Snow Monkeys
Snow Monkeys or Japanese Macaques, are known worldwide for soaking in the hot springs of Nagano in winter.
The monkeys are wild and come down from the surrounding mountains to play and chill out… or warm up!… in their own Onsen.
The Monkey Onsen (or hot spring) is man made. The monkeys started to visit the onsen nearby, however, the guests weren’t so keen on sharing their onsen with the monkeys, so the monkeys were built their own onsen. As you walk in to the Monkey Park you will pass Korakukan Ryokan, the original monkey onsen (for more history see here).
The monkeys are not at all phased by the people that come to see them and they carry on their day to day lives around the tourists, playing, washing, chattering and often walking right between your feet.
Visiting the monkey park is popular with photographers of all skill levels. It’s a perfect opportunity to get up close and take amazing close ups of these very photogenic animals.
The walk to and from the monkeys is beautiful. However, in winter it is very slippery and freezing cold. We saw a number of people slip on the ice. There is a small store at the beginning of the walk where you can hire spikes for your shoes. We didn’t get them but we wish we did, particularly as I was walking with a broken arm (thanks to snowboarding… or trying to!)
After watching the monkeys soak in the hot spring we recommend warming up with delicious ramen and mulled wine at the Enza cafe! (but no wine if you are driving – Japan has a zero alcohol limit).
Who would enjoy this…
It’s a 3 hour trip to the Monkey Park from Tokyo by public transport and can be done as a long day trip, however, to make the most of the experience, do like the monkeys do and stay overnight in one of the onsen towns for your own onsen experience! You may also find that your accommodation will happily provide a shuttle to the monkey park. Japan guide has information about the Yamonuchi area and onsen towns. If travelling with family look for somewhere that has family baths such as Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen.
The monkeys can be seen all year round, however, the best time to see the monkeys is January or February. Other times of the year the wardens may temp the monkeys into the water with small amounts of food.
If you can’t make it out to see the monkeys then you can watch them on live camera!
Tickets
Entry to the park is ¥800
Opening Hours; 8:30-5pm (April to October), 9am-4pm (Nov to March).
How to get here
There are two ways to access the Monkey park. The first route is via Shibu Onsen. From Shibu Onsen there is a narrow road to a paid parking lot, however, there is no public transport along this road and it is closed in winter. It is possible to walk from Shibu Onsen to the parking lot if there is no snow which would take 45-60minutes. From the parking lot, the walk to the Monkey park is 10-15 minutes.
The second route is the one we took and leaves from Kanbayashi Onsen parking lot. From here it is a 30-40 minute walk to the monkey park and although it is open all year round in winter it is cold and slippery. There is a bus service to Kanbayashi Onsen from Yudanaka Station, Shibu Onsen or Nagano Station. See Japan Guide for a great illustration including the bus stops.
Need more info?
Japan Guide
Snow Monkey Resorts
