View all photos
Explore Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Local Guide
Product code 22178P7
From
From JPY 17,000
Dates
Dec 1, 2026 to May 16, 2027
Start times
12:20 PM
Travelers
Infant ages 0-4, Child ages 5-12, Youth ages 13-19, Adult ages 20-60, Senior ages 61-70
Options
Explore Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Local Guide
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
3 hours 15 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 17,000
Explore Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Local Guide
View all photos
Duration
3 hours 15 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is home to hundreds of “snow monkeys”, known as such because they spend their days soaking in the mountainous hot springs. In 1970 they appeared on the cover of Life magazine in the U.S. due to this unique behaviour. Furthermore, in 1998, when the winter Olympic Games was held in Nagano, lots of athletes, media, and tourists from foreign countries visited. Monkeys don’t soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter. Soaking in the hot spring is only one part of the monkeys’ life. You can also see them lazing or frolicking on the nearby mountain and forest.
Overview
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is home to hundreds of “snow monkeys”, known as such because they spend their days soaking in the mountainous hot springs. In 1970 they appeared on the cover of Life magazine in the U.S. due to this unique behaviour. Furthermore, in 1998, when the winter Olympic Games was held in Nagano, lots of athletes, media, and tourists from foreign countries visited. Monkeys don’t soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter. Soaking in the hot spring is only one part of the monkeys’ life. You can also see them lazing or frolicking on the nearby mountain and forest.
What's Included
Included
Professional guide
Round trip bus tickets from Yudanaka station
All Fees and Taxes
Foot Spa
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks, unless specified
Taxi / Private Car or Bus
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
The guide will waiting for you at the ticket gate of Yudanaka station.
End point
The guide will waiting for you at the ticket gate of Yudanaka station.
Pickup details
Itinerary
Stop 1
10 minutes
Stop 1
The tour starts from this station.
Pass by stop 2
Pass by stop 2
This tourist information center is pretty small, but interesting and has quite good information for tourists. You can take a map or brochure for free.
Pass by stop 3
Pass by stop 3
Jigokudani Fountain is blowing high. Jigokudani means Hell Valley in Japanese, Jigokudani Fountain is designated as a national natural monument. The hot spring that gushes from the bottom of the river is a natural fountain that can be up to 20 meters high. It’s dynamic landscape is also great!
Stop 4
40 minutesAdmission included
Stop 4
Located in the Yokoyu River Valley at an altitude of 850m, the Jigokudani Yaen Koen is known as "Hell Valley" due to the steep cliffs and steam emitting from the springs. It's buried in snow for a third of the year but is a paradise for the monkeys of Nagano area as they enjoy bathing in the hot springs to warm up.
Stop 5
5 minutes
Stop 5
If you're feeling a bit peckish while waiting for the bus to Yudanaka Station, we recommend grabbing some coffee or apple pie for takeout at this café here.
Stop 6
15 minutes
Stop 6
Known as ‘ashi-yu’ in Japanese, the foot spa can be used free of charge and offers simple relaxation when awaiting your train. Simply take your shoes and socks off, roll-up your pants and rest your feet in the thermal water. After a day of exploring the monkey park, it’s amazing how much this simple action refreshes your body and reinvigorates you for the journey ahead.
Additional Info
No Heart Problems
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants Must Sit On Laps
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
No Back Problems
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Other
Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in and do not bring heavy baggage because you will walk the mountain paths
Other
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Other
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
4.8
33 reviews
Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Similar Attractions
ViatorJigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)
4.9 (1925 reviews)
Available experiences
49
Free attractionZenkoji Temple
4.9 (1512 reviews)
Available experiences
48
ViatorNakasendo Way
4.9 (430 reviews)
Available experiences
29
ViatorYudanaka Onsen
5.0 (2 reviews)
Available experiences
2