Jigokudani Monkey Park - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Jigokudani Monkey Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Jigokudani Monkey Park, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Jigokudani Monkey Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Jigokudani Monkey Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular tourist destination located in the Yokoyu River Valley of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its natural hot springs and snow monkeys, who are known for their habit of bathing in the hot springs during the winter season. The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including many bird species. Visitors are able to observe the monkeys from a safe distance and can also explore the surrounding nature trails. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from December to March when the monkeys are most active in the hot springs.

What to visit in Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular tourist attraction located in the Yamanouchi Valley of Nagano, Japan. Here are some of the main tourist attractions and information about each: 1. Snow Monkeys: The main attraction of Jigokudani Monkey Park is the wild Japanese Macaque, commonly known as the Snow Monkey. They are famous for soaking in the natural hot springs, which are open for visitors to observe.
2. Natural Hot Springs: There are multiple hot springs in Jigokudani Monkey Park, which are heated by geothermal activity and sourced from underground. The snow monkeys often gather here and are a popular attraction.
3. Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails in the surrounding area of the park. These provide excellent views of the surrounding mountain ranges and enable visitors to explore more of the natural beauty of the park.
4. Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Visitor Center: The visitor center is located at the entrance of the park and provides a wealth of information about the Snow Monkeys and the park itself. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby gift shops and restaurants.
5. Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Located near the park, Shiga Kogen is one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, offering a variety of winter sports activities. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in this beautiful area.
6. Zenko-ji Temple: One of the oldest temples in Japan, Zenko-ji Temple is located in Nagano City, which is a short drive from the park. The temple houses important cultural assets such as the image of the first Buddhist statue in Japan and the South Gate, which dates back to the 16th century.
Overall, Jigokudani Monkey Park offers an authentic experience of the rich natural environment of Japan, filled with wildlife and stunning scenery.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Jigokudani Monkey Park

The best time to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan is during the winter season between December and March. During this time, you will be able to see the famous Japanese macaque snow monkeys enjoying the hot springs amidst the beautiful snowy backdrop. The park is closed during the rest of the year due to the hot and humid summer weather. It is important to note that the park can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so it's best to plan a weekday visit or early morning to avoid the crowds.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Here are the steps on how to get there: 1. Take a shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano Station.
2. At Nagano Station, transfer to the Nagano Dentetsu Line (Nagaden) and take the train to Yudanaka Station.
3. From Yudanaka Station, take a bus to Kanbayashi Onsen. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes.
4. From Kanbayashi Onsen, it's a 30- to 45-minute walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
It's important to note that the Jigokudani Monkey Park is only open during the winter months (mid-November to late March) when the snow monkeys come down from the mountains to bathe in the hot springs.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. As it is a monkey park, it is not known for its local cuisine. However, here are some nearby dishes that you can try: 1. Soba noodles: Thin, long noodles made from buckwheat flour, served either hot or cold with various dips, toppings and side dishes.
2. Miso: A traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji (a type of fungus).
3. Sake: A Japanese rice wine, with a smooth, light, and slightly sweet flavor.
4. Oyaki: A type of dumpling made with fermented buckwheat dough, and filled with a variety of foods such as vegetables, mushrooms, and sweet bean paste.
5. Hoto: A type of noodle soup made with thick and flat noodles, vegetables, mushrooms, tofu and sometimes pork or chicken.
6. Soba Manju: A sweet bean-paste-filled bun made with buckwheat flour.
7. Onsen tamago: Eggs that are cooked in the hot springs, with a soft, silky texture.
These dishes are typical of the Nagano Prefecture and nearby areas, and provide a delicious taste of Japanese cuisine that you can enjoy during your trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Jigokudani Monkey Park an expensive destination for tourists?

The cost to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan varies depending on your travel arrangements. The admission fee to the park is approximately 800 yen (around $7.50 USD) per adult. However, keep in mind that the park is located in a remote area and may require additional transportation expenses to get there. Additionally, if you are interested in staying overnight in the nearby area, accommodation costs can be high. Overall, while it may not be the most expensive destination, it can still be a pricey experience depending on your travel plans.

Where to find accomodation in Jigokudani Monkey Park

The nearest towns to Jigokudani Monkey Park are Yamanouchi and Shibu Onsen. Both offer a range of accommodation options, including traditional Japanese ryokans and western-style hotels. Yamanouchi is slightly closer to the park and offers more dining and shopping options, while Shibu Onsen is known for its historic hot springs and traditional architecture. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel itinerary, but both towns are great options for visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park.
You can check hotel prices at Jigokudani Monkey Park here:
Booking.com

Is Jigokudani Monkey Park a safe destination for tourists?

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and respect the rules of the park. The monkeys in the park are wild animals and visitors are advised not to touch or feed them. Additionally, the paths in the park can be icy and slippery during the winter months, so it is important to wear appropriate footwear and take precautions while walking. Overall, as long as visitors follow the guidelines set by the park and exercise caution, Jigokudani Monkey Park is a safe and enjoyable place to visit.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Jigokudani Monkey Park the most?

The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan is a great attraction for families and nature lovers. The park is famous for its wild Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkeys, which are known to take a dip in the park's natural hot springs during winter. It is a great destination for families who want to experience up-close encounters with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. While couples may also enjoy the park and its scenic beauty, it is not a particularly romantic destination. Young people looking for fun might also find the park interesting, especially if they have an interest in nature and wildlife. However, the park's hikes and activities are more geared towards relaxation and observation rather than adrenaline-inducing fun.

How to get around Jigokudani Monkey Park

The best way to move around Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan is by foot. The park is relatively small and the paths are well-maintained. You can access the park's famous hot springs and observe the wild Japanese snow monkeys up close by taking a short hike on foot. Additionally, if you are not too fond of walking, there are also shuttle buses that run from the nearby train station.

What to see around Jigokudani Monkey Park

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan: 1. Zenkoji Temple in Nagano city, which is a historic Buddhist temple with a beautiful surrounding area.
2. Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto city, which is one of Japan’s original castles and has stunning architecture.
3. Shirahone Hot Springs in Matsumoto city, which is a picturesque hot spring area and an excellent place to relax.
4. Obuse town, which is a charming old town with historic buildings, great restaurants, and cafes that serve chestnut-based foods.
5. Kurobe Dam, which is a popular tourist site that offers a scenic view of the Japanese Alps.
6. Togakushi Shrine in Nagano city, which is a beautiful shrine located in a mountainous forest area.
7. Lake Towada in Aomori prefecture, which is a great destination for hiking, boat trip, or just enjoying the serene natural surroundings.
8. Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma prefecture, which is one of Japan's most famous hot spring destinations.
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