Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen-koen

At Jigokudani Yaen-koen, located in a valley at 850 meters above sea level, you can observe up close the globally rare sight of wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs. The sight of snow monkeys relaxing in the hot springs amid winter snow is particularly iconic of Japan and is frequently featured in international media. It's easily accessible from Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen, making it enjoyable to visit the monkeys after soaking in the hot springs yourself.