Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: the perfect wintery Nagano day trip to see the Japanese macaque soaking in the hot water.
The world-famous “Snow Monkey Park” is located in the Valley of Yokoyu River in northern Nagano, where steep cliffs and steaming hot springs in the area resemble harsh hell-like conditions — but in a picturesque kind of way. Hence the park name Jigokudani, which literally means “Hell Valley” in Japanese.
Whatever time of year you’re visiting Japan, the country’s famous snow monkeys are a must-see attraction -and where better to visit than the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where they can be seen bathing in the outdoor hot springs.
Agematsu in Nagano’s Kiso Valley contains Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest–Japan’s first National Park and birthplace of forest bathing.
