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>Hey, Nagano is where we’re headed today! It’s about 100 minutes away from Tokyo on the Shinkansen. We’re going to the Snow Monkey Park, where you can see the wild monkeys soaking in hot springs. And we’ll be staying at an Onsen Ryokan where you can bathe with the monkeys. We’ll buy a “Snow Monkey Pass” at the Nagano Dentetsu train ticket office. This pass covers unlimited rides on the Nagano Dentetsu Line and buses for two days, as well as admission to the Snow Monkey Park. The price is 3,600 yen (27.6 USD / 25.6 €) per person. Head to the East Exit of the train station to get to the bus stop. The bus stop is number 23 or 24🚌. There are English-speaking staff at the train stations, bus stops. Most people going to the Snow Monkey Park are visitors from outside. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the Snow Monkey Park bus stop. The Snow Monkey Pass is written in English and Japanese. Wow, it’s snowing more and more. Beautiful! Thanks for coming along on the journey~! The temperature now is – 2 °C (28.4 ℉). You’ll need winter clothes like coats, hats, and gloves. It might be a good idea to put grips on your shoes to prevent slipping on the snow. It’s a 35-minute walk from the bus stop to the Snow Monkey Park. That’s quite far. I’ve never lived in a place where it snows a lot, so I’m excited. Does it snow where you live? This is a free parking lot for passenger cars. There’s the last bathhouse. There are no toilets along the way from here to the Snow Monkey Park. It’s a café. They sell ice cream, but I wonder if anyone will eat it. We’ve arrived at the entrance of the monkey park. Is it still 1.6 km to the Snow Monkey Park?! I’m getting tired… From here, the road becomes a mountain trail. It’s a cliff and I’m scared!! Sometimes the trail is slippery. It’s getting hotter because it was tough to climb the mountain. We’re worried that we might get lost in the mountain, but it’s a relief to come across someone. So beautiful!! I didn’t know snow could be this beautiful. Oh, this is the ryokan where we’ll be staying today. Let’s go in later. We’ve arrived at the Snow Monkey Park! It’s called “Jigokudani-Yaen-Koen” in Japan. Check the requirements for visitors and let’s go. The admission fee is 800 yen (6.13 USD / 5.60 €), but if you have a Snow Monkey Pass, you don’t have to pay the admission fee. In the park’s waiting area, there’s also a restroom, a water dispenser, and a souvenir shop. Wow, we found a monkey right away. Hello! It’s so cute. These monkeys are wild. You’re not allowed to touch, feed, or show them food. They eat food provided by the park staff, such as vegetables, leaves from the mountains, and secure food. They take turns. Amazing. Wow, there are so many monkeys. That’s the hot spring source where the monkeys bathe! In the company of monkeys, looking and opening your mouth towards them means hostility. Be careful not to make eye contact with a monkey. It’s nice how it/he is clinging to a pole. Oh, it’s a baby! How adorable! There are so many monkeys soaking in the hot springs! The monkeys live deep in the mountains and only bathe in the hot springs in winter to defeat the cold. Here, you can observe the monkeys all year round. But if you want to see the monkeys in the hot springs, it’s recommended from December to March. Parents and children are swimming together. It’s so lovely. Big Brother: “Let’s take a bath together!!”. None of them took a bath. Leaving already? It looks cold. Taking another shower😂 haha. On the back, a mother is carrying her child. Every year, baby monkeys are born from the end of spring to the beginning of summer (the end of April to the end of June). The winter baby monkey is getting a little bigger. A social care festival. Sometimes they start fighting unexpectedly. No bath for you? It looks human-like. Now let’s take a bath with the wild monkeys. Let’s go to the ryokan. There it is! The ryokan is a 2-minute walk from the Snow Monkey Park. The ryokan has an open-air bath and wild monkeys also come, so if you’re lucky, you can bathe with them. Here it is. “Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan”. It looks like a house. In fact, the couple owners have been living here for a long time. Take off your shoes at the entrance. Monkey souvenirs are on sale. This inn has been a family-owned property since 1864🏨. It’s a historic building. There are hot springs and baths here. We’ll see that later. Let’s go to our room for today. “No. 3”. There are 13 rooms in this ryokan, and the structure of each room is different. This is a Japanese-style room with 12 tatami mats. A table and floor chairs (zaisu). Tea set. Room key. “Japanese association for medicinal bathing sources. Medicinal bathing source box. Winter in Nagano is so cold that we can’t survive without heating. Electric kettle. Old-fashioned heating. In the cupboard, there are yukata jackets, yukata, and towels. The futon beds are already laid out. There’s a table and a chest of drawers in the back of the room. It’s quite cold in this space. We’re not allowed to open the windows as the monkeys will enter. It’s a beautiful room.” Arriving at Snow Monkey Park

