Jigokudani - when to visit?

Hi,

I read that the monkeys only appear near the onsen during the winter season.

During this season when will a visit be worth it? Only in the snowy months (Dec-Feb) or also in November/March?

I read that the monkeys only appear near the onsen during the winter season.

Where did you read that? It is not correct! The monkeys hang around the onsen and park the entire year. Even in summer.

During certain times of the year, they may be up in the mountains, though. For example, I remember visiting early in the morning in autumn, and we were told that the monkeys won't descend to the park until later during the morning.

If you like monkeys, a visit is worthwhile at any time of the year. If you want to see the "snow monkeys" in a wintery scenery, then you better visit between December and March (best in January and February).

The monkeys are more likely to enter the onsen pool during the winter months.

Thanks for your reply!

Somehow I had the imagination that they only appear when it's cold enough.

Happy to hear that they also come down to that area even if it's not snowy.

^.^

Lisa,

If you could try to time your visit when there is snow in the area.

IMO Jigokudani is best visited late December? During first snow. The scenery is beautiful, the weather is not as cold as in deep winter.

In winter the smell of monkey poop is less noticeable.