For decades, nature lovers have reveled in documentaries of snow monkeys basking in natural hot springs.

Did you know that you can see these unique creatures live? You can do it at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Jigokudani macaques live in very large groups. The monkeys are totally used to humans, which makes living together easy.

Also, the phenomenon of monkeys bathing in hot springs does not occur anywhere else in the world.

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First, you can use your Japan Rail Pass to get to Nagano Station

From the east exit of the station, at bus stop Phone Number List number 3, there are up to 10 buses a day leaving in the direction of Parque de los Monos.

The bus ride takes about 40 minutes and costs 1,400 yen . You can get off at the Kanbayashi Onsen stop or the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. From any of these stops, the park is about a 30-40 minute walk.

From Nagano Station, you can also take the Nagano-sen (Nagaden) train to Yudanaka Station , (not included in the JR Pass) and then take a bus or taxi to Kanyabashi Onsen.

Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the park. You will have to pay the parking fee to be able to park in it.

Please note that this road may be closed during the winter season due to particularly dangerous conditions.

The park is a 10-15 minute walk from the car park. Some nearby accommodations have a free shuttle that takes you to the car park.

Reserve your Japan Rail Pass now

1 day entrance to the monkey park

There are seasons when the 1-day entrance to the monkey park is also

Available for foreign tourists. This includes: Jigokudani Monkey CRB Directory Park is open all year round .

During the summer months , from April to October, the park is open from 8:30 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. The time slot is a little shorter during the winter , from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

The entrance to the park costs 600 yen .

Where to see the monkeys in the park
Upon entering the park, you will find a small information center. There is a walking path that leads to the park’s artificial pond where you can see the monkeys .