AW Travel Blog

Most of us enjoy a long soak in a hot pool on a cold winter’s day, but did you know that monkeys are also partial to a bit of a frolic in hot springs?The world famous Jigokudani wild monkey hot springs in Japan, some 300 killometres north west of Tokyo, are home to about 200 wild monkeys, who naturally migrate to the hot water for shelter during Japan’s harsh winter temperatures. The natural hot springs (or onsen) are in a National Park, adjoining the Shiga Kogen Resort, and are believed to be the only place in the world where you can observe wild monkeys frolicking in hot pools.

Humans are not permitted to soak in the springs alongside the monkeys, but there is a nearby (ryokan) Japanese hotel with hot springs for human travellers. Visiting the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park involves a 30 minute uphill walk to the park, and it is easiest to reach in late spring, summer and autumn. But it’s also worth the effort in winter when snow provides more dramatic scenery with plenty of steam and more monkeys seeking out the warmth of the hot springs.

A day trip is available, which suits travellers on a longer ski holiday but also those on a tighter schedule, which includes a visit to the snow monkeys. The trip departs from Hakuba, and also includes the Masuich-Ichimura Sake Brewery, a wonderfully preserved 240 year old brewery. The tour also visits Nagano City, home to the 1400 year old Zenkoji Temple, a designated national treasure. It is one of Japan’s most revered temples and houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th century.