{"id":1831,"date":"2021-06-25T06:33:09","date_gmt":"2021-06-25T06:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.hakuba.com\/?post_type=blogs&p=1831"},"modified":"2026-08-08T01:27:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T01:27:03","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-japanese-snow-monkeys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hakuba.com\/ja\/blogs\/the-ultimate-guide-to-japanese-snow-monkeys\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Snow Monkeys"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Hakuba is one of Japan’s best known ski destinations, but there’s plenty to do beyond the slopes. One of the most popular winter day trips is Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques gather around a natural hot spring in the mountains of Nagano.<\/p>\n

The monkeys are famous for bathing in the hot spring during winter, especially on cold and snowy days. The park is around 90 minutes from Hakuba by road, followed by a forest walk to reach the viewing area, making it easy to fit into a full or half day.<\/p>\n

If you’re considering a snow monkey tour from Hakuba, this guide covers the practical details: pickup locations, travel time, how much walking is involved, what to wear, what to expect at the park, and what you should know before booking.<\/p>\n

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Departure and Pickup<\/h2>\n

Our partnered tour departs from five pickup points around Hakuba: Tsugaike (weekdays only), Wadano, Happo, Echoland, and Goryu. Staff wearing black jackets check guests in at the main stops, while Tsugaike and Goryu travelers are guided by flagpoles and the bus driver directly.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Jigokudani Koen \u201cHell Valley Park\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Named for the volcanic activity that powers the hot springs in the area, wintertime in the park is a site. Set in a beautiful valley forest with incredible mountain views, Jigokudani Koen especially shines in the snowy season.<\/p>\n

While visitors here will have access to some of Japan\u2019s most beautiful forest views, the main attraction is of course the hot spring monkeys. The monkeys stormed onto the world stage in 1970 after the park was profiled on the cover of Life magazine. Since then, their popularity has continued to grow around the world.<\/p>\n

Visitors must walk 25-40 minute through a beautiful snow-covered forest trail before reaching the hot spring area. The trail is well marked and you\u2019ll see plenty of other travelers so you won\u2019t get lost. \u00a0Dress warmly, wear appropriate footwear, and enjoy the nature walk.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

The Monkeys<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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After finishing up your walk, there will be an office selling tickets for \u00a5800 and from there you are ready to meet the monkeys! If you book the guided tour in advance, you can skip the ticket line entirely, which can save a lot of time during peak season when the wait stretches long. Otherwise you’re welcome to wait in line and buy the \u00a5800 tickets yourself at the office. The monkeys congregate primarily in and around the hot spring but there will be opportunities to take pictures of them in various locations throughout the viewing area.<\/p>\n

Insider Tip<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n

The monkeys have grown accustomed to being around people but are still wild animals; it\u2019s best not to get too close and you should never try to touch them.<\/p>\n

The Hot\u00a0<\/strong>Springs<\/b><\/h2>\n\n