the shinkansen - often referred to as the 'Bullet Train' - is by far, the fastest and easiest way to get here! Taking between 80 and 110 minutes (depending on whic... -
October 14, 2018
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN OCTOBER 2018
Autumn has arrived and with that, the temperature is dropping and the landscape is shifting in color and hue. It's a beautiful time of year to visit the Snow Monkey Park and through early-October, the... -
September 30, 2018
Sales of Snow Monkey Pass for 2018 Green Season finishes on Sep 30.
Sales of "Snow Monkey Pass" for 2018 Green Season finishes today (Sep 30th).
For winter season, it will be re-sold from the beginning of December (Dec 1st, if it will be as has happened in the past... -
August 20, 2018
THE 3 BEST ‘ONSENS’ (HOT SPRINGS) NEAR THE SNOW MONKEY PARK
The snow monkey region is famous for its numerous 'onsens' (natural hot springs) that bubble to the ground throughout the mountains. Mainly found in the town of Yudanaka, Shibu, and Kanbayashi Onsens,... -
August 16, 2018
STAYING OVERNIGHT AT THE SNOW MONKEY AREA: 9 THINGS TO DO
Many visitors headed to this region see the famous Snow Monkey Park as the primary destination and don't allocate time to explore other sights nearby the park. Given the global fame of the hot spring-... -
August 5, 2018
ZENKO-JI OMOTESANDO ILLUMINATION: NAGANO’S FAMOUS TEMPLE COMES TO LIGHT!
Founded in 642, Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. As the nucleus of the city we know today, Nagano grew out from the temple, with Zenko-ji a... -
August 4, 2018
REASONS FOR THE VISITING THE SNOW MONKEY PARK IN SUMMER: COMBINE YOUR VISIT WITH A STAY AT A LUXURY RYOKAN
As we head into the second half of summer it’s the right time to continue our series of articles focusing on the many great reasons to visit the Snow Monkey Park in July and August. The days remain ho... -
July 30, 2018
Shiga Kogen: 79 Courses, 51 Chairlifts/Gondolas & 18 Ski Areas Covered by 1 Common Ticket
There are many reasons to choose Japan for your winter sports holiday. Numerous resorts, reliable snow conditions including world-class powder, friendly locals, great food, all the cultural trimm... -
July 25, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN: THE BEST POWDER IN NAGANO!
When planning your ski or snowboard trip to Japan there are lots of things to take into consideration for choosing your destination of choice. Of all the questions you might ask when choosing a resort... -
July 19, 2018
MONZEN TERRACE ENYA: A WELCOME ADDITION TO NAGANO CITY’S RESTAURANT SCENE
With summer now in full force and temperatures predictably high, the opening of Nagano City’s newest restaurant is particularly well-timed. Monzen Terrace Enya is located within the historical and pic... -
July 14, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN: A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR NATURE LOVERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shiga Kogen is situated in a broader mountain range known as Joshinetsu Kogen National Park; a vast area that spans Nagano, Gunma, and Niigata prefectures. The region has long been known for its beaut... -
July 13, 2018
REASONS FOR THE VISITING THE SNOW MONKEY PARK IN SUMMER: YOU’LL HAVE MORE SPACE & MORE TIME WITH THE MONKEYS!
As highlighted in our recent blog article, the monkeys come to the park throughout the year including summer, and they typically come in big numbers. The monkeys – Japanese macaques to be exact – are ... -
June 26, 2018
SNOW MONKEY AREA FAVORITES: HOTEL SENJUKAKU
One of the most famous attractions is Nagano Prefecture is the Snow Monkey Park. If you are coming to see the snow monkeys in their own habitat and want to get a place to stay overnight, we have a rec... -
June 18, 2018
YUDANAKA SUMMER FESTIVAL: PARTY LIKE A LOCAL!
You may not know the name but you know the place! Yudanaka Onsen (and the unsurprisingly named Yudanaka Station) is the final stop on the Nagano Dentetsu train and the nearest station to the Snow Monk... -
June 9, 2018
ACTIVATING A JR PASS & TRAVELING TO NAGANO FROM TOKYO STATION
No visit to Japan would be complete without riding the famous 'shinkansen' (bullet train) network at least once, and for many visitors, it is their primary means of transport while here.
As... -
May 3, 2018
NAGANO’S YUKEMURI EXPRESS SIGHTSEEING TRAIN: TURNING YOUR JOURNEY TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK INTO AN EVENT!
