Nagano

Nagano's Famous Snow Monkeys

Monkeys soak up the warmth of the hot spring baths

Jonathan Jahnke Jun 18, 2015 - 2 min read

<p>The alpha monkey gets special treatment</p>

<p>The monkeys are totally relaxed and not at all shy during their bath time</p>

<p>Monkeys help groom each other in the hot spring baths</p>

<p>Swarms of tourists flock to the park every day to see the monkeys</p>

<p>Monkeys sleep in the warm waters of the onsen</p>

<p>The alpha monkey enjoys being groomed by his tribe</p>

<p>A family huddles together on the edge of the water</p>

<p>A cold, wet monkey warms himself on a little rock island</p>

<p>The monkeys thick fur keeps them warm in winter</p>

<p>A baby snuggles up to his mother for shelter from the wind</p>

<p>A group of monkeys use each other for warmth  </p>

<p>Monkeys mingle with humans in the park  </p>

Nagano's Jigokudani Park is home to the famous Japanese Macaque, the northernmost species of monkey in the world. The park is open year-round, but the best time to go is during the winter, when the monkeys soak up the warmth of the natural hot spring baths.

Every day, dozens of monkeys gather around the baths to soak, relax, and play. Unlike their wild brothers and sisters, the park monkeys are not shy or aggressive at all, and will pose for photos or generally just mingle with the hundreds of humans who visit each day.

The 1.6km hike into the park takes around 20 to 25 minutes in the winter, due to the heavy snow. Once inside, monkeys will greet you at every turn as they forage for food in the snow or just walk around the park. The main attraction is the hot spring, where dozens of tourists from all over the world gather around the water's edge to get a shot of the monkeys. The alpha monkey gets special treatment in the bath, by being groomed and cared for by his underlings. Babies frolic and leap and play in and around the water while the adults sleep and relax and enjoy the soak. Outside the springs, monkeys huddle together in little balls of fur for warmth. The snow, the mountain terrain, the steamy waters, and of course the monkeys all make for a truly magical experience.

More info

Find out more about Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Jonathan Jahnke @jonathan.jahnke

After teaching English in Toyama from 2004 - 2005 & visiting off & on again for the next 8 years, I decided to move here permanently in 2014. I love exploring the cities, festivals, countryside, & culture of this beautiful country.