Visit Jigokudani Yaen-koen, a hidden gem in Nagano
Located deep in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Yaen-koen is one of the few places in the world where wild Japanese monkeys can be seen soaking in hot springs. It is popular among foreign tourists, but still has many minor attractions that are not yet major attractions. In my experience, the sight of monkeys leisurely bathing in the snowy landscape soothed my soul. It has garnered high praise on TripAdvisor, and the road to the site is a bit adventurous, which also amplifies the excitement.
How to get there and the best season
To get to Jigokudani Yaen-koen, it takes about 1 hour by bus from Nagano Station, followed by a 30-minute walk. The snowy roads in winter can be slippery, so it is recommended to prepare sturdy boots. On my trip, I felt the quiet breath of nature on the path through the snowy forest after getting off the bus. The best season is winter. The monkeys are more likely to take a bath in the hot springs, and you can encounter fantastic scenes such as snow baths. Summer is lush and cool and has a different charm, but there may be fewer monkeys bathing in the hot springs. In relation to this, if you search for keywords such as “snow monkeys” or “Nagano hot springs”, you will find similar experiences.
Encounter experience with wild monkeys
What surprised me when I actually visited the park was the monkeys’ natural way of life. Although they are accustomed to humans, you need to be careful not to get too close to them because they are wild. In my case, as soon as I entered the park, I came across a father and son relaxing in a hot spring pool. While quietly observing the monkeys with my camera ready, I lost track of time as I watched them play with each other, smiling. There is an English information board for foreigners, and it is convenient to check the official website for information in advance. What I learned from this experience was the distance between the animals and me. Feeding the animals is prohibited, so just watching them is enough to fill your heart with contentment.
Travel in combination with nearby attractions
In addition to the Jigokudani Yaen-koen, it is also a good idea to enjoy skiing and hiking in the nearby Shiga Kogen Plateau. On my trip, after visiting the monkeys, I stayed at a local hot spring hotel to recover from my fatigue. If you look up “Shiga Kogen skiing” or “Nagano sightseeing,” you will find many route plans. The meals were excellent, with desserts made with locally grown apples. These combinations can make a full day. The fact that it is a minor spot allows you to avoid the crowds.
Points to note and items to bring
One key point to remember when visiting is to check the weather. It was snowing lightly at the time of my visit, but it added to the atmosphere. Items to bring are warm clothes, a waterproof camera, and sunscreen (in summer). There are many hills in the park, so wear comfortable walking shoes. To protect the environment, take your trash with you. With these preparations, you can enjoy the park in comfort. You can get more in-depth knowledge by gathering related information on themes such as “wildlife observation” and “eco-tourism.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is a healing space away from everyday life. The wild monkeys teach us the importance of living in harmony with nature. What I felt through my own trip was the quiet excitement that such a minor place brings. Please visit these places for your next trip, and you will be impressed by the wisdom of those who know about them, which is unique to Private Wisdom.
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