The Home of Hot Spring Monkeys in Love with the World

The only place in the world where you can see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs
Welcome to Snow Monkey Town.

In this beautiful mountainous region of Nagano Prefecture, you can see adorable monkeys soaking in hot springs in the snowy landscape at the Jigokudani Yaen-koen. The four seasons of nature, soothing hot springs, cultural experiences, and the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort make this a destination that offers something new and exciting each time you visit.
We invite you to experience Japan's profound nature and wildlife.

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    【Winter 2026】MONKEY SHOW

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    Featured Location: Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

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    Featured Location: "Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit"

    Featured Location: "Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit" 🐒 We've installed our service at Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit, conveniently located just a short walk from Nagano Station's Zenkoji Exit! …

Live Snow Monkey

Hot springs, and the warmth of the wild.
Visit the daily lives of the monkeys in Jigokudani Yaen-koen in real time!

Japan's highest peak at 2,307m

The highest ski resort in Japan, Yokoteyama-Shibutoge ski resort in Shiga Kogen, with its summit lift terminus reaching 2,307 meters above sea level, is filled with the overwhelming attraction of "skiing at the highest altitude in Japan" that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the highest ski resort in Japan

Shiga Kogen, Japan's highest ski resort.

Shiga Kogen (Yokoteyama and Shibutoge areas) is very famous as the highest ski resort in Japan in terms of elevation, which is the pride of Nagano Prefecture!

Its highest elevation is 2,307 meters.

It is truly called "a ski resort above the clouds," and its greatest attractions are its excellent snow quality (silky powder snow) and spectacular panoramic views. It is also characterized by its long operating period, which can be enjoyed from mid-November until around Golden Week.

🌨️ top quality snow quality

Even at the lowest point, the elevation is maintained at 1,330 meters. You can always enjoy dry and light powder snow.

📅Long Season

From late November to early May. High elevation allows for long-term skiing.

☀️ clear skies are high

Often above the sea of clouds, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Northern Alps.

🌍Worldly Rarity

High altitude run at 2,307m is rare in the world. The added value of being within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Shiga Kogen UNESCO Eco Park
A miraculous mountain paradise where nature and people live together

Through tourism and community activities in harmony with nature,
A place to protect, nurture, and connect to the future.

Shiga Kogen has been recognized by UNESCO as an "eco-park (biosphere reserve)" as a place where a rich ecosystem and people's lives coexist.
The area still preserves precious nature such as virgin forests of beech and birch, seasonal alpine plants, beautiful marshes and lakes, and Japanese serow and wild birds.
Visitors can not only view but also feel nature with all five senses and spend a special and memorable time here.

Snow Monkey Town welcomes monkeys and the four seasons

Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort

Check out what's happening on the slopes! We will bring you the latest snow scenes and conditions.

Shiga Kogen Nigori-yu Onsen

A secluded hot spring with milky white water. You can refresh your body and mind in this healing space surrounded by nature.

Twilight Night Tour

Enjoy the fantastic tree ice on the silent slopes. Take the Pisten Cabin to the summit for a special evening experience.

Tour of out-spa baths in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsenkyo

Yudanaka and Shibu Hot Spring Village is one of the best hot spring resorts in Shinshu, boasting a 1300-year history. In particular, the "Yakuyaku Tour of Outdoors Hot Springs" in Shibu Onsen is a popular experience that allows visitors to visit nine outdoors hot springs to pray for good health and to ward off evil spirits.

Sukagawa Soba, Yamanouchi Town

The Sukagawa area of Yamanouchi Town is blessed with clean water and a climate with a wide range of temperatures, and is famous among those in the know for its soba (buckwheat noodles). The handmade soba noodles made by local craftsmen using techniques passed down from generation to generation attract many people with their aroma and smoothness.

How to get into Japanese Onsen

A relaxing stay that blends in with nature

Issa no Komichi Biyu no Yado

This Japanese-style ryokan is proud of its onsen (hot spring) with a hot-spring guardian who insists on 100% free-flowing hot-spring water. It boasts 1300 years of history and is home to a famous hot spring that was loved by the famous Kobayashi Issa.

YUDANAKA
BREWERYCOMPLEX U

A 7-minute walk from Yudanaka Station. This complex has a craft beer brewery, a restaurant where you can enjoy meals while looking at the tanks, sweets made by our resident pastry chef, rooms with private hot spring and sauna, and a select store.
*Video Introduction

Shiga Palace Hotel

Located at an elevation of 1,700 meters, the hotel is a ski resort in winter and a base for hiking and sightseeing from spring to fall, offering the charm of Shiga Kogen throughout the year.

Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigakogen

There are two types of sources, and the cloudy white water changes its color from white to green depending on the temperature and humidity.

Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel

Located in front of the Yakebitaiyama ski resort in Shiga Kogen, this resort hotel offers overwhelming convenience with direct access to the slopes and superb powder snow.
The hotel consists of three differently styled buildings (East Wing, South Wing, and West Wing), where you can fully enjoy winter sports and seasonal scenery while admiring the magnificent natural surroundings.

Hotel Grand Phoenix Okushiga

This luxury hotel is located in Okushiga Kogen, at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. As a highland resort from spring to fall and a ski resort in winter, it offers a stay surrounded by rich nature and tranquility in each of the four seasons.

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is a city hotel with the convenience and high quality hospitality of being directly connected to JR Nagano Station.
With calm guest rooms and a full range of restaurants, the hotel supports a comfortable stay for both business and sightseeing.
As a base for sightseeing in Shinshu, this high-grade hotel can be used with peace of mind.

Yokoteyama and Shibutoge Ski Area

2307m All-season resort at the highest point in Japan

Hokushin General Hospital

Hokushin General Hospital is always there for you. Please do not worry if you fall ill while traveling. Even if you use our hospital, we can provide continuous medical care in cooperation with medical institutions near your residence.
*Video Introduction

Tanabe Sports

In business for over 50 years, this specialty store offers ski equipment all year round, and every floor from the 1st to 4th floor is filled with ski equipment.

Snow Can

Smooth rentals are available via online booking. Our extensive lineup caters to a wide range of needs, from beginners to advanced users.
※Video Introduction

Hi HAPPY

Recommended Menu
Shiga Kogen Sandwich

Our menu features a wide variety of items, including our signature Shiga Highlands Sandwich—a generous 12-inch (30cm) sandwich—along with our Happy Curry featuring aged pork loin cutlet, our highly acclaimed miso ramen series, and desserts.

THE ROOFTOP DINING

Located at the summit station of the Higashidateyama Gondola in Shiga Kogen, this is truly a restaurant in the sky. Its special location at an elevation of 2,000 meters creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a mountain resort in the European Alps.

Sukitei

This luxurious Japanese restaurant offers the indulgence of tasting "Shinshu Beef Raised on Apples," born from the rich nature of Shinshu. Its charming Japanese-style exterior, evoking a sense of history, invites visitors into a world beyond the ordinary.

JR East

Take the JR East Hokuriku Shinkansen and connect to the express bus from Nagano Station for the fastest and most comfortable route from Tokyo to the Snow Monkey Village. Enjoy a special journey to this healing hot spring destination while taking in the snowy scenery from the train window, all while traveling affordably with Tokudane tickets from Ekinet.

Contact Us

For inquiries about Snow Monkey Town, please feel free to contact us on line at