About Jigokudani Yaen Park
Located in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Yaen Park is the only special tourist attraction in Japan where visitors can observe wild Japanese monkeys bathing in hot springs up close and personal. The park is popular among tourists from all over the world as a place where monkeys can be seen living naturally in the harsh natural environment of the Jigokudani hot springs. In particular, the snowy winter scenery and the monkeys soaking in the hot springs are extremely photogenic and widely known among foreign tourists.
A unique attraction of Jigokudani Yaen Park is the sight of wild Japanese monkeys soaking in the hot springs. This unique habit is very rare in the world, and the sight of monkeys soaking in hot springs during the cold winter months is a sight not seen anywhere else. The monkeys are especially popular during the winter, and the sight of them relaxing with only their faces showing from the hot springs is both adorable and humorous, giving visitors a sense of healing. The contrast between the monkeys and the snowy winter landscape is also beautiful, and many visitors come to the park for the purpose of taking pictures.
Yaen Park is a place where monkeys can be observed living freely in nature throughout the year, and visitors can also enjoy the seasonal changes. In spring, the newly born baby monkeys make their appearance, and their adorable appearance will captivate you. In summer, monkeys roam freely among the trees and are very active. In autumn, monkeys search for food amidst the autumn leaves, and you can see their natural lifestyle up close in seasons other than winter.
The attraction of Jigokudani Yaen Park as a tourist attraction is that, unlike a mere zoo, you can see monkeys living in a completely natural environment. Monkeys live freely in the wild, and since they are not enclosed by fences or cages, you can observe their natural behavior in a natural way. This environment is a very interesting experience for those who are interested in wild animals and for animal lovers.
The area around Jigokudani Yaen Park is also famous as a hot spring resort, where you can relax yourself in a hot spring after seeing the monkeys. There are many hot spring resorts in the neighborhood, and historic hot spring towns such as Jigokudani Onsen and Shibu Onsen, making this area an attractive place to visit for both sightseeing and enjoying the hot springs.
The road to the Jigokudani Yaen Park is another way to enjoy the beauty of nature. There is a 30-minute trekking course leading to the park, which is surrounded by beautiful forests and clear streams. The trekking itself can be enjoyed as part of the experience of being in touch with nature, especially in winter when you will be walking through snow-covered landscapes. Thus, the process of visiting is another element of fully enjoying time spent in nature.
All in all, Jigokudani Yaen Park is a unique tourist attraction where you can enjoy wild monkeys and the beauty of nature at the same time. The adorable monkeys bathing in the hot springs and the seasonal scenery provide a special experience for visitors. For travelers seeking animal observation, nature walks, and healing in the hot springs, Jigokudani Yaen Park is a place well worth a visit.