There are several transport options when visiting the Snow Monkey Park from JR Nagano Station including train (and local bus) or express bus. All of these services are operated by Nagano Dentetsu (Na... -
April 29, 2018
GETTING TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK: UPDATED TRAIN TIMETABLE AS OF APRIL 2018
One of the most popular ways to access the Snow Monkey Park is using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line from JR Nagano Station. The train affords you an easy and comfortable journey to Yudanaka... -
April 26, 2018
Bus or Train? How to Get to the Snow Monkey Park from JR Nagano Station
A visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Nagano's most enjoyable experiences. For most people, the journey will begin at Nagano Station from where they have the option of heading to the park ... -
April 19, 2018
HOTEL KOKUSAI 21: PICK-UP/DROP-OFF SERVICE
(2019/4 updated) Scheduled shuttle service for Nagano station is also available now.
If you're in need of accommodation in Nagano City and want a hotel that conveniently located, Hotel Ko... -
April 12, 2018
2018/4/12 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
Cherry blossoms, known locally as 'sakura', play an important role in Japanese society. Blooming sometime between late-March (at the earliest) and early-May (at the very latest), these beautiful flow... -
April 5, 2018
2018/4/5 NAGANO CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
In Japan the season of spring is heavily celebrated. The most famous habit the Japanese display is sitting under colorful cherry blossoms and just watching the blossoms bloom while drinking a beer, et... -
April 4, 2018
JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK: SUMMER OPENING TIMES
Winter is officially with the last bits of snow disappearing in the Park. With the changing of the seasons the opening times of the Snow Monkey Park have changed as well.
The opening times of t... -
March 24, 2018
GETTING TO HOTEL SENJUKAKU FROM TOKYO, KANAZAWA, AND NAGOYA
One of the best ryokans (traditional Japanese inn) in the Snow Monkey area is Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku, the ryokan closest to the Snow Monkey Park. From the ryokan, it is only a 30 minute walk t... -
March 18, 2018
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN MARCH
The month of March has seen a rise in temperature. Some days really feel as though we're in spring already. Other days though, it's snowing and the monkeys are hiding from the cold in the pool or in b... -
March 15, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN POWDER REPORT: ICHINOSE FAMILY TREE RUN
Another favorite area in Shiga Kogen for lovers of tree runs is a course which runs from the top of Ichinose Family Area down to bottom. It's a little hard to find the course on the map so here is how... -
March 11, 2018
Recommended Nagano Ski Resorts
Nagano Prefecture is home to the majority of Japan’s highest mountain peaks and an abundance of snow. Just ask the locals, they’ll tell you the snow here is world class!
As host o... -
March 3, 2018
SHIGA KOGEN POWDER REPORT – TERAKOYA TREE RUN
This winter season (2017/2018) in Shiga Kogen brought a lot of powder snow and many fantastic days of skiing and snowboarding. The early and massive snowfall experienced in December created a good ba... -
February 26, 2018
NAGANO CITY HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
There is plenty to discover in and around Nagano City. There's the Zenko-ji temple complex, Matsushiro, Togakushi, Obuse, and the Snow Monkey Park. It is difficult to fit all the sights to see into 1 ... -
February 20, 2018
1998 Nagano Olympics Pt.2: Ski Resorts 1998
With the recent completion of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games and upcoming XII Paralympic Winter Games in Pyongyang, South Korea, there is understandable interest in celebrating the 20th anniversary ... -
February 16, 2018
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEYS IN FEBRUARY
The beginning of February was still very cold and saw quite a few monkeys taking a bath or rummaging around for barley. The monkeys in the two photo's below were exactly doing that; digging in the sno... -
February 1, 2018
INTRODUCING SHIGA KOGEN’S ICHINOSE VILLAGE
If you're thinking of heading to Shiga Kogen for your ski/snowboard trip you have multiple accommodation areas to choose from. As Japan's largest resort, Shiga is expansive therefore it's important to... -
January 29, 2018
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEYS IN JANUARY
It's a new year and a new monkey season! The Snow Monkey Park is now completely covered by snow.
