Jigokudani “Hell Valley” Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Park, officially known as Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, is commonly referred to as the “Snow Monkey Park”. Its name translates to “Hell Valley” in Japanese. Located in the Yokoyu River Valley within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, the park earned its name due to the geothermal activity that causes clouds of steam to rise from the hot springs giving the area an especially dramatic mood during the winter months. The park is blanketed in snow for at least four months each year, adding to its mysterious appeal.
How to get there?
You can reach the park by taking a bus from Nagano Station, which is about one hour by train from Matsumoto. After arriving at the bus parking area near the park entrance, simply follow the clearly marked signs. From there, a 1,600-meter gentle grade trail leads to the hot spring area where the snow monkeys gather.
At the trailhead, you’ll find live webcams that show whether any monkeys are currently bathing (handy to check before making the walk). Along the forested path, several signs provide information about the monkeys and display the distance remaining to your destination. The walk takes about 25 to 30 minutes, but there’s no need to rush. Take your time and enjoy the scenic views, with tall pine trees, flowing mountain stream, and snow-covered slopes creating a serene and memorable atmosphere.
In the park
At the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the valley. From there, a short but steep staircase leads up to the ticket office. Admission to the park is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.
Once inside, you’ll find yourself along the riverbank, where the Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, roam freely. These monkeys are easily recognized by their reddish faces, thick dark fur, and short tails, which measure only about 10 cm. Adults can grow up to 95 cm in height. In the wild, they feed on leaves, fruits, plant roots, bird eggs, and even catch small fish or mollusks in the river. In the park, they are also provided with supplementary food by staff.
On cold days, the monkeys are often found soaking in the natural hot springs. However, leaving the warm water can be uncomfortable, as their wet fur freezes quickly. Interestingly, macaques seem to follow a kind of “duty system”. While some enjoy the warmth of the springs, others remain dry and bring food to those bathing.
Visitors are strictly prohibited from feeding the monkeys or approaching them closer than one meter. The animals are accustomed to human presence and typically go about their day without much concern for visitors, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography.
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