Observe the ecology of Japanese monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen-koen in Nagano Prefecture!

  • Nagano
  • Experience Gifu
Baby monkeys absorbed in something
Have you ever seen monkeys soaking in a hot spring in the cold winter? The northern part of Nagano Prefecture, where Jigokudani Yaen-koen is located, is situated in the valley of the Yokoyu River, which originates in the Shiga Kogen Plateau of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, a harsh environment covered with snow for almost one third of the year. Steep cliffs and hot spring steam rising from everywhere. Because of the steep cliffs and the steam from the hot springs rising from everywhere, people in ancient times called this place "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley). However, this environment is truly a "paradise" for Japanese monkeys. The monkeys are known to take a bath in the hot springs to escape the winter cold, and are loved by people all over the world as snow monkeys.

Feel the monkeys' breath up close

Japanese macaques are widely found in mountainous forest areas throughout Japan except Hokkaido and Okinawa. However, even if you actually find Japanese macaques in mountainous forest areas, it is not easy to observe or touch them up close. The idea was to create a facility called "Yaen-koen (park)" where anyone can easily observe monkeys by using the "feeding" method.
From the bushes
In general zoos, cages and fences separate humans from animals to keep them safe while enjoying observation, but in Yaen-koen, there are no such things as cages or fences.
At Yaen-koen, however, there are no cages or fences. You can observe the monkeys so close that you can feel their breathing, but they will not attack you and you can observe them safely. This style of wildlife observation is rare in the world, and it is not easy to experience elsewhere.
monkeys sleeping in the bushes

Jigokudani Yaen-koen is a place for nature observation

The Jigokudani Yaen-koen is only one part of the monkeys' lives, as their lives are built on the environment of the whole Jigokudani area, including the facilities of the Yaen-koen. Of course, it is not only Japanese monkeys that live there. Animals, insects, plants, and many other creatures live there, and all of them are intricately related to the environment and the creatures that live there.
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is a place for comprehensive nature observation centering on the observation of Japanese monkeys, and is not something that can be completed only within the facilities of the Yaen-koen. Nature observation has already begun in the mountain range seen from the village at the foot of the park and on the promenade leading to Jigokudani.
Monkeys going back to the mountain

What are real Japanese monkeys like?

What do you imagine when you hear the word "monkey"? Monkeys are familiar to Japanese people, but there are many differences between our image of monkeys and the real "Japanese monkeys".
relaxing by the river

Do monkeys eat bananas?

For example, many people think that monkeys like bananas. However, Japanese monkeys do not know bananas because they live in Japan where bananas do not exist in the wild. Also, most illustrations of monkeys depict them with long tails, but in reality, Japanese monkeys have very short tails! In recent picture book illustrations such as Momotaro, we see many monkeys with long tails, but in reality, the tail of the Japanese macaque is short.
What is a real monkey like? If you try to find and feel the monkeys while observing them at the Jigokudani Yaen-koen, you may become more interested in monkeys.
taking shelter from the rain

Let's enjoy monkeys in spring, summer, fall, and winter!

Speaking of monkeys, hot springs. Many people imagine monkeys soaking in hot springs in the cold winter. Monkeys in Jigokudani Yaen-koen in particular are famous for being "hot spring bathing" or "snow monkeys. The monkeys of Jigokudani, which live in the heavy snowfall area in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, look so comfortable when they soak in hot springs as a way to warm themselves in the winter, and it makes us want to soak in hot springs too. However, monkeys do not always take a bath when it is cold, so you will be lucky if you can see them taking a bath.
Parent and child monkeys soaking in a hot spring

Early summer is also a good season!

Do you think you can enjoy watching monkeys only in winter? Monkeys give birth from spring to early summer.
If you visit during GW in May, you may be able to see baby monkeys born on the same day and see them suckling their mothers. This is the only time of the year when they give birth, and it is a rare sight that cannot be seen during the winter season! By the time winter comes, the babies will be "kodomo" (little monkeys), so this is the best time to see baby monkeys.
The spring and early summer seasons are beautiful with fresh greenery and a great time to feel the growth of the babies.
Parent and child monkeys
A baby monkey is held by a parent monkey

Don't forget to check the opening hours and admission fee.

Opening hours】
・Summer(April-October)
Opening time around 8:30 Closing time around 17:00

・Winter(November-March)
Opening time around 9:00 Closing time around 16:00

【Admission Fees】
Adults (18 years and older): 800 yen
Children (elementary to high school): 400 yen
*Group rates (20 people or more) Group rates (20 people or more) and annual passes are also available. For more information, please click the link below.
Close siblings
For admission fee information, please visit

Let's enjoy the monkeys in Jigokudani Yaen-koen

It is a rare place in the world where you can observe the ecology of wild Japanese monkeys up close, and it is especially rare to see monkeys bathing in hot springs or newborn monkeys holding their mothers. You will lose track of time!
Jigokudani Yaen-koen does not publicize or announce the feeding of the monkeys because they consider it as a means to keep the monkeys observable and not a feeding show. We do not sell bait, nor do we allow visitors to feed or touch the monkeys without permission. By not allowing tourists to feed or harm them, the monkeys are able to remain indifferent to tourists and can be observed in their natural state. Why not visit the Jigokudani Yaen-koen to see the Japanese monkeys?

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation "Nagano Area" reservations, please visit 【 JR East View Dynamic Rail Package 】
For hands-on activities at "Jigokudani Yaen-koen", please visit "VELTRA"
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