The Japanese macaque is also known as the snow monkey, because many live in areas (like Nagano!) where snow covers the ground for months of the year. They live in 'matrilineal' societies, meaning that a specific monkey's lineage and status is traced through its mother. The world-renowned troop at the Snow Monkey Park in Nagago consists of around 200 monkeys in total.
Learn more about the fascinating social structure, what it takes to be an alpha male, past and present alphas, and other fun facts in the following subsections:
The Structure of Snow Monkey Society
When people think of snow monkeys living in groups, they often imagine a strong alpha male maintaining order through strict hierarchy.
However, upon closer observation, this common perception turns out to be quite misleading. Unlike human societies, there's no single overwhelmingly dominant leader among these monkeys. Each Japanese macaque has a clearly defined social rank. The monkey at the top of this hierarchy is commonly referred to as the "alpha male."
The alpha male does exhibit some typical leadership behaviors—such as taking the lead in defending against external threats or when stray individuals (non-group members) appear. But even here, reality differs significantly from this idealized image.
At the Snow Monkey Park, we respectfully refer to the current alpha male with a ceremonial name "Dragon King." But this name doesn't reflect any particularly extraordinary status.
Snow monkeys can live up to 30 years. They start to show their age around the age of 20. Similar to other mammals, older monkeys have more wrinkles, more markings/scars, and aren't as energetic.
How to Become the Alpha Male
It's true that other group members look up to the alpha male and place great trust in him. Yet there's no fierce competition for leadership positions, no single individual eating first, nor any rule that all offspring belong to the alpha male.
Males, upon reaching maturity, eventually leave their birth group to live alone or with another troop—a process called "disbanding." The decision to leave one's group is always the male's own choice. There's no tragic narrative like "he was defeated in a fight and had to leave." When males depart from their group—this applies equally to those called "alpha males."
The leadership transition occurs when the current alpha leaves the group, allowing the second-ranked male to take over the top position—this is how leadership changes hands. In actual historical records of past alpha males, you'll see that leadership transitions often result from disbanding.
Therefore, none of them are constantly "waiting for opportunities to climb the social ladder" with ambitious intentions.
Alpha Males Past and Present
Did you know that all monkeys at the Snow Monkey Park (not just the alpha) have names? In recent years, the park rangers name them all by their last name and birth year. For example, the current alpha is named Tokei 2005, because he was born in 2005.
There have been nearly 20 alphas that have reigned in the park's 60+ year history. Here is a compilation of six alpha males, past and present:
Current Alpha: Tokei 2005
Known for his distinguishable scar on his left eye and short-tempered personality, many other monkeys keep their distance. He has a younger sister who he is very close to, and they are often seen together.
TOAMI 00
He had a restless personality and was often aggressive towards other monkeys. His distinguishing facial feature was his prominent, protruding forehead. He has since left the troop in 2022.
Toranchi
Alpha for around 7 years from 1998, he was known for his caring and calm personality.
Tom
Tom had a relaxed personality and large body. He was the leader of the troop in the 1980's.
Tochi
Alpha in the 1970's, Tochi was a gentle monkey who unfortunately died of illness.
First Boss (Never named by rangers)
The first ever recorded boss who left the troop in 1963, one year before the park opened to the public
Did You Know?
Despite the number of total monkeys that call the park area home (around 200), the park rangers can generally tell the monkeys apart. This may seem surprising at first, but if you observe the monkeys in close proximity, you will soon notice subtle (and not so subtle) differences. Some of these differences include body size, fur color, fur length, wrinkles, energy levels, personalities, and more.
Male monkeys weigh 6 – 18 kg (13 – 39 pounds) while females weigh 6 – 14 kg (13 – 30 pounds) with a height that ranges from 47 to 60 cm (1.5 – 2 feet), depending on the age.
It is estimated that just over 100,000 Japanese macaques live across Japan. The average life expectancy is about 25 to 30 years. As they age, their skin gets wrinkly just like humans, and they tend to get a crooked spine and become a little smaller.
While the mature monkeys are too big, smart, and fast to have predators the little ones have to watch-out for foxes, raccoons and even bears! There are also a lot of eagles here, which could also pose a threat to the young monkeys.
Can you spot the small defect above the right ear? Although most fights are rather minor, it sometimes results in biting. During mating season, the males can become more agressive than normal, so it is also the season when many injuries occur. Since ears and noses are soft parts of the body, many monkeys due lose them or hurt them due to fighting.
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.
NAGANO STN → SNOW MONKEY PARK (3HR)→ NAGANO STN
- Duration:
- 4-5 Hours
- Spots:
- Nagano, Snow Monkey
For a complete list of all tours and charters we offer, please see: All Snow Monkey Tours & Charters in 2025/2026
Snow Monkey Info & Gift Shop
Need assistance while at the park? The Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop is located at the entrance of the trail leading to the Snow Monkey Park. This is also the best place to purchase crampons or rent snow boots, which can be especially helpful in winter when walking to the Snow Monkey Park.
