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Jigokudani Monkey Park, nestled in the mountainous region of Nagano, is home to a very unique troop of wild Japanese macaques, more commonly known as Japan snow monkeys. In recent years, these fascinating animals have featured in numerous travel and wildlife documentaries highlighting their unique habits and photogenic nature.
There’s no doubt that Japanese snow monkeys have become world famous and with growing numbers of international visitors to the area, Jigokudani Monkey Onsen has become a highlight of any visit to Japan.
Japanese Macaque
Japanese macaque is the species which has come to be known as Japan snow monkeys. They are found in almost all parts of Japan, except for the furthest north island of Hokkaido. The northern parts of their habitat typically receive a lot of snow during winter time.
There is no other species of monkey which lives so far north and survives in such a cold climate, making them very unique in character. In fact, these monkeys can survive in temperatures as cold as -20°C.
With human-like expressive faces and eyes, Japanese macaque has grey-brown fur, red faces and short tails.
Snow monkeys in Japan tend to live in troops of 20–30, which have an inherited hierarchy structure.
An alpha female and an alpha male have leadership over the troop. Interestingly, there are usually many more female than male monkeys.
These wild Japanese snow monkeys forage on the ground for food and tend to eat fruit, seeds, tree bark, insects, leaves and bird eggs.
Spotting Snow Monkeys
Japanese macaques live across Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
When visiting the mountainous Nagano region it is not uncommon to spot monkeys, especially in rural forested areas.
Luckily, there’s a high chance of seeing a group of monkeys while in Hakuba and the wider local area.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
If you want to guarantee an encounter with snow monkeys in Japan, then visiting the world famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a must.
The park is located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Yamanouchi, in northern Nagano prefecture.
This location has been a natural habitat for troops of wild Japanese macaques, who developed the habit of bathing in natural thermal hot springs.
Why They Bathe in Hot Springs
The bathing habits of Japanese snow monkeys are unique and began in the 1960s when they were first observed entering the hot springs.
Over time this behavior spread through the troop and became one of the most famous wildlife sights in Japan.
Visiting the Snow Monkeys
Despite the large numbers of visitors from all over the world, the snow monkeys are not fazed at all.
It is important to remember not to touch or feed them.
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