Getting to Snow Monkey Park

To get to Snow Monkey Park, you can take the Nagano Dentetsu train line and the bus. A Snow Monkey Pass is available, which covers unlimited travel on the Nagano Dentetsu line and buses for two days. From the eastern exit of the train station, you can find the bus stop to Snow Monkey Park. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes to reach the park entrance.

Admission and Accommodation at Jigokudani Korakukan

Jigokudani Korakukan is the closest hot spring inn to Snow Monkey Park. They offer accommodation options for visitors, including meals and access to the open-air baths. The admission fee for Snow Monkey Park is 800 yen, but if you have a Snow Monkey Pass, you don’t have to pay the admission fee. The ryokan offers a family atmosphere and has a long history. You can enjoy the hot springs and, if lucky, even bathe with the snow monkeys.

Interacting with the Snow Monkeys

Bathing with the Snow Monkeys

One of the unique experiences at Snow Monkey Park is the opportunity to bathe with the snow monkeys. The monkeys come to the hot springs in the winter to warm up, and visitors can observe and even join them in the onsen. It is an incredible opportunity to see these wild animals up close and in their natural habitat.

Observing the Monkeys in their Natural Habitat

Apart from bathing with the snow monkeys, you can also observe them in their natural habitat. The park provides a safe environment for the monkeys to roam freely, and visitors can witness their natural behavior. It’s an excellent chance to learn more about these fascinating creatures and see how they interact with each other and their surroundings.

Monkeys in the Open-Air Bath

The open-air baths at Jigokudani Korakukan are a popular spot for the snow monkeys. They come to the hot springs to warm up and relax, just like the human visitors. You can watch as they climb into the water and enjoy it while observing their behavior. It’s a unique sight to see, and it’s a reminder of how similar these creatures are to us.

Monkeys at the Entrance of Women’s Bath

At Jigokudani Korakukan, there is a separate open-air bath for women. However, it’s not uncommon to find monkeys at the entrance, especially during the colder months. These curious creatures may be attracted to the warm water and the human activity. It’s essential to be cautious and follow the staff’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Visiting the Co-ed Open-Air Bath

For those who prefer to bathe together, Jigokudani Korakukan also offers a co-ed open-air bath. This is another opportunity to observe the snow monkeys up close and share the same space with them. It’s a unique experience that allows for a deeper connection with these incredible animals.

Unique Features of Jigokudani Korakukan

Frozen Room and Lack of Wi-Fi

One unique feature of staying at Jigokudani Korakukan is the frozen room experience. The ryokan prides itself on providing an authentic and immersive winter experience, including sleeping in a room that is kept at a lower temperature. This frozen room concept adds to the overall ambiance and allows guests to truly feel a part of the winter landscape. Additionally, it’s important to note that the ryokan does not offer Wi-Fi, allowing guests to disconnect and fully embrace the tranquil surroundings.

Table Tennis as Entertainment

Jigokudani Korakukan offers various amenities and entertainment options for guests. One popular choice is table tennis. The ryokan provides a table tennis room for guests to enjoy a friendly game or two. It’s a great way to spend some time indoors while engaging in a fun and competitive activity.

Dinner at the Ryokan

The ryokan offers dinner as part of the accommodation package. The meals at Jigokudani Korakukan are prepared with ingredients gathered by the owner in the surrounding mountains. Vegetables and mushrooms play a significant role in the dishes, creating a unique and delicious dining experience. From potatoes to sweet potatoes to tempura, the menu offers a variety of options to suit different tastes. The highlight, however, is the rare dishes like Fasule Kurakake, zenmai, fake acacia, and other uncommon foods that add an element of surprise and excitement to the culinary experience.

Delicious and Rare Dishes

The homemade food at Jigokudani Korakukan is known for its exceptional taste and quality. From the boiled vegetables to the omelette and salad, every dish is carefully prepared to provide a delightful dining experience. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients adds to the overall flavor and makes each bite a true delight. One notable mention is the brioche with Boronice and peach jam, a combination that perfectly balances sweetness and tanginess. The peach jam, in particular, is a crowd favorite, as it adds a burst of flavor to the meal.

