The Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Hell Valley Monkey Park) was established in a place called Jigokudani, which means “hell valley” in Japanese, due to the sight of fuming springs.

What is the ecology of the monkeys that live in the snowfield area of Yamanouchi-machi in Nagano Prefecture?

In this article, we will introduce you to Jigokudani Yaen-koen.

Please refer to the list of places to visit in the surrounding areas.

What is Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park?

Jigokudani Yaen-koen
Source : https ://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/

Jigokudani Yaenkoen was established in a place called Jigokudani (Hell Valley), which is surrounded by steep cliffs and fuming springs.

Since its opening in 1964, the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park has become a popular tourist attraction for locals and visitors alike, as a place to observe the ecology of Japanese monkeys up close.

In 1970, LIFE magazine published a picture of monkeys soaking in a hot spring, and the park became popular worldwide.

The charm of Jigokudani Yaen-koen

Jigokudani Yaen-koen
Source : https ://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/

Here, you can enjoy the true nature of Japanese macaques, who live freely in the wilderness, soaking in hot springs, not the ones in zoos.

The monkeys soaking in the hot springs to ward off the harsh cold of Jigokudani will make you feel charming with their human-like expressions.

Normally, the wild monkeys would not stand still long enough to be observed, but by feeding them in the facility, the monkeys are able to enjoy the hot spring.
However, by feeding the monkeys in the facility, we are able to observe the monkeys as they seek the food.

It is recommended to use binoculars when observing the monkeys, and if you check their faces, arms, legs, etc. in detail, you will be able to clearly understand the differences between them and other animals.

Learn about the Jigokudani Yaen-koen

Places to visit around Jigokudani Yaen-koen
Source : http://www. mapbinder.com/

When you visit Jigokudani Yaen-koen, we also recommend you to visit other places around the park such as Yamanouchi-machi Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, Onsenji Temple, Shiga Kogen History Memorial Museum, and Shiga Kogen.

In particular, the Yamanouchi Town Shiga Kogen Roman Art Museum is a facility located along the road to Jigokudani Yaen Koen and can be accessed using the bus stop.

The museum is located along the road to the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park and is accessible by bus.

It is also a good place to see the art and artifacts of the museum in the snowy landscape.

Access to Jigokudani Yaen-koen

It takes about 20 minutes by car from Shinshu Nakano IC and about 30 minutes on foot to get to Jigokudani Yaen-koen.

It also takes about 15 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line, and about 30 minutes on foot.

Access via the Nerima/Takaido Interchange in Tokyo, the Nagoya Interchange in Nagoya, and the Suita Interchange in Osaka.

Information and summary of Jigokudani Yaen-koen

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Facility name Jigokudani Yaen-koen
Address 6845 Heiwa, Yamanouchi-cho, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number 0269-33-4379
Approximate budget Adults (18+) ¥800 / Children (Elementary – High School) ¥400
Official Website https:// jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/

Summary

What did you think? In this article, I have introduced the Jigokudani Yaenkoen.

The more we observe them, the more human-like they become.

The more you observe them, the more you can see their human side and the more interesting they become.

Please take this opportunity to visit Jigokudani Yaen-koen.