Located near the base of the Joshinestu Kogen National Park, the Jigokudani Yaen Koen (otherwise known as the Snow Monkey Park) is home to a very special troop of monkeys.

Created in 1964, the park was established as a conservation area in which the monkeys - Japanese macaques to be exact - would have a refuge within what was already their natural habitat.

The Snow Monkey Park is a unique place where you can observe the wild monkeys going about their daily lives including the unique behavior of bathing in onsens (natural hot springs).

They are the only troop known to do so, and visitors from around the world have been coming to the park to spend time with the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani.

In winter in venturing to Nagano Prefecture on Honshu in Japan, it may well be the draw of winter sports that is the main feature of a visit.

The Onsens or Spa Baths are also very popular, especially with the Japanese.

All quite atmospheric as the fissures release steam into the air, whilst the visible warm waters can give off a hazy mist among this snow covered picturesque scenic landscape, in what is known as part of the Japanese Alps.

Being on the Pacific Ring of Fire, notorious for its earthquakes and volcanoes there is a fascination of splendour of such natural phenomena-in many ways a winter wonderland.

The snow monkey's

This area is also home to the unique Snow Monkeys of Jigokundai Park who are a hardy bunch.

The colony of Macaque Monkeys are resilient, furry creatures that have a claim to fame of being the farthest North colony of Macaque Monkeys living in a natural environment.

In comparison their cousins in Singapore at the McRitchie Reservoir have a natural habitat assailed usually by heat, rain and humidity.

Whilst at the Batu Cave Hindu Shrine just North of Kuala Lumpur, the colony of Macaque are a cheeky, mischievous, lovable tribe of renegades who are always foraging for food, usually care of the tourists.

From the bus drop off point, it is a short walk to the beginning of the trail which leads up the valley to the Monkey Park.

There is a Tourist Board both in Japanese and English which gives an overview of the locality advising on the route to access the Monkey Park which is approximately 1.8 Kilometres distant.

Dress for the occasion

Be advised that robust footwear is required as variations in temperature can cause the walking surface to be of snow, ice, sludge or a mixture on the trail.

And at the final locations there are potential for slips, trips and falls as a result of steps, slopes and narrowing of the trail at some locations.

One aspect of entrepreneurism is that at the beginning of the trail, robust trek shoes can be rented.

Needless to say, one needs to wrap up well against the cold (if the weather is too severe, the trail will be closed).

Outside of this, if the sun is shining, it is a pleasant scenic walk to the Park at mostly an elevated level in pine forested woods.

Hope for the best – prepare for the worst

That said, "Hope for the Best" (Sunshine), "Prepare for the Worst" (Snow storm).

Whichever, the fresh chilled air is bracing and invigorating which all adds to the adventure. If it does snow, one can guarantee the monkeys will have highlights on their heads!

Upon reaching the final destination, you can observe the Monkeys from a number of locations be they on the slopes, in or around their Onsen or down by the rocky River bed-in all some very good vantage points.

Some areas are fenced off for both safety and welfare reasons-this is to preclude visitors accessing monkey home/refuge, plus some of the valley sides are potential hazards for visitors being steep but be assured accessible areas are well laid out.

My first impression is that of a mining town abutting the snow-covered slopes, rising steam and mist at certain locations, all quite atmospheric and scenic.

Blessed with sunshine on this visit and being an early morning arriving visitor it was pleasant in wandering from one location to another in observing the fascinating antics and behaviour of the monkeys.

Their facial features being quite captivating and for many it is a family affair as the younger simians cling to their Mothers.

Eye to eye

A number of them do like eye to eye contact, no doubt attracted to the lens of the camera (invariably there are some great opportunities for photo shoots where, "every picture tells a story").

Their accentuated faces contrasting with the silhouette of their fur coat quite a fascinating and enduring sight to observe.

The park is subject to certain rules; these include no feeding and not to be in close contact or antagonise the monkeys.

That said, based on personal experience on departing the park, one (no doubt an Alpha male) approaches me, grabs my coat sleeve and starts tugging, he is tugging one way and I am tugging the other.

Fortunately, he eventually and somewhat reluctantly, releases his grip and it is the case of the "great escape"-with the attendant audience that had gathered highly amused by this spectacle.

Those taking refuge in the Onsen are few in number but when immersed are quite content to lounge about in a 24-hour hot tub, what could be more desirable.

Along the valley there are branch pipeline take off points for distribution of the thermal spring waters to the various Spas and Onsens where some of the monkeys are quite happy to be splayed across these pipes, again receiving the benefit of the heat.

One can quite imagine if one leaves the sanctuary of their own Onsen, there is quite a tendency for thermal shock to set in and what better to offset this experience than clinging and seeking sanctuary on to these opportunistic pipelines.

Huddling together

Other family groups are inclined to huddle together, much a collective enclave where Mother takes the lead-they no doubt have it all worked out.

The main incentive in encouraging the monkeys to come down to their Onsen and surrounds is food which is distributed by the Monkey Park staff, who sound an alarm to attract the monkeys.

To the human eye, the rations look quite meagre but then the monkeys are made to work for their keep in searching out the food depositions-all concerned appear to be quite content with this arrangement.

One is left in no doubt that the Park staff are well acquainted with the behavioural tendencies of their charges.

There is a gift shop and information centre on site staffed by personnel who speak English. The Park is open seven days a week and will only close if the weather is too severe.

Take a look

The Snow Monkey Resort website is very informative and has a live webcam :

www.snowmonkeyresorts.com

More information

Though wild, the monkeys come to the park throughout the year, it is perhaps best visited between December and March when snow is usually guaranteed and the snow monkeys love to soak themselves in the cold and heavy snow of winter.

Spring is a time for new babies, summer is lush and verdant, and autumn transforms the landscape into a mosaic of red, amber and gold as leaves turn before the return of winter.

Opening hours are:-

April to October: 08.30 to 17.00

November to March:09.00 to 16.00

Entrance fees are at the time of writing:-

• Adults: 800 Yen. (18 years and above).
• Children: 400 Yen (6 to 17 years old).
• Infants:(5 years and under are free of charge).

Travel in Japan

As regards travel in Japan, long distances are best accommodated by air or train.

Having travelled extensively by train in Japan, a Japanese Rail Pass represents very good value as it covers certain classes of the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), whilst most of the arterial lines are covered by the Pass.

Undertaking such an option, it allows one to capture and discover the scenic beauty of Japan, along with its culture.

www.japanrailpass.net/en

For accommodation, there are a range of options available both in and around Nagano, a choice from Hotels, Ryokans,

Guest Houses, Apartments, B & Bs, and Hostels.

A good Website that accommodates a varied choice of accommodation is Trivago, which price and facility comparisons.

www.trivago.co.uk

Tripadvisor gives greater insight in to the Nagano region; attractions, restaurants, etc.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

Useful links

​ www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/smr/snowmonkeypark