Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi town is world-famous for its wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) that soak in open-air onsen pools, but the autumn season adds a spectacular leafy dimension to the experience. The 2-kilometre forested trail leading to the park turns vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow in October, framing the steam-wreathed valley in seasonal colour. The monkeys remain active and highly photogenic throughout autumn, often playing in the warm pool water beneath colourful canopy. Combined with a stay at a nearby Shibu Onsen ryokan, this offers one of Japan's most memorable autumn travel experiences.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid-October to Mid-November
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- City
- Yamanouchi
Highlights
- ◆Wild snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs year-round
- ◆Forest trail ablaze with autumn maple and beech foliage
- ◆Steam rising from geothermal pools against autumn colour backdrop
- ◆Combine with historic Shibu Onsen ryokan for a full autumn retreat
- ◆Accessible by bus from Nagano Station via Yudanaka