Yudanaka

The hot springs resort of Yudanaka located in Hell Valley is home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys. Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Reserve during the cold winter months to see these resourceful creatures keeping warm in their own hot springs bathing pool; stay in a traditional ryokan inn; relax in a bathhouse and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of Shibu Onsen, full of charming historic buildings.

Yudanaka

While the snow monkeys are the star attraction, a visit to historic Shibu Onsen, where traditional yukata or kimono is worn to visit the bathhouses, is recommended. It is also possible to combine a visit here with a skiing vacation at Shiga Kogen ski resort which is just a 30-minute drive away.