Located at an altitude of 850 meters in the Yokoyu River valley, sourced from Shiga Kogen in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, this is a world-famous facility for observing Snow Monkeys. In this harsh environment where snow covers the ground for nearly a third of the year, visitors can watch wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs up close. The park gained international fame when it was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1970, and attracted many foreign visitors during the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Since then, these monkeys have been affectionately known worldwide as Snow Monkeys. The park has a dedicated hot spring pool for the monkeys, and from December to March in winter, visitors can enjoy watching the monkeys soaking in hot springs amid snowy scenery. However, since the monkeys use the hot springs as a way to cope with harsh winter cold, they may not enter the water on warm days or during summer. Also, since this facility attracts monkeys through feeding, there are days when no monkeys appear at all, especially in autumn when their behavior becomes more active and irregular. Across from the park is the Shibu Jigokudani Geyser, a National Natural Monument that shoots water up to about 20 meters high. Due to the terrain with slopes, steps, and stairs, wheelchair and cart access is not possible. Pets are also not allowed, including service animals. Advance ticket reservations are not accepted - purchase on-site only.