Jigokudani Snow Monkeys and Shibu Onsen One Day Course

Jigokudani Yaen Koen, world famous for wild Japanese macaques that bathe in hot springs, and the retro hot spring town of Shibu Onsen. Using Yudanaka as a base, this course lets you enjoy the rare sight of bathing monkeys and an old fashioned onsen town in one day. There is some walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

Course Route

10:00 Start at Yudanaka Station Begin at Yudanaka Station, the end of the Nagano Electric Railway line. Take a bus or taxi toward the entrance of the monkey park. 10:30 To Jigokudani Yaen Koen Walk the trail for about thirty minutes from the parking area. In winter the path is snowy, so watch your footing. 11:00 Meet the snow monkeys Observe the monkeys soaking in the hot spring up close. They bathe most often in the cold season. 13:00 Lunch and bath hopping in Shibu Onsen Head to the stone paved onsen town. Touring its nine public baths is the local specialty, and the retro streets are charming. 16:00 An easy trip back Return to Yudanaka Station and take an evening train toward Nagano.

Highlights

Jigokudani Yaen Koen is one of the rare places in the world where you can watch monkeys bathe in a hot spring. Shibu Onsen is a nostalgic town of stone pavements and wooden inns, where you can tour nine public baths in a yukata robe. The mood of the steamy alleys is something special.

Access and Tips

Take the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station. From there go by bus or taxi to the park entrance, then walk the final trail. In winter the path can ice over, so wear non slip shoes and dress warmly. Do not get too close to the monkeys and do not show them food.

A Quick Tip

The monkey park is a short walk from the entrance, so allow plenty of time. Staying overnight in Shibu Onsen lets you enjoy the bath hopping and the quiet morning streets at leisure.