Advertisement
Travel & Experiences

Offbeat Traveler: Jigokudani Monkey Park

By Michael Robinson, Los Angeles Times When I lived in Chicago, a hot shower always made me feel better about winter, even if I wasn't sure why I lived in a place where I couldn't feel my toes after a short trek through the snow. So I understand the joy Japanese macaques must feel when they get a chance to step out of the cold and hop into the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, about 150 miles northwest of Tokyo.


By Michael Robinson, Los Angeles Times
When I lived in Chicago, a hot shower always made me feel better about winter, even if I wasn’t sure why I lived in a place where I couldn’t feel my toes after a short trek through the snow.

So I understand the joy Japanese macaques must feel when they get a chance to step out of the cold and hop into the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, about 150 miles northwest of Tokyo.  (Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP/Getty Images)

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Park admission costs 500 yen, about $6. It is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in winter, and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in summer. Visitors are likely to see more of the monkeys in the hot springs in winter.  (Hiro Komae / Associated Press)

Travel & Experiences

More From the Los Angeles Times

Advertisement