Mar 8, 2016 - 1 min read

Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Monkey Park)

Welcome to the snow monkeys' world!

By George Popescu

Community writer

Looking pensively into the distance

Please be considerate of others if you decide to bring your Ipad as your photo device of choice.

The monkeys roam freely in the park, as it is their park. Always remember that and look around so that you don't step on one by mistake.

The monkeys eat some type of grain or wheat seeds for lunch and sometimes the remains of that often gets stuck in their hair.

While being playful and cute is how we view them, please remember that they are wild animals and shouldn't be touched or approached too closely.

The monkeys interact with each other in various ways including grooming, hugging, fighting or pushing each other in the onsen water.

Although having smaller faces covered in fur, their facial expressions are very easily recognizable.

Once wet, the monkeys will rush out of the onsen and away from the onlooker's gazes. They become quite shy when they are wet and their hair sticks to their body.

Some monkeys are not as shy as others and will hang out on the rocks even when fully wet.

The monkeys will walk over each other or in this case climb instead of walking around each other as humans would normally do.

This view can be seen quite often in the afternoon, once they are fed their lunch and tend to stick with their families and relax. They are not as active as in the morning time.

You will see many families stay together in the afternoon light, which usually includes the mother, father and one or two children.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous in Japan for having snow monkeys, as well as an onsen in which they can relax. It attracts many visitors, especially in winter, but you can have a lot of fun there even in an off season visit in March or April. The cost to enter the park is ¥500 and you will have to walk almost half an hour to get from the bottom of the hill to the park's entrance. Once you enter the park, you will be surrounded by wonderful furry beings who usually are very confident and will go anywhere they please. It is important to follow the rules and not try to interact or touch the monkeys, as they are wild creatures. I would recommend this wonderful retreat for anyone and their family. Keep in mind you will most likely spend your whole day there!

More info

Find out more about Jigokudani Monkey Park.

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George Popescu

By George Popescu

Community writer

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 5 years ago

Great shots!

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Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström 5 years ago

One of the best memories I have from Japan is when I visited here a few winters ago. I'd love to return - such a unique experience!

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Param Pon

Param Pon 8 years ago

awesome shots!

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Victoria Vlisides

Victoria Vlisides 8 years ago

Stunning photos! Especially the one of the monkey's face!

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