Groups of snow monkeys live in Jigokudani (Hell Valley) located in the mountains in Nagano. You can see the famous snow monkeys in Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park). Snow monkeys are used to being around people and living as if they are humans. There is an outside hot spring that was made just for the monkeys. In winter, you might see snow monkeys soaking themselves in the hot water while the snow falls on their heads. Somedays they stay up in the mountains, but hopefully you will be able to see them bathe or swim in the hot springs.
Visiting Snow Monkeys
Snow Monkey Pictures
Snow Monkey Live Cam
Even though the monkeys seem friendly, it's important to follow these rules when you visit the park.
- Observe the monkeys from the distance.
- Do not stare them in the eyes.
- Do not put your hands out or try to touch them.
- Do not show or give food to monkeys.
Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Hell Valley Wild Monkey Park)
Address: Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-gun Nagano Prefecture
TEL: 0269-33-4379 / FAX: 0269-33-8521
Access:
From JR Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station. From Yudanaka, take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the park.
By car, get off the Joshinentsu Highway at Shinshu Nakano I.C. and drive on Route 292 to Kanbayashi Onsen. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the park.
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Hours: 8:30a.m. - 5p.m. (April-Oct.) / 9a.m. - 4p.m. (Nov.-March)
Admission: 500yen (adult) 250yen (child)
