Of all the exciting things to see in Japan, the Japanese macaques are arguably one of the most popular sights to see.

The Japanese macaques, more commonly known as snow monkeys, attract many tourists and Japan natives alike every year.

Where are these monkeys found?

These monkeys are found in Yamanouchi in the Nagano prefecture within the Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-koen) in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. They boast a large population of the monkeys, making it likely to spot them should you visit.

Due to the steep terrain and the steam coming up from the hot springs, giving the land an eerie look, the valley in which the park is located got the name Jigokudani or "Hell's Valley." Don't let the name fool you though! Although the environment may seem harsh, the land is also beautiful and serene, and especially in the colder seasons, becomes a snowy wonderland. Due to the cold, snowy environment, the monkeys love to bathe in the hotsprings, onsens, found there, and this becomes a popular sight for tourists to come see. There is something distinctly human about the way these monkeys take in and enjoy the warmth the rotenburo, outdoor onsens, offer them.

When is the best time to see them?

Although the monkeys are always close to the main park, in the warmer months, they are usually off  doing their thing deep within the national park. In the winter, they are more likely to be a greater number of them closer to Jigokudanai Monkey Park, bathing in the hotsprings. The monkeys survive off of seeds, berries, bugs, and fruit within the national park, but are also fed by the park attendants, making the probability higher that the monkeys will stick around close to the hot springs year-round, as there is always guaranteed food!

Their scruffy bodies and red faces are sure to be a sight that you can enjoy and an experience to remember, and with our upcoming optional tour, visiting these monkeys will be a whole lot easier! The optional tour will be posted soon so stay tuned!

Park Location: 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano-ken 381-0401, Japan