Since its opening in 1964, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Wild Snow Monkey Park) is known by people far and wide as a place where the intriguing natural habitat of Japanese macaques can be observed year-round. Jigokudani (lit. Hell's Valley) is located in the Yokoyu River valley, which originates in Shiga Kogen National Park in northern Nagano prefecture. The monkeys live amongst the bountiful, though unforgiving, natural habitat found here. The monkeys are known for bathing in the onsen (hot spring) during the cold winter months, and in recent years people around the world have come to know and adore them as the "Snow Monkeys." Many researchers and photographers also often visit the area giving way to numerous accomplishments. ACCESS How to access Jigokudani Yaen-Koen ase qet off at the "Snow Monkey Park" bus stop Hours of operation

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, Inc.
6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano 381-0401 TEL.0269-33-4379 / FAX.0269-33-8521 http://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ English OKUDANTYAEN-KOEN大統治界法公共WILD SNOW MONKEY PARK since 1964 The snow monkeys show a variety of facial expressions throughout the four seasons. Observe them in their natural habitat as you stand at the edge of the wild. April – October: 8:30 – 17:00 November – March: 9:00 – 16:00 Open year-round ※Due to their wild nature, occasionally they might not show up at the park during the opening hours. English
To the visitors of Jigokudani Yaen-Koen
Hours of operation
Hours of operation during the summer months are 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. (winter hours are 9 : 00 a.m. – 4 : 00 p.m.) , however even during the hours the park is open the monkeys are not always present. The hours of operation are only a guideline. The Jspanese macaques found at Ysen-Koen are wild animals. Depending on the westher, the hours of operation are subject to change without prior notification. When you visit please make your plans with some allowance in your schedule.
Clothing and footwear
Please dress accordingly and wear the appropriate footwear for the weather. In particular, during the winter there is a large amount of snowfall and occasionally a chance of a blizzard. Please dress in appropriste clothing to protect you from the cold. Snow is removed from the roads and footpaths and anti-slip solvent is applied, however when there are frozen patches they are extremely slippery. We therefore recommend bringing snow boots or crampons with you. (Leather shoes, sneakers, high heels, etc. are extremely dangerous.)
Toilet facilities
There are no toilets along the way between Kanbayashi Onsen and Jigokudani Yaen- Koen (a roughly 30 minute walk over approx. 2km) . Please use the toilets found at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen parking lot or inside Jigokudani Yaen-Koen.
Transportation and parking
We ask that guests use public transportation as much as possible as there are limited spaces available in the parking lot. *The route from Shibu Onsen is closed during the winter (December – March) .
Points to remember when observing Japanese macaques
or other pets inside possible between yourself them any food. and the monkeys, and do not touch or scare them. Photography (camera and video) is permitted. Be careful when filming ●Placing a camera in the water, the use of drones and selfie sticks, or any other special filming equipment is prohibited. ●When filming, place as much distance as possible between yourself and the monkeys, and do not bring your camera or mobile phone too close to the monkeys. For safe observation, we ask for your cooperation. Observe the behaviors of each individual monkey within the troop. Park map
Observation notes
Monkeys are the closest animals to humans. They resemble humans in many ways including the shape of their hands and how they use them and the contour of their faces. They also have features unique to monkeys such as the shape of their hind feet and how they use them. Please try and observe the differences between the bodies of people and other animals. Japanese macaques live in groups called "troops," and are highly social animals. The monkeys depend upon and support each other, Observe the behaviors of each individual monkey within the troop. The path from Yudanaka  to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Blue Line Please set off the bus at Snow Monkey Pa Orange Line off the bus at Snow Monkey Park iow Monkey ※Shiga Kogen line