As you can see by the photo directly below, the snow is not only in the park, but also on the tr... -
January 21, 2018
How To: Introducing the Hokuriku Arch Pass
Japan Rail offers a range of passes to international visitors that offer fantastic convenience and savings. While the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass is well-known and well-used by foreigner travelers in ... -
January 19, 2018
LIMITED PLAN: SNOW MONKEY TRANSPORTATION PASS & ACCOMMODATION
Senjukaku is celebrating their 90th year and has decided to provide an extra service to those coming to stay at the ryokan. In order to get to Senjukaku, you'll have to travel from JR Nagano Station t... -
December 14, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN SNOW UPDATE: DECEMBER 15TH 2017
It's been snowing steadily in the Snow Monkey area and even more up in the mountains of Shiga Kogen. The slopes are slowly all opening up, with the higher altitude slopes already fully open.
The ar... -
December 4, 2017
CAUTION: THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN VISITING THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
The Snow Monkey Park is absolutely a must-visit when you’re in Japan. The monkeys are incredibly cute and cuddly. They are still wild monkeys though, so some caution is advised. We will explain all th... -
December 1, 2017
NAGANO FAVORITES: HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
Nagano City has a great many hotels, being the capital of Nagano Prefecture and the capital of the 1998 Olympics. One favourite hotel we'd like to introduce is Hotel Kokusai 21, one of the most high-c... -
November 23, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEYS IN NOVEMBER
Winter is coming!
The first snow of the season has fallen around the 20th of November and this has had an impact on the behavior of the snow monkeys of Jigokudani as they now have to make sure ... -
November 19, 2017
11/19 FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON IN JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
It has snowed in the Snow Monkey area!
Winter has finally begun with the first snowfall of the 2017/2018 season. The people living in this area woke up in a wintry world, with more snow than pe... -
November 10, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: BEST VIEWS YOU CAN WITNESS IN SKI SAFARI
Shiga Kogen, with its high altitude, has a few spots where you can really see some spectacular views. The massive amount of snow in winter only adds more beauty to the mountainous scenery. If you want... -
November 8, 2017
SNOW MONKEY HISTORY: WHY DID THE MONKEYS START BATHING?
The Japanese macaques don't have the innate habit of swimming in hot water, they didn’t even need to do it to warm themselves. So why did the monkeys start getting into the hot spring?
The answer i... -
November 4, 2017
JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK UPDATE: WINTER OPENING TIMES
The rangers of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park have changed the Park opening times from 8:30 to 17:00 to 9:00 to 16:00. This because of the shorter days.
The monkeys have a habit of coming down... -
October 31, 2017
10/31 THE KANBAYASHI ROUTE TO THE SNOW MONKEY PARK IS REOPENED
The Kanbayashi route to the Snow Monkey Park is open from today! This is good news for bus and train travelers, as this route is the closest and easiest one to the Park.
After the typhoon on th... -
October 26, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTAL
If you didn't bring any snow gear with you to Japan, no worries! Like most of the ski resorts in the world, Shiga Kogen also has a plenty of items to rent/sell for visitors. But the question would b... -
October 23, 2017
10/23 MONKEY PARK UPDATE: CLOSED FOR TODAY
Nagano is in the midst of a typhoon at the moment which makes traveling to the Park not safe enough to open. The heavy rainfall could even cause small-scale landslides. Thus, for safety reasons the Pa... -
October 19, 2017
How to Become the Snow Monkey Alpha Male
The Japanese macaques have a strong hierarchical society, with every monkey holding a certain position. At the top of the food chain the alpha male, the monkey boss. The number 1 monkey of the Jigokud... -
October 15, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN OCTOBER
It's October! The temperature has gone down quite a bit compared to September and this is noticeable in the behavior of the monkeys. Some of them have started to get into the hot spring to warm themse... -
October 10, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: FIRST SNOW FESTIVAL
When the first snow starts falling from the sky in November, the ski slopes of Shiga Kogen start their preparations for the winter season. Skiing in the largest ski resorts of Japan is possible very e... -
October 3, 2017
VISITING THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK IN AUTUMN
Autumn is a wonderful season to visit the snow monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park. The leaves of the trees in and around the park start turning red, orange, and yellow, and the monkeys inch clo... -
September 25, 2017
NAGANO CITY: INTRODUCING THE GONDO DISTRICT
Most people stay close the Nagano Station when visiting Nagano City. We'd like to propose an alternative course. When staying overnight, stay closer to Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano's main attraction, and c... -
September 23, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: START & END OF SKI/SNOWBOARD SEASON
The temperature is quickly dropping day by day here in Yamanouchi and we already start feeling an approach of winter! Many of you might be planning to visit Japan for winter sports, so this blog is to... -
September 15, 2017
