Jigokudani Monkey Park tour: baby macaques & forest walk

Walk into the forest, watch the monkeys, then wander Shibu Onsen's maze of old streets

This tour from Nagano takes you on a scenic 2km forest walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you observe wild macaques in their natural habitat for 50 minutes—from May, newborn babies are often visible. After the park, your guide leads you through the historic back alleys of 1,350-year-old Shibu Onsen, then stops at Tamamura Honten brewery (closed Sundays) and Koku-gonji Temple before returning to Iiyama or Nozawa Onsen around 5:40–6 PM. The walk to the park is unguided; the guide joins you for Shibu Onsen and provides information during the drive. As these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed, especially in October and November.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snow Monkeys and Historic Town Visit

• Drive through scenic orchards
• Walk 2km along forest trail
• Observe macaques in park for 50 minutes
• Visit Tamamura Honten brewery
• Explore Shibu Onsen with guide
• Visit Koku-gonji Temple
• Return to Iiyama and Nozawa Onsen

The Experience

The day starts with a scenic drive through orchards before you reach the trailhead. The walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park is 2km along an unpaved forest trail lined with majestic cedar trees—a 30-minute immersion into Japan's pristine nature with no guide narration. You may encounter monkeys on the trail before the park entrance; the operator recommends heading straight into the park first to maximize time at the main hot spring area where the macaques gather. Once inside, you have 50 minutes to watch the wild monkeys relaxing in their natural habitat. From May onward, you may spot adorable newborn babies. Keep in mind these are wild animals—their appearance is not guaranteed, and sightings drop significantly during October and November mating and harvest seasons.

After the park, your guide rejoins you for the next leg. You'll visit Tamamura Honten, a brewery established in 1805 with over 220 years of sake and craft beer heritage; part of its 150-year-old wooden structure now houses an art gallery where you can taste and shop. The brewery is closed Sundays and New Year's holidays. Next comes Shibu Onsen, a 1,350-year-old hot spring town where your guide leads you through maze-like back alleys designed to showcase the town's historic charm without getting lost. The stone-paved streets, traditional wooden ryokans, and retro game parlors create a nostalgic atmosphere—and keep an eye on the rooftops for local wild monkeys scurrying across them. The town is famous for its nine communal onsens; if you want to bathe, the main onsen, O-yu, costs ¥800. Most shops close Wednesdays.

The final stop is Koku-gonji Temple, established in 825 AD, home to sacred spring water and 1,000 cherry trees. You'll return to Iiyama around 5:40 PM or Nozawa Onsen around 6 PM, depending on your pickup point and traffic. The entire tour is 4.5 hours. Your guide speaks English and provides information during the drive and in Shibu Onsen; the forest walk and park visit are self-paced. The vehicle is air-conditioned with WiFi on board. No luggage space is available—use coin lockers or storage at Iiyama Station tourist information center. You'll need to arrange your own rain gear if weather turns.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• Jigokudani Monkey Park entry tickets.
• guided walks through Shibu Onsen's back alleys.
• stops at Tamamura Honten brewery and Koku-gonji Temple.
• English-speaking guide for the drive and Shibu Onsen portion.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by IXSM Travel

Is this one for you?The 2km forest walk and 2km Shibu Onsen tour require moderate fitness and comfort with unguided hiking; if you prefer narration throughout or have difficulty walking for an hour total, a private tour option may suit you better. The tour works well for travelers who want to observe wild macaques in their natural habitat without a crowded guided experience inside the park, though animal sightings are never guaranteed.

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Top questions

What's the walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park actually like?

The walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park is 2km along an unpaved forest trail through majestic cedar trees, taking about 30 minutes. It's unguided, and you may encounter monkeys on the trail before reaching the park entrance. The operator recommends heading straight into the park first to maximize your 50 minutes observing the macaques at the main hot spring area.

Will I definitely see baby monkeys on this tour?

From May onward, you may spot newborn baby macaques, but sightings are not guaranteed since these are wild animals. The probability of seeing monkeys drops significantly during October and November due to mating and harvest seasons, so timing matters if seeing babies is your priority.

What exactly happens in Shibu Onsen?

Your guide leads you through the historic back alleys of Shibu Onsen, a 1,350-year-old hot spring town, following a route designed to showcase its charm without getting lost. You'll see traditional wooden ryokans, stone-paved streets, retro game parlors, and local wild monkeys crossing the rooftops. If you want to bathe, the main onsen O-yu costs ¥800; most shops close Wednesdays.

Is the brewery visit included, and when is it closed?

Yes, Tamamura Honten brewery is included in the tour. Established in 1805, it produces award-winning sake and craft beer; part of the 150-year-old wooden structure houses an art gallery where you can taste and shop. The brewery is closed Sundays and New Year's holidays.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

You'll need to arrange your own rain gear if weather turns. No luggage space is available in the vehicle, so use coin lockers or storage at Iiyama Station tourist information center. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 2km forest walk and the 2km walking tour through Shibu Onsen. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

What time do I get picked up and when do I return?

Pickup is at either Iiyama Station or Nozawa Onsen, depending on which option you choose. Return to Iiyama is around 5:40–5:50 PM, and return to Nozawa Onsen is around 6–6:30 PM; both times are subject to traffic and weather delays. The bus departs strictly on time, so be ready at least 5 minutes before departure.