Do you know the monkeys in “Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (地獄谷野猿公苑)” in Nagano?
This monkey is famous for being the only one in the world to take a hot spring.
They are called “Snow monkey“.

What is Jigokudani Yaen-Koen?

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen is located in Shiga-kogen highlands, Nagano Prefecture, and is called Jigokudani because the fountain constantly emits smoke.
The area is also known as the only place in the world where monkeys take a hot spring because the lowest temperature is below -10 ℃.

When is the best season?

If you go, it’s winter!
Because monkeys take hot springs as a measure against the cold, it is easier to see the hot springs in winter than in summer.

There are monkeys who like baths in the hot springs in the summer, but this is mostly for finding food.

How to access

You cannot go directly to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen by car or bus, you need to walk from the Snow Monkey Park bus stop.

2 ways to get to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop

1. by highway bus

If you don’t take a detour, this is the fastest way to go.
It takes 50 minutes.
Depart from the Nagaden Bus stop at Nagano Station (長野駅) and go straight to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop.
(It does not go straight in summer.)

・Timetable
・Platform guidance

2. by train and bus

This is recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxing view!
It takes 1 – 2 hours.
From Nagano Station, take Nagano Electric Railway Limited Express to Yudanaka Station (湯田中駅).
Transfer from there to the Snow Monkey Park bus on the Shiga Kogen Line.

・Yudanaka Station Bus Stop Timetable
・Snow monkey park Bus Stop Timetable

Advantageous ticket!

Recommendation is to purchase “snow monkey pass“!
It is a great ticket sold by Nagaden Bus!
Official site here!

You can purchase it at each Nagano Electric Railway counter!
Sale station：
・Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Station (長野電鉄長野駅)
・Gondo Station (権堂駅)
・Suzaka Station (須坂駅)
・Obuse Station (小布施駅)
・Yudanaka Station (湯田中駅)

Finally

Please come to Nagano to see snow monkeys who like hot springs!

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen has recently started a live camera.
Please watch a live!

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