Snow Monkey Mountain

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a famous sightseeing spot known as the only place in the world where you can see monkeys bathing in hot springs, attracting many visitors not only from Japan but also from overseas. However, it’s not guaranteed that you will see monkeys in the bath every time; depending on the season and time of day, there may be no bathing monkeys. That said, during the cold winter season, the chances of seeing bathing monkeys are said to be high. From the designated parking area, you must walk up a not-very-well-maintained uphill path for about 20–30 minutes to reach the park. If you are traveling with small children or elderly people, it is recommended to allow extra time for rests. Wear sturdy shoes—heels and the like are not advisable even for those confident in their fitness. Because the area is snow-covered for nearly one-third of the year, it is very cold, and in winter the road from Shibu Onsen to Jigokudani is closed, leaving only the Kanbayashi Onsen parking area available. Roads can also freeze, so if visiting by car in winter, be sure to maintain your tires appropriately.