NAGANO CITY: RESTAURANTS AROUND ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
One of the biggest attractions in Nagano City is the near-1400 year old temple complex of Zenko-ji. As one of the oldest, largest, and most significant Buddhist temples in Japan, visiting Zenko-ji is ... -
September 15, 2017
NAGANO CITY: RESTAURANTS IN GONDO AREA
One of the most dynamic areas in Nagano City is the entertainment district of Gondo. Most people visiting Nagano City often don't venture any further than the station area, but that's a shame. Gondo h... -
September 12, 2017
TRADITIONAL CRAFT EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS & INTERESTING SHOPS ON THE STREET LEADING TO ZENKO-JI TEMPLE
When visiting Nagano City, many people choose to stay around the central precinct surrounding the station. It has the greatest concentration of accommodation, restaurants and bars and of course, i... -
September 9, 2017
BEST VIEWS OVER NAGANO CITY
Nagano City lies in a valley, surrounded by mountains from all sides. If you know the right vantage point, you can see all over the plains of Zenko-ji and surrounding areas like Obuse and even up to t... -
September 5, 2017
Uruoikan: the Only Natural Onsen in Nagano City
Uruoikan is a hot spring facility in Nagano City. Located within walking distance of Nagano Station and positioned next to the Susobana River, Uruoikan is the only 100% natural onsen in the city off... -
September 1, 2017
Matsushiro Castle Park: Former Stronghold of Nagano’s Samurai Town
Like most modern cities, Nagano grew rapidly through the 20th century, absorbing what were once separate and distinct towns, villages and hamlets. One such areas of the Nagano suburbs is the hist... -
August 29, 2017
1998 Nagano Olympics Pt.1: Facilities in Nagano City
As may if not most visitors heading to the region know, Nagano was the host venue of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. With its tall mountains, long snow season, and proximity to Tokyo, Nagano was thou... -
August 29, 2017
Nagano City: 1998 Winter Olympic Facilities
As most coming to this area will know, Nagano City was the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics. With its tall mountains, long snow season, and proximity to Tokyo, Nagano was thought to be the perf... -
August 22, 2017
NAGANO CITY: GET BLESSED AT ZENKO-JI’S BUDDHIST MORNING RITUAL
The morning service, also called "o-asaji" at Zenko-ji Temple, is one of the most interesting activities that you could partake in while you are in Nagano City.
What's "o-asaji"?
... -
August 14, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: LAKE HIKING COURSE
Shiga Kogen has a great number of hiking courses, all different. The most popular one would be the Lake Course, or the Ike-Meguri in Japanese. This blog is to explain the hiking course step-by-step so... -
August 7, 2017
JIGOKUDANI MONKEY FIGHTS
While the snow monkeys tend to be relaxed, they are not docile. There is a strong hierarchical system amongst the monkeys which is maintained with vigor. When the position of a certain macaque is thre... -
July 23, 2017
CHANGES IN THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY HIERARCHY
A shift in power has occurred within the Jigokudani monkey troop. Togura 95, who has been in power for the past 6 years, has been displaced by Tomamu 96. This has caused the balance of power to shift.... -
July 15, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: JAPAN’S SNOW MONKEYS IN JULY
It's summer! It's getting hot in the Snow Monkey area (though still relatively cool compared to places like Tokyo and Kyoto) and the Jigokudani monkeys are feeling the arrival of summer. They've taken... -
June 24, 2017
SNOW MONKEY ALPHA MALE MISSING
The Boss of the Jigokudani Monkey troop (named Togura 95, nicknamed Little Black because of his dark fur) hasn't been seen for almost three weeks now. It is not unusual for male monkeys to separate fr... -
June 12, 2017
PHOTOBLOG JUNE: SNOW MONKEY OF THE MONTH
The month of June has begun and brought with it whole new monkey behavior. The new-born baby monkeys of the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys have become a little bit more confident, finally pulling away from t... -
June 3, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: WHAT TO DO IN SUMMER
The Shiga Kogen Highlands are most know know as the region that holds the largest ski resorts of all of Japan. Loads of people come to enjoy skiing and snowboarding down the mountains. In summer howev... -
May 28, 2017
SNOW MONKEY RESORTS INFO & GIFT SHOP: WINTER SERVICES
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 journe... -
May 12, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: THINGS TO SEE/DO IN SHIBU ONSEN
Shibu Onsen is famous for its variety of hot springs and its lovely streets. If you're in the Snow Monkey area for a visit to the Jigokudani Monkeys, don't miss out on a stroll through the picture... -
May 10, 2017
SHIBU ONSEN: TOURING THE 9 HOT SPRINGS
Close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a little town called Shibu Onsen. Shibu Onsen is famous for its long history with hot springs (onsen in Japanese). From 600 AC., many Japanese have traveled... -
May 7, 2017
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE SNOW MONKEY AREA
Even though this region is called the Snow Monkey area, we have more than six months without snow. Our Spring, Summer, and Autumn all have their own attractions. In this article we will expand on the ... -
April 28, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: 2017/4/28 CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE
The blossoms are finally blooming in the town of Yamanouchi, the town closest to the Snow Monkey Park. Here are a few photo's to give you an impression of the colorful trees.
