I don’t point out this typically, however an image of a Japanese snow monkey is a part of what impressed me to make my first journey to Japan greater than a decade in the past. Effectively, that and the one that took it.
The dangerous information? It ended up taking me greater than two years after seeing that picture to set foot on Japanese soil for the primary time. The more severe information? Although my crush was an ideal photographer, he turned out to be a reasonably terrible human being.
However I digress. I’ve now seen Japan’s red-faced macaques (and photographed them—higher than whats-his-name did, I would add) a number of instances. So I’m well-equipped to inform you tips on how to see the Jigokudani snow monkeys, and the entire important particulars therein.
Why Individuals Love Japanese Snow Monkeys
I assume that in the event you’re looking the web for tips on how to see snow monkeys in Japan, you already just like the creatures. Formally a sort of red-faced macaques, Japan’s snow monkeys have change into one of many nation’s most iconic animals. I feel this occurred across the time I noticed the picture I discussed within the introduction. (Which, trying again on it, he-who-shall-not-be-named may need merely harvested from a viral web put up.)
Visiting the snow monkeys (assuming you do it throughout the “season”—extra on that in a second) additionally means that you can partake is a deliciously wintry expertise. That is enticing as a result of except you’re a skier, it may be tough to entry winter in Japan in a means that really…nicely, appears like winter. The truth that it’s fairly simple to entry most of Japan’s snow monkeys simply makes this much more enticing to vacationers.
5 Issues to Know Earlier than Seeing Japan’s Snow Monkeys
They’re solely “snow” monkeys throughout the winter
The monkeys of Jigokudani bathe in its onsen nearly year-round, however don’t get too excited in the event you’re planning to see them in Might or October. Severe snow doesn’t start falling right here till early December in most years, and if you need postcard-perfect photos like mine, it’s essential be right here between about mid-January and March 1. Sure, snow can keep on the bottom right here by the tip of April, however except new snow is falling, it shortly begins to appear to be a muddy, melting mess.
They’re reachable from past Nagano Metropolis
Wish to see the Jigokudani snow monkeys, however aren’t staying in Nagano-proper? To not fear. In the event you can simply attain Nagano Station (and most of the people can, on condition that it’s a serious railway hub), you merely want to search out your technique to bus stops #23 or #24, the place a Nagaden bus can take you to the Snow Monkey Park in ~45 minutes. Click on right here to see a timetable for the aptly-named “Snow Monkey Categorical.”
(Although coming from Tokyo is a stretch)
The snow monkeys of Jigokudani are simple to succeed in in the event you’re coming from Matsumoto or from any of the foremost ski areas in Nagano prefecture. Whereas it’s technically attainable to get right here from Tokyo (or different Hokuriku Shinkansen stops like Toyama and Kanazawa), spending 1-2 hours on a bullet practice every means can flip a half-day tour right into a full-day committment fairly shortly. Which is okay, as long as you’re conscious of this getting in.
Correct mountaineering boots aren’t often crucial
The path main from the bus cease to the monkeys themselves is flat and closely trodden, which signifies that it isn’t usually slippery, even within the snowiest of climate. The primary time I went there, I used to be freaking out as a result of I couldn’t discover a pair of snow boots in my measurement in Tokyo previous to heading up there. Because it seems, an excellent pair of sneakers was completely ample to make the hike to the monkeys, which takes 30-45 minutes.
(However snow often is)
I hate to be a damaged file, however I wish to be sure you perceive. If it isn’t snowy—and, extra to the purpose, if it isn’t actively, closely snowing—whenever you attain the Jigokudani snow monkeys, it’s not possible that you’ll really feel glad together with your expertise, or the images you get. Until you’re completely certain you’ll by no means go to Japan once more, save your journey to see the monkeys for the coldest components of winter. Belief me on this one!
Different Locations to See Snow Monkeys in Japan
Love monkeys, however don’t plan to be in Nagano prefecture? Technically talking, you’ll be able to see monkeys in different areas in Japan, and I’m not simply speaking in regards to the wild ones who shock you whenever you aren’t anticipating it. From Osarunoyama Monkey Park in Tochigi prefecture close to Nikko, to Minoh Park simply north of Osaka, to Iwatayama Monkey Park in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, red-faced macaques are extra ubiquitous in Japan than you would possibly assume.
The issue? Effectively for me, as somebody who admittedly doesn’t like monkeys very a lot, none of those different locations let you see the monkeys bathing in onsen whereas snow is falling. Consequently, they’re simply…nicely, monkeys. Certainly, what’s at all times captivated me about Japan’s snow monkeys is the snow facet. Clearly, no judgement in the event you don’t really feel the identical means, however I’d be remiss to not warn you.
Different FAQ About Seeing Snow Monkeys in Japan
When ought to I go to Jigokudani Monkey Park?
The perfect time to see snow monkeys in Japan is when there’s snow on the bottom. Whereas snow can fall within the mountains of Nagano prefecture as early as November or as late as April, the optimum time to go to for a superbly snowy scene is in January or February, when there will likely be each falling snow and a deep layer on the bottom already.
Are you able to bathe in Jigokudani Monkey Park?
You completely can’t bathe with the snow monkey of Jigokudani! That is at first as a result of the water is just too scorching—it’s over 50ºC or 122ºF, which is way hotter than human onsen. Secondly, the monkeys defecate and urinate within the water, so it merely wouldn’t be sanitary to wash in it.
Are you able to see the snow monkeys on a day journey from Tokyo?
It’s simple to see the snow monkeys on a day journey from Tokyo. First, experience any Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Stations to Nagano Station. Then test the Nagaden Bus timetable, and experience the Nagaden Bus to the Snow Monkey Park entrance. Do be sure to confirm the final bus time again earlier than you begin your hike, which takes round 45 minutes every means.
The Backside Line
After studying this put up, you must have a transparent thought not solely about tips on how to see the Jigokudani snow monkeys, however all of the methods to get there, when to journey and perhaps even some concepts about different locations to go to in Japan. For many vacationers, a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park (whether or not as a day journey from Nagano or Tokyo, or an in a single day keep at a close-by ryokan) ought to do the trick. In the event you’re extra adventurous, you would possibly go additional afield to Nikko or Hakodate; in the event you’ve received much less time, you possibly can merely go to Kyoto’s monkey park, which options the identical monkeys, however (often) no snow. Need customized assist placing your journey collectively? Take into account hiring me to plan it!