Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

by Brianin Japan, Naganoon Posted on

Winter is almost over and Spring is on the way! Bit of a rough winter, got sick twice, once after Singapore and another time in March. Not sure if the pollen season had anything to do with the second time but apparently it does affect many people.

Anyway, after being sick for a good part of the year I was itching to get out and do something. So, on March 22nd I took a one day trip to Nagano via shinkansen to see some snow monkeys! Figured since the snow would be melting soon it was as good a time as any to go see them taking a bath in their famous onsen!

Tokyo Station to Nagano Station via Shinkansen. Feels just like being on an airplane but much smoother and quieter! Each way costs about ¥8800 for a reserved seat (includes trip from Nihon-Odori to Tokyo station).
After getting off the shinkansen in Nagano, I took a shuttle bus to Kanbayashi. This is a view looking up the valley while on the bus. The bus ride cost ¥1400.
The bus drops almost everyone off near this sign which explains the rest of the journey to the monkey park.
On the way to the trail there is Enza Cafe, the last restaurant before you get to the actual start of the trail.
The gift shop at the start of the trail. From here it's about another 30 minutes of walking.
Nice easy walk heading towards the park entrance.
When you get deep into the valley, this is there to greet you. From here it's just a few more minutes of walking to the park entrance.
Finally in the park! Left Yokohama a little after 0730 and didn't get here until about 1130. Quite the journey but I made it!
They do throw feed in the park which is why the monkeys have come to visit this area often.
Weeeee! Rock hopping
Cute!
Monkeys roam free here with no fear of humans.... I'll find out later just how comfortable they are. Most monkeys will walk right by you just minding their own business too
Ooops! caught this one off guard hehe
Short walk up to the (monkey) onsen area
Looking back down the river towards the "human" onsen
Just sun bathing and eating
One of my favorite monkeys hahaha so animated
Little rascals!
Baby butts
Eating and relaxing
meh? haha
King of the rock
Wet butt!
So this sneaky little monkey snuck up on me while I was taking pictures, held my jacket pocket open with one hand, looked at me briefly, then reached in with the other hand to pull out my park ticket! I was in such shock the whole time, especially with the face the monkey made at me while committing the crime. My first instinct was to try to grab it back hahahaha but that was an exercise in futility.... then I remembered, hey, no touching or looking at the monkeys in the eye so I instantly gave up and let him have it. At first he tried eating it and when he realized it wasn't food he just tore it into pieces and then ran away.... I picked up the pieces so as to not contribute to any littering.
A little steam outlet
Ramen and beer at the Enza Cafe on the way out
Another look down the valley from Kanbayashi. From here I decided to walk back down to Yudanaka station. About an hour of walking. but I had time and it was such a nice day.
What a nice house
View looking back up the river and valley
Small little public foot bath
Public onsen at Yudanaka Station
Decided to soak my feet in the hot water for a few minutes! Nice place to just relax, read, or talk story with friends... if you can handle all the strange feet in the water! haha
Train going back from Yudanaka to Nagano
Once back at Nagano Station, I decided to walk around a bit outside.
Then for dinner I went back inside the station to eat some soba and tempura!
Finally, the day was at an end. My train arriving to take me back to Tokyo!

I should be having a few more entries coming up shortly! Sakura season has been in full swing these past couple of weeks and is sadly ending already. Yokohama is even more beautiful this time of year, when it’s not raining and cold. Some other events I’ve signed up to watch for this month and next, a horseback archery tournament in Tokyo, a Doki Doki flea market in Chiba, and a sumo tournament in Tokyo! So lots of pictures and stories to come, stay tuned!

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