Jigokudani translates into English as “Hell's Valley,” but Jigokudani Park doesn't contain the fiery pits you might imagine. Instead, the park offers the unique chance to observe wild monkeys relaxing in a natural hot spring. The monkeys that live here are Japanese macaques, sometimes known as snow monkeys because they are the only non-human primates to live this far north. The monkeys are quite accustomed to humans, but visitors are not permitted to touch or feed them. The park is open all throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the winter months when the ground is covered with snow.
381-0401 Nagano Prefecture, Shimotakai District, Yamanouchi, Hirao, 6845, Phone: +8-12-69-33-43-79