Jigokudani yaen-koen, where you can see monkeys bathing in world-famous hot springs
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is located approximately 2.5 km upstream of the Yokoyu River from Shibu Onsen.
Looking at the very steep cliffs and the fountains of hot water, people started to call the valley ‘Jigokudani (Hell valley)’.
In 1970, a photograph of bathing monkeys was appeared on the front page of LIFE and was reported by the world media. And during the period of Nagano Olympics (1998), many people from the games visited here, such as athletes, Olympic officials and news media. We captured public attention with these topics. （From the Jigokudani Yaen-koen website）
Unlike a zoo, this facility allows you to observe monkeys in a more natural environment. There are no fences separating humans and Japanese macaques. You can freely observe them in the same space as Japanese macaques.
*Adults are over 18 years old.
*A child is aged between 6-17 years old inclusive.
The closest access from the Shibu Onsen side is the Jigokudani Paid Parking Lot, about 2km along the forest road next to Onsenji Temple.
It is a narrow forest road that makes it difficult to pass each other. Large vehicles and buses are not allowed to pass.
Please note that the parking lot is closed in winter, so please use the parking lot on the Kanbayashi side.
By bus, take the bus from Shibu Onsen or Shibuwagobashi, get off at Snow Monkey Park, and walk 30 minutes.