Tucked away in the snow-dusted forests of Japan’s Nagano Prefecture lies Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Also known as the Snow Monkey Park, this one-of-a-kind destination is the domain of red-faced Japanese macaques who soak in steaming hot springs, completely oblivious to the gawking humans nearby. Why Monkeys Here Love Spas Jigokudani, meaning “Hell Valley,” gets its name from the billowing steam vents and bubbling hot springs that dot the landscape.
Despite the hellish moniker, it’s pure heaven for the monkeys who discovered this steamy oasis in the 1960s. These clever macaques started dipping into the onsen to escape the biting winter chill, and the rest, as they say, is history. These macaques are surprisingly human-like in their expressions—some look contemplative, others downright smug as they relax in the natural jacuzzi.
You can watch them groom one another, playfully splash around, or if you’re not careful, snag your snacks! These monkeys are still wild animals. Respect their space, avoid feeding them, and keep a firm grip on your belongings. Today, Jigokudani is the only place in the world where you can see wild monkeys soaking in hot springs, making it a bucket-list experience for wildlife lovers and curious travellers alike.
The trek to Jigokudani feels like an adventure straight out of a Miyazaki film. Once you reach Yudanaka, hop on a bus to the park’s entrance and prepare for a 30-minute walk through a forest trail. When To Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park Th.
