Explore the Fascinating World of Japanese Macaques

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, witnessing the wild Japanese macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys, is a must. Observing these enthralling creatures in their natural habitat is a unique experience. Various parks across Japan offer visitors the chance to see these monkeys as they interact, play, and relax in their environments. However, it’s essential to respect the rules in these parks, as the monkeys are highly protected.

Paradise of the Monkeys (Jigokudani Yaen-koen)

This wild monkey park is situated in the Jigokudani valley of northern Nagano prefecture. Notably, it features a large open-air hot spring bath tailored specifically for the snow monkeys. Consequently, many visitors flock here during the winter months to see entire families of monkeys luxuriating in the warm waters.
Location: Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-Gun, Nagano prefecture
Access: From JR Nagano station, take about 50 minutes via the limited express train (Nagano Dentetsu Line) to Yudanaka station. Then, choose either a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen, followed by a 30-minute walk to the park.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Located near the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is home to around 120 wild Japanese macaques living on Mt. Iwata. Visitors can embark on a 15-20 minute hike to the viewing platform at the mountain’s summit. Here, you can purchase park-provided food for the monkeys, ensuring that you follow feeding guidelines.
Location: 8 Arashiyama Genrokuzan-cho Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: A 5-minute walk from Hankyu Line Arashiyama Station or Keifuku Line Arashiyama station, and a 15-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama station.

Mt. Takasaki Wild Monkey Park

Situated between the cities of Oita and Beppu in Oita prefecture, the Mt. Takasaki Wild Monkey Park (Takasakiyama Shizen Dobutsuen) features a vast community of nearly 1,400 wild Japanese macaques. The monkeys roam in a forest on the steep slopes of Mt. Takasaki, delighting visitors with their playful antics in the feeding area.
Location: 3098-1 Kanzaki Oita, Oita Prefecture
Access: A 25-minute bus ride from JR Oita station to Takasakiyama Shizen Dobutsuen-mae stop or a 15-minute bus ride from JR Beppu station.

Takao-san Natural Zoo and Botanical Garden

The famed Mt. Takao monkey park is home to approximately 60 Japanese macaques that visitors can observe up close. Each monkey has a name, and the park maintains detailed family histories to support the species’ preservation. The knowledgeable park docents frequently hold engaging sessions about the monkeys’ lifestyles and the park’s regulations, welcoming visitor inquiries. One entry ticket covers both the monkey park and the wildflower garden, both accessible from Tokyo within an hour.
Location: On Mt. Takao, Takao-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo
Access to Mt. Takao:
By car:

• Chuo Expressway Hachioji IC > National Route 16 > National Route 20 (30 min.)
• Ken-O Expressway Takaosan IC > National Route 20 (5 min.)

By train:

• Keio Takao line, Takaosanguchi station (5-minute walk to Takao Tozan Cable Kiyotaki station)