An organised transfer or tour is the easiest way to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, particularly in winter.

The park entrance is around 50 minutes from Nozawa Onsen by car, but the final approach is through a rural mountain area where winter conditions can be very snowy and parking is limited.

Car parks can fill up quickly during busy periods, so visitors are encouraged to use one of the local transfer or tour services from Nozawa Onsen. Public transport is also available.

If you are visiting independently, we recommend booking your admission ticket online in advance. See Admission Tickets below.

A visit to the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park is a highlight for many visitors to Nozawa Onsen. The park lies within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, in the mountains above Yudanaka and below the Shiga Kogen plateau.

Official Jigokudani Monkey Park website

The park is open year-round, although the monkeys’ behaviour changes with the seasons. Without the winter snow, they tend to spend less time in the hot springs, and occasionally they may not come down from the surrounding hills at all.

Even if the monkeys are not bathing, the walk through the forest to the park is well worth the visit, and the information centre provides an interesting introduction to the monkeys and their environment.

Admission Tickets

Jigokudani Monkey Park has introduced an online ticketing system. Tickets are valid for a specific date and can be purchased from three months before your planned visit.

Visitors travelling independently are strongly advised to book admission online in advance, particularly during the winter season and other busy periods. Visitors without an online ticket may have to wait to enter, and during particularly busy periods admission cannot always be guaranteed.

If you book through one of the local tour operators listed above, there is no need to purchase a separate online ticket. Park admission is arranged as part of your booking, so your entry is secured in advance.