Jigokudani “The snow monkey onsen”

World famous since the movie “Baraka” brought it to the attention of people worldwide, the monkey onsen is a popular trip from Hakuba. A troupe of the most northerly monkeys in the world hangs out in a natural hot spring for most of the year. There are about 200 monkeys at the spring and you can walk around surrounded by monkeys going about the daily routine that monkeys do! Bickering, playing, posturing, running around in the snow or just chilling out in the onsen. Great trip!

Jigokokudani Monkey Onsen and Zenkoji Temple

Ski Japan Holiday Tours

WHEN: Dec 20-March 30.  Every MON WED FRI SAT.  8:00AM -5:00 PM

COST: 10,000 with lunch kids 3-11 years old 8,000

PROS: No hassle. Comes with an English speaking guide, great lunch in Obuse village and a visit to Zenkoji.

On Your Own

WHEN:  Any Day.  Travel time: 1hr 50 minutes one way (not including transfer time.)

COST:  Adults:  6,100 Children: 3,050 (transport and park entrance ticket.)

PROS: Go at your own pace any day of the week.  No Big Groups.  Save money!

1.)Take the bus from Hakuba Happo bus terminal to Nagano Station East Exit.

(70 minutes. Price: 1,500 one-way.  Children 750)

2.) Take a second bus from Nagano Station East Exit Bus Stop #3 or #4 to “Kanbayashi Onsen Guchi.”

(40 minutes. Price: 1,300 one way.  Children 650)

The bus, taxi, or tour will drop you off at the car park about 40minutes walk away from the actual park entrance.

Walk back along the road and follow the monkey pictures to find the start of the path.  It’s a beautiful walk, but can be snowy or cold, so dress appropriately! Proper snow boots are recommended.

Park Open Year Round.  November-March : 9:00 – 16:00    April – October: 8:30-17:00 Mon-Sun.

Admission: Adults: 500 Children 250

By Taxi: It’s also possible to take a taxi directly Kanbayashi Onsen Guchi..

By Car:  Get off the Joshinentsu Highway at Shinshu Nakano I.C. Follow Route 292. Follow signs that lead to Siga Heights. Drive the road to Kanbayashi onsen and park the car in the toll parking lot. It’s about a 30 min walk to Jigokudani Yaen-koen entrance.

In Nagano city it’s easy to find the Zenkoji temple.

Just 25 minute walk from the station or 7 minutes by bus (Get off at Koen-Mae Bus Stop)

Temple open daily 6:00 -16:00

Admission is 500 for inner temple. (you can still see plenty for free.)

There are great traditional restaurants and shops selling sake, pottery, stationary etc. along the way to the temple.