Caution
The Jigokudani Yaen-koen is a facility for observation of monkeys in an environment kept as natural as possible. Therefore our facility is located in a mountain, far from town. Also we have no fences to seclude monkeys from us.
When using Jigokudani Yaen-koen, there are some points that you should be aware of and precautions that you must follow.
Please read this before going out.
Rules For Safe Monkey Observation
1.No feed
Do not show or give them any food.Feeding on one’s own way is strictly prohibited.
2.Do not touch
Monkeys are not pet animals. Do not touch or yell to monkeys. Do not make monkeys nervous. Otherwise you might be terrorized or bite. Especially baby monkeys, they ask help to adult monkeys when they fear for their safety. Never touch them even they are close to you.
3.Do not stare
Do not stare monkeys’ eyes closely. Staring and opening one’s mouth to them mean hostile. Do not get too close to them.
4.Please keep a certain distance
Some curious baby monkeys can be come close to you, in that case please step away from them as soon as possible.
5.No dogs, cats and any other pet animals
No pets are allowed. (Includes guide dog, hearing dog, partner dog and any kinds of animals) *Dogs are the natural enemy for monkeys.
6.Photos and videos
Taking photos and videos is permitted. You may use a flash when taking photos. However, refrain from positioning your camera or smartphone too close to the monkeys when photographing. Placing your camera inside the bath during photography, drone and selfie-stick photography, and other such unorthodox photography methods are prohibited.
 Camera/Smartphone Allowed |  Flash photography Allowed |  Camera in Bath Prohibited |  Selfie stick Prohibited |  Drones Prohibited |
Visitors who fail to follow rules may put themself in a dangerous situation and also cause problems for other visitors around them, and will therefore be asked to leave the park. We ask that you try to think of the monkeys’ point of view, and consider how you would feel if somebody you do not know acted in a rude or uncomfortable manner toward you.
Park staff always do their best to monitor conditions within the park, but they are unable to watch everything at once. If you see another visitor breaking the rules, please remind them of the rules or else inform a staff member immediately.
Clothing and footwear
Wear clothing and shoes appropriate to the weather. We recommend sneakers or hiking shoes in relatively warm seasons, and rubber or snow boots in the winter. Buy simple crampons in advance for a safer and more enjoyable visit in the winter.
Environment Around the Park
- No wheelchairs and carts are accessible in either approach due to unpaved roads, uneven surfaces and steps.
- Many other living creatures are in this area; you must watch out for dangerous animals, insects and plants, such as poisonous snakes, bees or plants with prickles.。
- Refrain from capturing wild birds or animals, and from collecting area insects and plants. Follow appropriate procedures if you do carry out such collecting activities.