Jigokudani (Hell's Valley) is a steam-venting gorge in the Shiga Kogen highlands where a troop of wild Japanese macaques has been bathing in an outdoor onsen since the 1960s. Visitors walk a forested 1.6-km trail to reach the steaming pool, where monkeys groom each other, nurse young and sleep — entirely unconcerned by respectful observers. The contrast of pink-faced monkeys in swirling steam against white snowfall is one of Japan's most photographed natural scenes.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Nature
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- December to March (best: January–February)
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- City
- Yamanouchi
Highlights
- ◆Wild macaques bathing in natural hot springs — globally unique behaviour
- ◆Scenic 1.6-km forested approach trail through snow
- ◆Best witnessed January–February during heavy snowfall
- ◆No feeding or touching — fully wild and natural interaction
- ◆Nearby Shibu Onsen village for traditional ryokan stay