Located deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Japan’s most unique wildlife destinations. The name “Jigokudani,” meaning “Hell Valley,” comes from the area’s steep cliffs and rising steam vents, which create a dramatic landscape—especially in winter. What makes this place truly famous, however, is the troop of wild Japanese macaques, often called “snow monkeys,” that bathe in the natural hot spring pools.
During the cold months, when snow blankets the valley, the monkeys descend from the forest to warm themselves in the steaming baths. Their relaxed expressions and human‑like behavior have fascinated visitors from around the world. Unlike animals in a zoo, these macaques are completely wild and free to come and go as they please, offering a rare chance to observe natural behavior up close.
Visitors reach the park by walking along a scenic mountain trail, which adds to the sense of entering a hidden world. The combination of snowy landscapes, rising steam, and monkeys soaking peacefully in the hot water creates an atmosphere found nowhere else in Japan. Jigokudani is not only a remarkable wildlife experience but also a glimpse into the harmony between nature and the harsh beauty of Nagano’s winter environment.