糖心vlog传媒

You can find all your favorites in the menu
Snow monkeys relax in the hot springs of Yudanaka

Visit Yudanaka, Japan

Visit Yudanaka, Japan

Jump to:

North west of Nagano City lies the fertile valley of the Chikuma River. This region is well known for its fruit farms and in particular apples the size of your palm! Peaches, blueberries and plums also grow in abundance.

At the end of the private Nagano Dentetsu train line is Yudanaka, a hot spring resort which sits perched in the hills intermingled with Yamanouchi town. There are many hot springs here and the most famous is Shibu Onsen at Jigokudani, which is the chosen home to more than one hundred Japanese snow monkeys, Japan's indigenous primate.

Snow monkeys

The park is located in "Hell Valley" so named because of its hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity which all serve to naturally heat the spring waters bubbling through the rocks to form hot spring pools. One of these "onsen" baths is for use exclusively by the monkeys that can be seen bathing throughout most of the year, but especially during the cold winter months, when the air temperature drops below freezing and the valley is covered by a thick layer of snow.

Activities

Nearby Shiga-kogen offers skiing opportunities in the winter and some good walking routes through the summer months.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Tesia headshot

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Yudanaka by contacting one of our Japan specialists

Map of Yudanaka

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Yudanaka

    Photos of Yudanaka

    • Snow monkeys of Yudanaka
    • Autumn Yudanaka
    • Japanese macaques warming up in a hot spring
    • Japanese macaque, Yudanaka
    • Japanese snow monkeys, Yudanaka Onsen
    • Snow monkey, Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka, Japan
    • Yudanaka snow monkeys
    • Yudanaka snow monkey

    Our expert guides to exploring Yudanaka

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Yudanaka, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Yudanaka at its best.

    • Family holidays to Japan
      Snow monkeys of Yudanaka

      Family holidays to Japan

      Family holidays to Japan

      A futuristic and vibrant country, Japan is a destination that appeals to family members of all ages. Safe, clean and with a good infrastructure, there are plenty of ways to explore. Japan specialist, Jake, talks us through how to get the most of your family vacation in Japan.

      7 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Yudanaka

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Yudanaka. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.