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Winter wildlifeAnnual · best when snowy

Jigokudani Snow Monkeys

Wild macaques soak in a steaming hot spring while snow falls around them.

December 2026 to February 2027SeasonDecember 2026 to February 2027
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Jigokudani Snow Monkeys

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Yosemite / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

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December 2026 to February 2027Season
Nagano, JapanWhere it happens
Only placewild monkeys bathe in hot springs
Viewing advice

The monkeys visit the spring most reliably in deep winter; a mild, snowless spell thins the scene.

The best time to see Jigokudani Snow Monkeys in 2027 is December 2026 to February 2027. Timing status: Season.

At Jigokudani in the Japan Alps, wild Japanese macaques bathe in a natural hot spring through the winter. It is the only place in the world to see it, and a fresh snowfall makes the scene.

Jigokudani Snow Monkeys: Headshot of a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) at Jigokudani Yaen Kōen, Japan
Photo information

Jigokudani Snow Monkeys

Photo
Frank Schulenburg
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Cropped

Where to see it

These are the spots that catch it best. Tap one to see what's worth a trip nearby.

Cosmic events during this window

Cosmic events that peak while this season is on, so one trip could catch both. Meteor showers show the moon, since a dark sky is what makes them.

Related natural events

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Frequently asked questions

When is Jigokudani Snow Monkeys 2027?

Jigokudani Snow Monkeys 2027: December 2026 to February 2027.