Nagano Snow Monkeys | Unforgettable Hot Spring Adventure in Japan
When I was planning my trip to Japan, this was the one experience I circled, underlined, and absolutely refused to miss the snow monkeys. I’d seen the photos, watched the documentaries, and knew I had to see them for myself. So, we planned a two-day detour to Nago just for this moment. And here it is, the only place in the world where wild monkeys live in the snow and soak in a natural hot spring. My day started in snowy Nago, a charming city best known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and still proudly showing off this legacy. From Nago station, we caught the Nagadian Shiga Kogan Express Bus, the first one at 8:00 a.m. It couldn’t be easier. The bus drops you a short walk from the trail head, and the views along the way are wonderful. Outside the window, early March mountains glowed under fresh snow with rivers frozen midsplash and tiny villages tucked neatly into white valleys. It felt like traveling through a living postcard and I knew the day ahead was going to be special. From the bus stop, it’s about a 15-minute walk along the road to the trail head. And from there, a 1.6 km, about a mile, forest path awaits. It’s mostly flat, but in winter it can be muddy and slippery where the snow melts and refreezes. Each step crunched under the snow. The air was sharp and cold as if the mountain wanted me to earn the secret it was hiding. Below the Yokoyo River twisted through the Jigokani Valley, and I kept wondering how it would feel when we finally reached the monkeys. And then there it was, a monkey right on the path. We climbed a short staircase to the ticket office, entered the park, and a few more monkeys appeared, scampering down the snowy slope. The forest came alive with chatter, squeals, and the kind of energy that made my face quicken. We turned a corner and suddenly there it was, steam rising and a hot spring full of monkeys, dozens of them, and more climbing down the hillside for their morning soak. Some lounged shoulderto-sh shoulder like they had booked a group spa package. Others fought for the best seat in the warm water, and one launched himself in and out of the water, running over my feet, soaking my shoes and socks. Yep, we are in their way when we visit. Our laugher turned into amazement, and we weren’t the only ones standing there wideeyed. These are Japanese macaks, also known as snow monkeys, the northernmost primates in the world. They survive winters that plunge well below freezing. And what makes them unique is this. They figured out how to stay warm by bathing in the hot springs. No training, just clever monkeys passing on survival wisdom like family tradition. The park, Jigokuani Monkey Park, has been protecting them since the 1960s. They’re completely wild. They come and go as they please. We are simply visitors in their winter home. Everywhere I looked, something was happening. A baby clung shily to its mother’s back. Two teenagers wrestled until they rolled right off a rock. A young one leaned over the water, tempted but hesitant to dive in. And an old-timer sat in the steam, eyes closed, looking completely at peace. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Later, scrolling through, I found my favorite shot. A monkey midair jumping onto another waterflying expression. Pure comedy gold. What surprised me most was how fascinated I became. I thought I’d stay maybe half an hour, take a few photos, and move on. But 2 hours disappeared without me noticing. I was completely absorbed watching their play, their grooming, their tiny dramas and quiet meditative soaking. All framed by steam rising from the onsen. It was one of those once in a lifetime sights. And honestly, it was hard to walk away. On the way back down, I realized this day wasn’t just about seeing the monkeys in a hotring. It was about the whole journey. the bus ride through the snowy valleys, the forest trail, the anticipation, and the sheer joy of being swept into their world for a little while. It wasn’t quiet or meditative like a shrine. It was magnificently beautiful, loud, funny, and wonderfully chaotic. The detour to Nagago became one of the highlights of my entire trip to Japan. All right.
Seeing the snow monkeys of Nagano was one of the things I was looking forward the most on our trip to Japan. This video takes you along the journey: the bus ride from Nagano, the snowy 1.6 km forest hike, and finally the incredible sight of Japanese macaques soaking, splashing, and playing in their hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Expect stunning winter scenery, playful monkey chaos, and tips to plan your own visit — including bus info, trail details, cost, and the best time to go.
👉 If you’re dreaming of unique Japan travel experiences, this one’s unforgettable.
Links:
My Japan Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtY_biV0kxTL6IjyXBF8jBjZJL64bxc4a
Jigokudani Snow Park: https://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/
Japan guide to Jigokudani Monkey Park: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6028.html
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#SpringInJapan #HotSpringMonkeys #NaganoJapan #TravelJapan #UniqueExperiences
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