Here you... -
April 21, 2017
SNOW MONKEY AREA CHERRY BLOSSOM UPDATE: APRIL 21ST 2017
Most of Japan have now seen the last of the sakura blossoms. The cherry flowers in places like Tokyo and Kyoto have fallen from the trees. The trees in Yamanouchi (also known as the snow monkey area) ... -
April 14, 2017
PHOTOBLOG: SUNNY MONKEYS IN APRIL
The sun is out and the monkeys are here for the sunshine! While many people think that the monkeys only appear in winter, they are here all year round. Spring is a lovely time to see the Japanese maca... -
March 25, 2017
SHIGA KOGEN: SKIING IN SPRING
Skiing season in Japan usually ends around the end of March, when the temperature starts rising and the snow starts melting. However, the Shiga Kogen Highlands hold to a different schedule.
The... -
March 16, 2017
Attractions Around Nagano City
Having found your way to this website most likely means that you want to see the snow monkeys. Many people do this as a day trip from Tokyo. They leave Tokyo early in the morning and arrive back to To... -
December 17, 2016
THE REASON WHY SHIGA KOGEN’S SNOW QUALITY IS SO GOOD
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, people regularly refer to "powder snow" and will do anything to find it! Powder is the most coveted type of snow when you want to bomb down a mountain with th... -
December 17, 2016
SHIGA KOGEN SKI RESORTS – INTRODUCTION
Do you love to ski or snowboard? Then Shiga Kogen (or Shiga) is where you need to go. The fact that the Highlands were the stage for the 1998 Winter Olympics is already testament to the quality of sno... -
September 10, 2016
ABOUT THE CITY OF NAGANO
The city of Nagano has a long history and was formally established as a city on April 1, 1897. It was the first established city within Nagano Prefecture and the 43rd city in Japan. Nagano City is loc... -
August 5, 2016
SHIGA KOGEN – INTRODUCTION
On the basis of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program launched in 1971 with the purpose of establishing a scientific basis for the improvement of relationship between people and their environments, S... -
June 24, 2016
SUMMER FESTIVALS IN NAGANO CITY
Going to a festival is always a fun occasion but going to a Japanese festival is a whole different experience. Japanese festivals, or “matsuri”, were originally held to pray to various deities for goo... -
May 26, 2016
SOBA NOODLE – NAGANO’S SIGNATURE FOOD
A trip to Nagano could never be complete without trying some of the local specialities. In Nagano, “soba noodles” is the most popular signature dish. Most Japanese tourists have it on top of their “Wh... -
May 10, 2016
INFORMATION ABOUT ONSEN IN THE AREA
Wanting to enter an onsen, a Japanese hot bath, but feeling insecure about how to? Then please look at the 'How to' article to learn the basics!
Here we will introduce you to some of the onsen in t... -
May 10, 2016
How To: Bathe at an ‘Onsen’
Love taking baths? Then the Japanese 'onsen', or hot spring bath in English, is perfect for you. An onsen is not just for washing but also for relaxing your muscles. It is also quite good for your h... -
April 30, 2016
RESTAURANTS AROUND THE SNOW MONKEY PARK
A day-trip is never complete without eating some really good food! So you are about to go up or you just got back from the snow monkeys and you are looking for someplace to eat and/or drink? Please lo... -
December 10, 2015
WHAT IS SNOW MONKEY RESORTS ?
“Snow Monkey Resorts” refers to numerous resorts nestled within northern Nagano prefecture in Japan, home of the world famous Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen).
Our landscape, which...
