Yudanaka Onsen
13 tours available
Why Visit Yudanaka Onsen
Yudanaka Onsen is a quiet hot-spring town in Nagano's Yokoyu River valley, best known as the base for visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park — the only place in the world where wild Japanese macaques soak in natural hot springs. Watching snow monkeys bathe in steaming pools surrounded by winter snowfall is one of Japan's most iconic wildlife experiences.
Beyond the monkeys, Yudanaka itself is a charming onsen village with a 1,350-year bathing history. Traditional ryokan line the narrow streets, many with their own private rotenburo (open-air baths). The surrounding Shiga Kogen highlands offer hiking in summer and skiing in winter, making this area rewarding year-round. It's the kind of slow-paced, authentically Japanese stop that balances perfectly with big-city sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (December – March) — The classic snow-monkey season. Macaques cluster in the hot springs when temperatures drop, and snowy backdrops make for unforgettable photographs.
Autumn (October – November) — The Yokoyu valley turns brilliant with foliage, and monkeys are active without the winter crowds. A quieter, equally rewarding visit.
Spring & Summer — Monkeys are present year-round (though less likely to soak in warm weather). Summer offers hiking in Shiga Kogen and a cooler mountain climate.
Insider Tips
- Arrive at Jigokudani Monkey Park early in the morning for fewer visitors and the best chance of seeing monkeys bathing peacefully.
- The trail to the park is about 1.6 km — wear sturdy shoes, especially in winter when the path can be icy and snow-covered.
- Stay in a ryokan with a rotenburo (outdoor bath) — soaking under the stars in the mountain air is the quintessential Yudanaka experience.
- Don't make direct eye contact with the monkeys or show food — they're wild animals and park staff enforce strict rules to protect both visitors and macaques.
Tours Visiting Yudanaka Onsen
Alpine Wonders of Central Japan ~June to October~
Alpine Peaks Meet Ancient Streets
12-day alpine tour (June–Oct): Mt Fuji, Kamikochi hiking, Shirakawa-go, and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route through Japan's mountainous heartland.
Alpine Wonders of Central Japan ~April to May~
Spring-Only Spectacle: Tateyama Snow Wall
12-day spring alpine tour (Apr–May): Mt Fuji, Kamikochi, Shirakawa-go, and Tateyama's famous 20-metre snow corridor. A seasonal spectacle.
Hakuba Tsugaike & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Standard Room Plan
14-day ski tour at Hakuba Tsugaike and Zao with Snow Monkey Park. Intermediate-friendly slopes, hot spring stays, and Shinkansen transfers.
Hakuba Misorano & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Premium Room Plan
14-day ski tour at Hakuba Misorano and Zao: upgraded resort rooms, Snow Monkey Park, and onsen stays. Shinkansen and luggage delivery included.
Hakuba Wadano & Shiga-Kogen with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel ＆ Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel Plan
Ski Hakuba and Shiga Kogen's legendary powder, visit Snow Monkey Park, relax in Yudanaka Onsen, and explore Tokyo on this 14-day self-guided Japan tour.
Shiga-Kogen & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel ＆Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
Ski Shiga Kogen and Zao, visit Snow Monkey Park, see famous snow monsters, and explore Tokyo on this 14-day self-guided Japan ski tour.
Hakuba Tsugaike with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Resort Inn Marion Shinano ＆ Yudanaka Onsen
Ski Hakuba Tsugaike's powder and visit Snow Monkeys in hot springs. 11-day tour with stays at Resort Inn Marion Shinano and Yudanaka Onsen.
Hakuba Misorano with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Hotel Oak Forest ＆ Yudanaka Onsen
Ski Hakuba Misorano's powder and visit Snow Monkeys. 11-day tour with stays at Hotel Oak Forest and Yudanaka Onsen. Shinkansen included.
Hakuba Wadano with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel ＆ Yudanaka Onsen
Ski Hakuba Wadano's powder and visit Snow Monkeys. 11-day tour with stays at Hakuba Tokyu Hotel and Yudanaka Onsen. Shinkansen included.
Shiga-Kogen with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel ＆ Yudanaka Onsen
Explore Shiga Kogen's powder snow with 6 days of skiing, visit Snow Monkey Park, and enjoy Tokyo. Includes Shinkansen, ryokan stay, and luggage delivery.
Hakuba Ski & Popular City Journey
Gear Included for Easy Skiing
Ski Hakuba with gear included,see snow monkeys in hot springs, and explore Kanazawa, Kyoto & Hakone.13-day Japan winter tour with luggage delivery service.
Japan Winter Journey with Ski and Cities
Gear Included for Easy Skiing
9-day Japan winter tour: ski at Shiga Kogen with gear included, see snow monkeys, and explore Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
Signature Japan Experiences & Scenic Stays
Fuji Tea Culture, Seki Blade Craftsmanship & Snow Monkey Encounters
Stay in Tokyo, Shizuoka, Inuyama, Takayama, Yudanaka Onsen, Tokyo
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13 tours