Snow Monkeys of Nagano: How to Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park

Getting there and the walk in

Jigokudani Monkey Park is reached by a 1.6-kilometre forest trail from the nearest parking area — a flat, beautiful 25-minute walk through cedar woods. In winter the path is snowy and icy, so proper footwear matters more than anything else you pack.

The park is open year-round and the monkeys come down to the hot spring in every season, but the classic scene — monkeys in steam, snow piled on their heads — is a December-to-March reward.

Combining the park with Zenkoji Temple

Most visitors pair the monkeys with Zenkoji, one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist temples, in Nagano city. The temple's main street is lined with soba shops and stores selling shichimi pepper, and the dark corridor beneath the main hall — walked in complete blackness — is a strange, memorable ritual.

Why a private day helps

Public transport to the park involves a train, a bus and the walk, with limited winter connections. A private vehicle from Tokyo turns it into a comfortable single day with hotel pickup. See our Nagano snow monkey & Zenkoji private tour for details, or check dates on GetYourGuide — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.