You’ve read rave reviews, you’ve seen spectacular photos, and you’ve watched them bathe in the hot springs online. Now it’s your turn to finally make the trip out to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, or Snow Monkey Park, to see why so many people love to observe the Japanese Macaque in its natural habitat.
Jigokudani Yaen-koen sits at an altitude of 850 meters and is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. Watching the snow monkeys is one thing, but getting to the site is another! The park is buried in snow for at least one third of the year, so if you decide to visit in the winter you must come prepared. The Yumichi Natural Trail is about 2km long; mainly a nice and flat course, but there are some slopes. It will take approximately 30 minutes by foot and you must proceed with caution. Wear appropriate snow and hiking gear to ensure a safe journey on the terrain that can be rather fluffy, slushy, muddy, and very slippery.
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Find out more about Jigokudani Monkey Park.
