Getting there
By train from Tokyo to Nagano, then road to the Jigokudani valley
Best for
Snow monkeys, Japanese macaques in hot springs, winter mountains, photography
The land
A steaming hot-spring valley in the snowy mountains of Nagano
Good to know
Jigokudani's macaques are the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs
What it is
Jigokudani is the home of the famous snow monkeys — wild Japanese macaques bathing in a steaming hot-spring pool amid the snow.
In the snowy mountains of Nagano, the Jigokudani ("Hell Valley") hot springs are home to the world-famous snow monkeys — wild Japanese macaques that bathe in a steaming pool to keep warm in winter, the only monkeys known to do so. Watching them soak, groom and play in the falling snow is one of Japan's most beloved wildlife sights.
The reason to come
The bathing monkeys
Jigokudani is the place to photograph wild snow monkeys in the hot springs.
Snow monkeys
Wild macaques bathing in the steaming hot-spring pool.
Winter setting
Monkeys in the falling snow, at their most photogenic.
The monkey park
Easy, close access to the troop on the valley trail.
Worth knowing
Monkeys in the hot springs
Jigokudani's macaques are the only monkeys on earth known to bathe in hot springs — a uniquely Japanese wildlife spectacle.
When to come — honestly
A winter monkey valley.
December – March
Best
Winter — the monkeys bathe most, amid snow.
Year-round
Good
The macaques are present all year; winter is the classic time.
November & April
Good
Shoulder months with monkeys and fewer crowds.
The monkeys bathe most in the cold and snow; a snowy trail walk reaches the park.
Context
The snow-monkey valley
Jigokudani is the famous snow-monkey site, a Nagano highlight.
It adds the macaques to a Japan winter itinerary.
We add Jigokudani for the snow monkeys, an easy add from Tokyo on the way to Hokkaido.
Beyond the obvious
More to Jigokudani.
Snow monkeys
Bathing in the hot springs.
Winter trail
Through the snowy valley.
Photography
Monkeys in the snow.
Why Wild Voyager
We time Japan's winter wildlife to the day.
Japan's winter wildlife — dancing cranes, sea eagles on the drift ice, fish owls, snow monkeys — peaks in narrow windows. We plan the route and timing and work with the best local photo specialists and lodges to put you in the right place at the right moment.
Handpicked stays
We choose the lodge and guides that fit your goals, not whatever is left.
We time it right
We build your visit around the season and the wildlife that delivers.
Journeys
Trips through Jigokudani
Where to stay
Where you’ll stay in Jigokudani
Luxury Collection
Classic Collection
Wildlife you may see
Plan your Jigokudani trip.
Photograph the snow monkeys in the hot springs. Tell us your dates and we will build the route around it.
Plan a trip