Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in northern Nagano in the valley of the Yokoyu River, which originates in Shiga Highland, located in Joshinetsu Highland National Park. The climate is harsh and the land is covered with snow nearly 1/3 of the year.
There is steam rising from the ground throughout the valley which prompted ancient people to call it “Jigokudani” (the valley of hell). It is, however, a paradise for monkeys and it is a place where many troupes of monkeys have lived since ancient times. The valley and hot springs are loved by people from all over the world, as well as by many monkeys (snow monkeys).
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Paradise of the Monkeys) official website