A wild monkey sits up to its shoulders in a steaming hot spring, eyes half closed, snowflakes settling on its head. The photos of Japan's "snow monkeys" have travelled around the world, and the place where they were taken is real: Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑), in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture.
For the 2026–27 winter season there are some important changes, including new admission prices from December 1, 2026 and an online ticket system that gives ticket holders priority in winter. This guide explains everything you need to know before you go.
1. What Is Jigokudani Monkey Park?
Jigokudani means "Hell's Valley", a name that comes from the steep cliffs and the steam rising from hot springs in the valley of the Yokoyu River. The park lies at about 850 m above sea level. In winter it is covered by more than a metre of snow, and temperatures can fall below -10°C.
The park opened in 1964 so that people could observe Japanese macaques up close. The monkeys are wild: there are no cages or fences. Staff provide food so that the monkeys come to the park, and over time they became used to people. According to the park, the bathing habit began when a young monkey learned to get into the outdoor bath of a nearby inn. Others copied it, so the park built a hot spring pool just for the monkeys, and the behaviour has been passed down since. The monkeys became famous worldwide after appearing on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1970.
2. Tickets and Prices for 2026–27
The park announced a price increase from December 1, 2026, and launched online tickets in August 2026.
| Ticket (tax included) | Until Nov 30, 2026 | From Dec 1, 2026 (at the gate) | From Dec 1, 2026 (online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18 and over) | 800 yen | 1,000 yen | 880 yen |
| Child (elementary to high school) | 400 yen | 500 yen | 440 yen |
| Under 6 (with a guardian) | Free | Free | Free |
Online tickets are for a specific date and go on sale three months before. The park says that during the winter period, from December, visitors with online tickets have priority. Without one you may have to wait, and on crowded days you may not be able to enter at all. The park's calendar marks winter weekends, holidays and the New Year period as the busiest days.
At the gate, credit cards and electronic money are accepted, but QR code payments are not.
3. Opening Hours
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
None. Open every day, but it may close without notice because of weather, natural disasters or the monkeys' behaviour.
The park asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Because the monkeys are wild, there are days when they do not come to the park at all. The park publishes a weekly forecast of when the monkeys are expected to arrive on its official website, and runs live cameras you can check before setting out.
4. How to Get There
The nearest hub is Nagano Station, reached from Tokyo by the Hokuriku Shinkansen in as little as 79 minutes, according to the park's access page. From Nagano there are two main routes:
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Nagano Electric Railway limited express to Yudanaka Station, then a local bus to the "Snow Monkey Park" stop | About 38 minutes by train + about 15 minutes by bus |
| Express bus from Nagano Station bound for Shiga Kogen, to the "Snow Monkey Park" stop | About 41 minutes |
From the Snow Monkey Park bus stop, it is a walk of about 35 minutes to the park itself. The walking path from Kanbayashi Onsen is about 2 km through the forest. The park describes it as mostly flat with a few slopes, but it is unpaved and includes some steps.
5. What to Wear for the Walk
The trail is unpaved and in winter it is covered with packed snow and ice. The park recommends trainers or hiking boots, and in winter snow boots or rubber boots. It also suggests bringing simple crampons or anti-slip spikes for extra safety.
- Warm layers: You will warm up while walking, then cool down while standing and watching the monkeys.
- Hat and gloves: Essential at 850 m in January.
- Small backpack: Keep your hands free on the trail.
The park, its approach path and the trail have slopes, steps and unpaved sections, so wheelchairs and pushchairs cannot be used. See our guide to what to wear in Japan in winter.
6. Rules for Watching Wild Monkeys
Because there are no fences between you and the monkeys, the park has clear rules. Staff may ask people who break them to leave.
Never show or give food to the monkeys. Monkeys that learn to take food from people become aggressive and may grab bags.
Do not touch or startle them. Frightened monkeys may threaten or bite.
Staring into a monkey's eyes up close is a sign of hostility. Keep a little distance.
- No pets. Dogs and other animals cannot enter. The park states that this also applies to assistance dogs.
- Photography: Cameras, smartphones and even flash are allowed, but do not hold your camera too close to the monkeys. Selfie sticks, drones and putting cameras into the bath are prohibited.
- No bathing for humans. The pool is for the monkeys only.
7. Make It an Overnight Trip
The hot spring towns of Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen are just below the park. Shibu Onsen is known for its nine public bathhouses and old wooden inns. Staying overnight lets you reach the park early, before the day-trip crowds arrive, and soak in a hot spring yourself afterwards. See our onsen guide and ryokan guide. The ski resorts of Shiga Kogen are also nearby: see our ski season guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
January and February, when snow is most reliable and the monkeys are most likely to bathe. Weekday mornings are generally quieter than weekends.
No. They are wild and come and go freely. Some days they barely bathe, and on rare days they do not come to the park at all. Check the park's forecast and live cameras.
Yes. With the Shinkansen to Nagano and a train or bus onward, it is possible in a long day, but an overnight stay in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen is far more relaxing.
For winter visits, yes, we strongly recommend it. Online ticket holders have priority from December, and people without one may face a wait or be refused entry on busy days.
Conclusion
Watching wild monkeys relax in a hot spring while snow falls around them is one of Japan's most memorable winter experiences. For 2026–27, buy an online ticket for your date, wear proper winter boots for the 35-minute walk, follow the park's rules, and check the monkey forecast before you go. Then end the day in a hot spring of your own. Planning more winter trips? Read Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 and Japan in January.
Sources
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen (official) — Hours and fees (Japanese): https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/guide/
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen — Notice of price revision from December 1, 2026 (Japanese): https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/information/information-3104/
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen — Launch of online tickets (Japanese): https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/information/3061/
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen — Access (Japanese): https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/access/
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen — Visitor rules (Japanese): https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/caution/
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen — About the park (Japanese): https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/about/