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An insider’s guide to Japan’s Jigokudani Monkey Park, where monkeys have spa days!Why do the monkeys here like spas?when to go Jigokudani Monkey Parklatest newsThere will be power cuts in some parts of Chennai on January 22: Is your area affected? check listSchools closed till January 25 in this district of UP, check latest updates on winter vacation extension here500 units of electricity, 30 kg biofuel: How this Hyderabad market is turning tonnes of waste into wealthAkshay Kumar’s reaction on the attack on Saif Ali Khan, said- ‘He was very brave, salute to him’Arfeen Khan criticized the makers after Karan Veer Mehra won Bigg Boss 18, said, they let my wife down…Is TikTok’s 75-day grace period enough to prevent a US ban?What rules are important to keep in mind while wearing Rudraksha?Chess World Cup 2025: FIDE names India as host, then backs out
An insider’s guide to Japan’s Jigokudani Monkey Park, where monkeys have spa days!
Before you run off to meet these Instagram-famous bathers, here’s a guide to making the most of your visit
Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan. Credit: Canva
hidden in snow covered forests JapanNagano Prefecture is located on Jigokudani Yen-koen. Also known as Snow Monkey Park, this unique destination is the domain of red-faced Japanese macaques, who soak in steaming hot springs, completely oblivious to the humans staring nearby.
Why do the monkeys here like spas?
Jigokudani, meaning “hell valley”, takes its name from the steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs in the landscape. Despite the hellish nickname, it is pure heaven for the monkeys who discovered this steamy oasis in the 1960s. These clever macaques started taking a dip in onsen to escape the harsh cold, and the rest, as they say, is history.
These macaques are surprisingly human-like in their expressions – some look contemplative, while others look extremely smug as they relax in a natural Jacuzzi. You may see them grooming each other, playfully sneaking around, or if you’re not careful, snatching their snacks! These monkeys are still wild animals. Respect their space, avoid feeding them, and keep a firm grip on your belongings.
Today, Jigokudani is the only place in the world where you can see wild monkeys soaking in hot springs, making it a great experience for wildlife lovers and curious travelers.
The journey to Jigokudani feels like an adventure straight out of a Miyazaki film. Once you reach Yudanaka, board a bus to the park entrance and prepare for a 30-minute walk through the forest.
when to go Jigokudani Monkey Park
The park is covered with snow for one third of the year. This is why winter (December to March) is peak snow monkey season. With the landscape covered in pristine white snow, the sight of monkeys relaxing in the hot springs is nothing short of incredible. However, if you prefer less crowds and greenery, spring and autumn are equally wonderful.
Jigokudani is just the beginning of what Nagano has to offer. Warm up with a bowl of piping hot soba noodles or visit nearby Shibu Onsen, a charming hot spring town where you can soak like the locals. If you’re a history buff, the majestic Zenko-ji temple is a must-see in Nagano city.
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latest news
There will be power cuts in some parts of Chennai on January 22: Is your area affected? check list
Schools closed till January 25 in this district of UP, check latest updates on winter vacation extension here
500 units of electricity, 30 kg biofuel: How this Hyderabad market is turning tonnes of waste into wealth
Japan
Jigokudani Monkey Park
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