Kiji Yuki

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is the only place in the world where wild monkeys are known to bathe in natural hot springs.

The park is located in the Yokoyu River valley at around 850 metres above sea level, on the edge of Shiga Kogen in northern Nagano.

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The park is around a 30-minute drive from the house and sits just minutes from Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, making it easy to combine skiing and a visit to the snow monkeys on the same day. The area has long been home to troops of wild Japanese macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys, who live here year-round in their natural habitat.

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Since opening in 1964, Jigokudani has become internationally recognised for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors reach the monkeys via a short forest walk, which is especially memorable in winter.