Enjoying the Hot Springs at Night

After a satisfying dinner, guests have the opportunity to relax and unwind in the hot springs. The ryokan’s open-air baths are open at night, allowing guests to enjoy the experience under the tranquil night sky. Surrounded by nature and the peaceful sounds of the water, it’s the perfect way to end the day and rejuvenate both the body and mind.

An Enchanting Morning

Cold Temperatures and Beautiful Scenery

Waking up in Nagano during the winter season means being greeted by cold temperatures and breathtaking scenery. The air is crisp, and the landscape is covered in a pristine blanket of snow. It’s a magical sight that sets the tone for the day ahead.

Close Encounters with Morning Monkeys

As the morning sun rises, the snow monkeys that spent the night in the mountains make their way to the park. Observing them during this time offers a unique chance to witness their morning rituals and interactions. Whether they are grooming each other or simply enjoying the surroundings, it’s a heartwarming experience that highlights the beauty of nature.

Breakfast at Jigokudani Korakukan

Jigokudani Korakukan provides a delicious breakfast to start the day. The owner prepares a variety of dishes, including an omelette, salad, Japanese boiled vegetables, brioches, and a selection of homemade jams. The breakfast menu is designed to provide a balanced and satisfying meal, ensuring guests have the energy to embark on their day’s adventures.

Conclusion

Recap of the Unique Experience

Visiting Snow Monkey Park and staying at Jigokudani Korakukan offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. From observing the snow monkeys in their natural habitat to bathing with them in the hot springs, each moment is filled with awe and wonder. The ryokan’s unique features, such as the frozen room and lack of Wi-Fi, add to the overall charm and allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the winter landscape. Additionally, the delicious meals and peaceful hot springs provide a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Pricing and Overall Satisfaction

The price for admission to Snow Monkey Park is 800 yen. Accommodation at Jigokudani Korakukan, including dinner and breakfast for two people, is priced at 38,250 yen. It’s essential to note that prices may vary depending on the season and room type. Overall, guests at Jigokudani Korakukan can expect a highly satisfying experience, filled with unique moments and exceptional hospitality.

In conclusion, a visit to Snow Monkey Park and Jigokudani Korakukan is an enchanting journey into the world of wild Japanese monkeys. The opportunity to interact with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat and enjoy the traditional Japanese hospitality at the ryokan is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re observing the monkeys in the open-air bath or indulging in the delicious meals, every moment is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, grab your swimsuit and embark on this extraordinary adventure at Snow Monkey Park.

Snow Monkey Park is a park in Nagano, Japan where you can observe wild Japanese monkeys. It’s a popular tourist spot, especially in winter when you can see the monkeys soaking in hot springs🐒♨️

If you want to stay close to Snow Monkey Park, I recommend Jigokudani Korakukan, a hot spring inn. They have open-air baths where you might get lucky and bathe with the monkeys! This ryokan has a long history and a cozy, family atmosphere. It was truly amazing to take a bath with a monkey right there. I had never been so close to these incredible animals before!

Most people are familiar with the famous snow monkeys, but not many know that you can actually bathe with them in hot springs. At Korakukan, you can enjoy the hot springs even if you’re not staying overnight, until 3:00 pm. So make sure to check it out! Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!

💻Here is the official website of Snow Monkey Park for more information.

🗒You can also follow Snow Monkey Park on social media: YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

💻Here is the official website of Jigokudani Korakukan.

✅You can make a booking for Jigokudani Korakukan on their English-only booking website.

🗒You can also follow Jigokudani Korakukan on social media: YouTube and Facebook.

🚶‍♀️Here’s how to get to Snow Monkey Park: it’s a 35-minute walk from the bus stop called “Snow Monkey Park”.

MAP: [Insert Map Link]

💰The Snow Monkey Pass costs 3,600 yen (27.6 USD / € 25.6) per person.

💰The accommodation fee at Jigokudani Korakukan is 38,250 yen (295 USD / € 271.6) for two people, including dinner and breakfast.

*Please note that prices may vary depending on the season and room type.

🚃If you plan to travel around Japan by rail, consider getting a JAPAN RAIL PASS. It’s a convenient and economical way to travel!

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*The prices mentioned in the video are based on the exchange rate at the time of editing.

*Prices may change depending on the season.

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Japanese Onsen Ryokan Where You Can Bathe with Snow Monkeys🐒♨️ | Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park | ASMR