These Japanese SNOW MONKEYS Bathe in Hot Springs! ???????? | Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, J

Today we’re travelling to Yamanouchi in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture. The mission: to find the snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs!

We visited at the end of summer, so don’t expect any snow, but we did get to see the macaques swimming, grooming, and living their most relaxed lives at the Jigokudani Monkey Park, locally known as Jigokudani Yaen Koen. This park also forms part of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.

This destination is often visited as a day trip from Nagano, however, we opted to spend a couple of nights, so in this video, we’re going to share our ryokan experience, explore the town of Shibu Onsen, and enjoy some hot springs of our own!

So we invite you to hit that subscribe button and join us as we search for Japanese snow monkeys together.

Places we visited in Yamanouchi, Japan
00:48 - Checking into Minshuku Miyama
04:40 - Jigokudani Monkey Park Attempt 1
10:25 - Ramen Tokumi
12:35 - Nagano Apples
14:52 - Nofutomaru Footpath
16:31 - Onsenji Temple
19:27 - Jigokudani Monkey Park Attempt 2
28:06 - Dinner at ryokan
30:20 - Traditional Japanese room tour

#snowmonkey #naganoprefecture #japan

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These Japanese SNOW MONKEYS Bathe in Hot Springs! ???????? | Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, Japan

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We journey to the serene and picturesque Yamanouchi, nestled in the heart of Japan's Nagano Prefecture. Our primary objective: to witness the enchanting spectacle of snow monkeys luxuriating in the natural hot springs at the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park, a site that also graces the expansive Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.

Our adventure unfolds at the tail end of summer/fall. While the typical snowy landscape is absent, the experience is no less magical. We were greeted by the sight of Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, engaging in their daily rituals. They swam with abandon, groomed each other with care, and exuded an air of tranquility, fully embracing the warm embrace of the hot springs. Known locally as Jigokudani Yaen Koen, this park is a haven for these monkeys and a spectacle for visitors.

Our journey to Yamanouchi wasn't just a fleeting visit. Opting for an immersive experience, we chose to spend a couple of nights, delving deep into the local culture and lifestyle. This video chronicles not just the search for the snow monkeys but also our stay at a traditional ryokan, an exploration of the historic town of Shibu Onsen, and our personal indulgence in the soothing hot springs.

We start our tale with our check-in at Minshuku Miyama, a quintessential Japanese inn offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Our first attempt to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park is filled with anticipation and excitement. We then detour to savor the culinary delights of the region, including a visit to Ramen Tokumi and a taste of Nagano's famous apples.

Our exploration continues along the scenic Nofutomaru Footpath, leading to the serene Onsenji Temple. The second attempt to visit the Monkey Park is more successful, offering us unforgettable encounters with the macaques in their natural habitat. The day culminates with a traditional dinner at our ryokan, followed by an in-depth tour of our authentic Japanese room.

Join us as we delve into this unique experience, inviting you to subscribe and embark on this journey with us to discover the charm of Yamanouchi and its famed Japanese snow monkeys.