Best Hotels for Jigokudani Monkey Park

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Witnessing the wild Japanese macaque of the Yokoyu River Valley is one of the great bucket list items for sightseeing in Japan. The macaque — or snow monkeys as they're more widely known — are the most northerly non-human primates in the world, inhabiting the cold and snowy mountains of what used to be called "Hell Valley" due to the steep cliffs and rising steam of the hot springs.

The snow monkeys fascinate zoologists and tourists alike for their propensity to bathe in the hot springs during winter, best seen between December and March. The best hotels for Jigokudani Monkey Park all have hot springs and are a short drive away. Some of these are chic twists on classic Japanese accomodation, others are more traditional, offering intimate adults-only getaways.

For a chic luxury ryokan

• Aburaya Tousen is a small luxury boutique hotel perfect for couples journeying to Jigokuani Monkey Park because the hotel offers free transportation. Near a railway station and framed by enchanting mountains, it's a stylish modern twist on traditional Japanese relaxation. There's a whole floor dedicated to hot spring baths, private dining rooms in the restaurant, karaoke, and elegant rooms with tatami-mat flooring and traditional futons.

For something more traditional

• Senjukaku is the hotel closest to Snow Monkey Park, just a 15-minute drive away. A more traditional ryokan, this elegant hotel offers an insight to Japanese culture; set amidst beautiful gardens with mountain views, and offering rooms with tatami flooring, low tables and seating cushions. The restaurant serves seasonal, authentic Japanese cuisine. There's an art gallery showcasing Japanese art, and of course, hot spring baths to unwind in after a day tracking the snow monkeys.

For a romantic getaway

• If you're looking for a romantic getaway near Snow Monkey Park, Fujiiso is the one to book. This adults-only mountain hideaway is only a 45-minute drive away and offers a communal hot spring bath and private onsens in the traditional suites. The peaceful, alpine landscape has inspired artists over the centuries and it's easy to see why: the hotel stands among trees in a quiet village on the mountain, best seen from the privacy of your balcony. Perfect for couples!

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best hotels in Nagano Prefecture
• Or the best hotels in Japan's national parks
• Alternatively, expand your search to see 10 of the Best Ryokans in Kyushu or the 11 Best Ryokans in Kyoto
• Or contact one of our Gurus for bespoke advice.

  • Aburaya Tousen Yamanouchi (Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun) 9 rooms from $409

    
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    Total relaxation  -  Complete with onsens and a spa, this is the perfect place to unwind in the mountains

    Wildlife Area  -  Learn about Japan's iconic snow monkeys at the nearby Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park

    Groups  -  Larger rooms with multiple beds make this a top spot for a family or group trip

    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to the vast Buddhist temple of Zenko-ji, just an hour's drive away

    

    A small boutique luxury property boasting spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Choose from traditional Japanese or chic contemporary rooms. Find a whole floor dedicated to various kinds of hot spring baths for the ultimate relaxation experience. A spoiling stay. See More

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  • Senjukaku Yamanouchi 34 rooms from $340

    
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    Museums  -  Visit the Hokusai Museum in the historic town of Obuse, featuring paintings and wood-block prints by famed ukiyo-e artists

    Romantic Break  -  With traditional suites offering private hot spring baths,this is a romantic spot for a quiet couples' hideaway

    Wildlife Area  -  Take the forest trail from the hotel to the Snow Monkey Park and spend the day spotting native macaques

    Back to Nature  -  Surrounded by mountains, this hot springs retreat is a charming back-to-nature experience

    

    This charming hotel neighbours Snow Monkey Park in Senjukaku. The elegant, Japanese-style rooms have traditional tatami flooring and a low table with seating cushions. Soak in the hotel's natural hot spring baths after a day tracking the macaques on the park trails. See More

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  • Fujiiso Nagano Prefecture 19 rooms from $625

    
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    Views  -  Take in the mountains of Joshinetsu Kogen from the open air bath (fed by waters from the hot spring)

    Total relaxation  -  Take a dip in the soothing waters of the onsen and enjoy their therapeutic powers

    Hills & mountains  -  Be blown away by the gorgeous horizons of the Joshinetsu Kogen mountains

    Groups  -  The largest rooms can sleep up to five so are ideal for small groups

    

    Far from the bustle of Takayama city, Fujiiso offers inviting, traditionally styled rooms with tatami mat floors and stunning views of the mountains; the best feature balconies and suites have a private onsen. Fresh local cuisine and a communal onsen too. A tranquil alpine retreat. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Monday, 12th August 2024