The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Snow Monkeys

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the Hakuba Valley is among the best places to ski in all of Asia. With an annual snow fall of 11 meters and a nearly endless number of runs, Hakuba is quickly becoming a global ski destination. In fact, we expect 200,000 foreign stays in Hakuba this year. But these visitors are not coming solely for the epic runs; they’re also visiting to see the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs.

Departure and Pickup

The tour departs from five pickup points around Hakuba: Tsugaike (weekdays only), Wadano, Happo, Echoland, and Goryu. Staff wearing black jackets check guests in at the main stops, while Tsugaike and Goryu travelers are guided by flagpoles and the bus driver directly. From the last pickup point, it’s roughly a 90-minute drive to the monkey park.

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Jigokudani Koen “Hell Valley Park”

Named for the volcanic activity that powers the hot springs in the area, wintertime in the park is a heavenly site. Set in a beautiful valley forest with breathtaking mountain views, Jigokudani Koen especially shines in the snowy season.

While visitors here will have access to some of Japan’s most beautiful forest views, the main attraction is of course the hot spring monkeys. The monkeys stormed onto the world stage in 1970 after the park was profiled on the cover of Life magazine. Since then, their popularity has continued to grow around the world.

Visitors must walk 25-40 minute through a beautiful snow-covered forest trail before reaching the hot spring area. The trail is well marked and you’ll see plenty of other travelers so you won’t get lost.  Dress warmly, wear appropriate footwear, and enjoy the nature walk.

The Monkeys

After finishing up your walk, there will be an office selling tickets for ¥800 and from there you are ready to meet the monkeys! The monkeys congregate primarily in and around the hot spring but there will be opportunities to take pictures of them in various locations throughout the viewing area.

Insider Tip:

The monkeys have grown accustomed to being around people but are still wild animals; it’s best not to get too close and you should never try to touch them.

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The Hot Springs

The Japanese Macaques bathe in the hot springs year round, but are naturally most photogenic against the wintery background. It’s not uncommon to see the monkeys cleaning each other in the bath or to witness baby monkeys playing in the snow before jumping in the warm pool.

The Troup

The troup of monkeys that frequent the hot springs are primarily females and children but the troup is organized in a strict hierarchy led by a dominant male, Tomamu 96 (born in 1996). Significantly larger than the other monkeys, Tomamu 96 has a large scar across his face, and always eats first during feeding time. Keep an eye out for Tomamu 96, but don’t get too close!

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Lunch in Obuse

The tour continues to Obuse, a small historic town known for its art heritage and local produce, particularly chestnuts, shimeji mushrooms, and sake. Lunch is served at Kyoumitei, a local restaurant, roughly four hours into the tour. Adult meals center on a hot pot with a choice of beef, fish, or vegetarian broth, served alongside chestnut rice, pickled vegetables, salad, and soba tea. Dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated if flagged at the time of booking.

After lunch, guests get free time to explore Obuse’s shops and galleries. The town is home to the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the ukiyo-e artist behind The Great Wave, as well as the centuries-old Masuichi Sake Brewery.

Zenkoji Temple

The final stop is Zenkoji Temple, a Buddhist site with nearly 1,400 years of history. It’s believed to house the first Buddhist image ever brought to Japan, introduced in the 6th century, and has long welcomed worshippers across genders and sects, now surrounded by 39 sub-temples. A guided tour covers the temple’s history and cultural significance, and guests can opt into a pitch-black underground tunnel experience said to lead to a lock symbolizing the key to salvation, found entirely by touch. The surrounding streets are lined with lantern-lit shops selling souvenirs, including the temple’s well-known 7-spice blend.

The Return Trip

Drop-off points match the original pickup locations, though guests can also request a stop near Nagano Station. Given the length of the day, breakfast beforehand and snacks on the bus are recommended.

Good to Know

• The tour runs daily (except January 1) from December 19 through the end of February, then Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through March.
• Prices are ¥18,500 for adults and ¥12,500 for children (ages 3–11); infants under 2 ride free without a seat or meal.
• The tour isn’t recommended for guests with limited mobility and isn’t stroller or wheelchair accessible.
• A flexible cancellation policy applies: full refund one day or more in advance, 50% same-day before departure, and no refund after the tour starts or for no-shows.

For anyone spending the winter in Hakuba, this tour offers a rare combination: wild animals in a natural hot spring setting, a well-preserved slice of small-town Japan, and one of the country’s oldest and most significant temples, all in a single day.

Guided Tours

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Final Note

This was originally published on travelswithbibi.com.