Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is one of Nagano’s most famous natural attractions and is home to wild Japanese macaques, often called snow monkeys. The park is located in a forested mountain valley where the monkeys live freely in their natural environment. The area is particularly famous for its natural hot spring, where the monkeys are sometimes seen relaxing in the warm water, especially during the colder months. Visitors can walk through the surrounding forest and observe the monkeys from designated paths and viewing areas while enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery. The park offers a unique opportunity to see Japanese macaques behaving naturally rather than in a traditional zoo setting. Depending on the season, travellers may see monkeys playing, grooming each other, searching for food, or simply resting around the valley. The surrounding landscape also changes dramatically throughout the year, from snowy winter forests to lush summer greenery and colourful autumn foliage.