Japan 2014: Jigokudani and the Japanese Macaques

On May 15th, I paid my second visit to the Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑) in Yamanouchi (山ノ内) near Yudanaka Onsen (湯田中温泉) in Nagano Prefecture (長野県) (read about my first visit in 2011 here). Famously known as ‘snow monkeys’, I wondered if the monkeys would be as appealing without the snow. They were!

To get to the monkey park you have to walk along this mountain pathway. The first time I went to Jigokudani I thought this path was pretty treacherous in the snow, but it wasn’t half as bad in nice weather.

Jigokudani, or ‘Hell’s Valley’, is a strange looking place…

If it weren’t for the monkeys and hot springs, I doubt many people would go there as it’s not very picturesque. However, there are monkeys, and that makes Jigokudani a very popular tourist attraction! Even without snow, these Japanese macaques are gorgeous and fascinating to observe. I’m afraid this post is about to get rather picture heavy…

 

I couldn’t help myself. Monkeys are fascinating subjects to photograph. They’re so human-like, and there’s so much expression in their faces. Having visited twice now, in two different seasons, I can honestly say Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of my favourite places in Japan, and I would happily go back for a third visit. The monkeys do look better in the snow, and more of them bathe in the hot spring when it’s cold, but whatever time of year you visit I can’t see how anyone could be disappointed!

Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park’s official website here: www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp