Jigokudani Monkey Park

Welcome to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, an extraordinary biological sanctuary located in the heart of the Nagano Prefecture. As we stand here at the threshold of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, it is worth contemplating the…

Our journey truly commences here at Kanbayashi Onsen, the gateway to the monkey park. If you look around, you will see the infrastructure of a traditional Japanese hot spring town, yet the road quickly transitions into a narrow…

As we move deeper into the forest, the trail hugs the side of the mountain, offering a dramatic perspective on the Yokoyu River valley. The geography here is characterized by steep slopes and a dense canopy that filters the…

We are now approaching the narrowest part of the gorge, where the geological energy of the region becomes undeniable. If you stop for a moment, you can hear a distinct hissing sound and smell the pungent, egg-like odor of…

Welcome to the official entrance of the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, at the small ticket booth, you will pay the entrance fee—currently 800 Yen for adults and 400 Yen for children—unless you possess the Snow Monkey Pass. …

You have reached the heart of Jigokudani: the thermal onsen pool. This man-made stone basin, filled with naturally occurring hot spring water, is the stage for some of the most remarkable animal behavior on the planet. …

While the thermal pool is the primary attraction, the surrounding riverbed and steep mountain slopes offer a more expansive view of the troop's daily life. There are approximately 160 Japanese Macaques in this specific troop, and…

As we conclude our visit and begin the 1.8-kilometer walk back toward Kanbayashi Onsen, it is a moment to reflect on what we have witnessed. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is more than just a tourist destination; it is a unique…