Let’s go visit the snow monkeys bathing in the Onsen by hiring a campervan!

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is especially known for its wild Japanese macaques (Japanese monkeys) living in their natural environment, where tourists can observe them.
Furthermore, during the winter season, you may watch monkeys bathing in the Onsen, which is the most popular activity among tourists.

If you would like to visit there, campervan rental at JAPAN ROAD TRIP is recommended.
Because to see the snow monkeys, you must park your car at the base of the mountain and hike up to the monkeys’ Onsen.

How to get to Jigokudani Onsen in Nagano

Use the Nagano Expressway to head towards Nagano City.
From Nagano City, head to Jigokudani Onsen via National Route 403.
There are two routes: the Shibu-Onsen route and the Kanbayashi-Onsen route. Please keep in mind that the Shibu-Onsen route will be closed during the winter season, so you must take the Kanbayashi-Onsen route to reach the nearest parking lot at the entrance, from which you can walk to the Jigokudani monkey park.
Approximately 30 minute walk will take you to the main area of monkey park and Onsen.

Observation in a natural environment

 

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located near Jigokudani Onsen, a hot spring resort, and offers a stunning natural setting that changes throughout the seasons.
And before you reach to Monkey Park, you must walk a long trek through the woods, where you may enjoy the lovely scenery and freedom.

Observation of animal behavior

 

The park has a vast area where Japanese macaques roam freely. From the observation area, you can see the monkeys’ natural behavior and social behavior up close.
And you don’t need to be afraid, wild monkeys there are all used to being very near tourists, so they seldom get rough at people like stealing tourists’ belongings or screaming at tourists with anger.
However, you should avoid showing monkeys any food.

Exhibition facilities

 

At the top of the monkey park, there is a facility that provides explanations about the ecology and behavior of monkeys. Inside the facilities, guests can also get warm, rest, use clean restrooms, and get free water.

【Information】

• Jigokudani Monkey Park: Official Web Site
• Office hours: 9:00~16:00
• Admission fee: 800 yen per adult / 400 yen per kids

Cafeteria and Gift shop

 

Around the nearest parking area on foot near the monkey park, there is a cafe restaurant and a gift shop.
Most people on the way home from the park drop in at the restaurant- Enza Cafe.
Almost all the staff there speak English and Japanese, and of course their English menu is fully equipped, so any tourist will be able to enjoy delicious foods- Pizza, Ramen noodle, snacks or ice cream and make themselves at home.

【Information】

• ENZA CAFE： Official Web Site
• Office hours：9:30~17:00 (April to November) / 8:30~18:00 (December to March)
• Reservation available : +81-0269-38-1739

Summary

Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in the north of Nagano.
But to be honest, getting there from downtown Nagano is never easy. It involves a long drive and some mountain climbing. After a long walk from the monkey park and getting cold, you can rest as soon as possible if you have a campervan, motorhome or RV at the foot of the mountain.
And you know a trip in the winter season, your belongings tend to be much, but a RV will be able to take a large number of people and big luggage’s at the same time to anywhere, which can make your trip more comfortable!