🐒 Jigokudani Yaen-Koen – A Snow Monkey Experience Worth the Hike

Visiting Jigokudani Yaen-Koen to see the famous snow monkeys was one of the highlights of our trip. While the walk from the entrance to the park is no short stroll—it’s a good 30 to 40-minute hike through a forest trail—it’s absolutely worth the effort.

The path is scenic and peaceful, especially if you go in the morning when it’s quieter. Along the way, the anticipation builds as you trek deeper into nature, surrounded by towering trees and the sound of running water.

And then, finally—the monkeys. Seeing them up close, soaking in the natural hot springs or wandering freely around the area, is an unforgettable sight. They go about their business without a care for the crowd, and it’s amazing how relaxed and at ease they are in their environment. It truly feels like you’re stepping into their world, not the other way around.

We took tons of photos, but honestly, no picture does justice to how cool and surreal it feels to see monkeys chilling in an onsen surrounded by snowy mountains (or forest, depending on the season).

If you’re visiting Nagano, this experience is a must. Just be prepared with proper shoes and some stamina—it’s a bit of a walk, but totally rewarding once you get there.

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Post by Crumpled Nomad | Jun 30, 2025