Jigokudani Monkey Park

Spend time quietly watching Japanese macaques in the snow. Jigokudani is not inside the Shiga ski area: it requires a separate journey and walk after leaving the plateau. This is not a hot spring for people to bathe in. Wild monkeys and bathing behaviour are not guaranteed; do not touch, feed or approach them too closely.

The official access guide gives an approximately 35-minute walk from the Kanbayashi Onsen side. The unpaved route has slopes, steps and uneven ground; bring warm, slip-resistant winter footwear and equipment suited to the surface. Wheelchairs and carts cannot use the path. The shortcut from the paid car park via Shibu Onsen closes in winter. Allow for the round-trip walk and your return bus rather than following a summer route.

Winter opening hours are November–March 9:00–16:00; April–October 8:30–17:00. The operator asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing, with changes possible for weather or monkey behaviour. December–April priority for WEB-ticket holders is a different seasonal window from the opening-hours definition.

From 2026-12-01, general gate admission is ¥1,000 for adults aged 18 or over and ¥500 for elementary through high-school students. General WEB tickets are ¥880/¥440. Children under 6 accompanied by a guardian are free under the announcement. Do not carry the previous ¥800/¥400 into winter prices. Check purchase method, age eligibility, discounts and your visit date on the official site.