Snow Monkeys of Japan | Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Japanese Snow Monkeys, or Japanese Macaques, are native to the mountains surrounding Nagano and Nozawa Onsen.
One of my biggest goals while traveling Japan was to visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park - a place where the local group of snow monkeys come down from the mountains in the winter months to soak in the natural hot springs of Jigokudani Yaenkoen Park.
The Japanese Macaque or "snow monkey" is a monkey species native to northern Japan, and is the most northern-living non-human primate, surviving winter temperatures of below -15 °C.
Watching the snow monkeys in the hot springs and in their natural environment was one of the coolest and most unique travel experiences of my life!
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For more snow monkey information, including travel details Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park prices and hours, please visit www.tourist2townie.com/
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TRAVEL DEEPER.

[@abeilleify]

What a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing your dream with us. As always, I love how genuine you are.

[@GarethLeonard]

Melissa Kramer that means the world to me, thank you!

[@6983kp]

What a beautiful goal to accomplish! Thanks for taking us with you to do so!!!! Absolutely gorgeous scenery, monkeys and life in general!!!!😍❤️🥰

[@emaldonadokpcr]

Just as you said many years before this... one day I will go see them. Thanks for sharing

[@lynnkoepke3402]

I love your videos ... actually teared up watching this one lol. I also remember looking at photos of snow monkeys when I was younger and telling myself I was going to see them one day! I will make my first visit to Japan next month!!! Thank you so much this was awesome.

[@pinkelephant2363]

Thank you for visiting this place. This is my hometown. I was born and grew up in this area. I have lived in US for years and have not been back there for a while. Thank you for making such a beautiful video of my monkey friends!

[@SlutForInstantNoodles]

Seeing them all huddled together like that was so adorable, thank you for sharing your experience with us!

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

I have been binge watching your videos since I discovered them this Sunday evening. (It's August 15, 2021.) Love you genuine natural approach while filming such interesting monkey stuff.

[@denisebrashears1552]

You're quite lucky! You should be very thankful that you got to experience something like that especially if it was on your bucket list. Good for you. Unfortunately, I can only experience it through KZbin through a favorite photographer of mine and his shots and he follows these beautiful monkeys and their stories for several years and that's how I visit the snow monkeys. I enjoy it just the same. God bless the both of you for bringing me this beauty. Thank you for sharing.

[@dakotina3774]

I found your channel only yesterday looking for videos about Japan. I can't praise you enough for the quality of your videos, this one is extraordinary. Can't wait to see more from you, you really convey your enthusiasm!

[@GarethLeonard]

I really appreciate it Dakotina, thank you!!

[@jennifermossotti5858]

This was everything. I loved this so much! I am so happy you had the chance to do this and for sharing with us!!! Your travels are inspiring. Next time bring one home.

[@GarethLeonard]

Jennifer Mossotti thank you! Now go to Italy already!! lol

[@cocotube888]

Good job on this episode; the music, filmography(literally), editing, everything. Keep going forward.

[@smartbabby]

My fav. Video!!! Perfect music and editing on the monkeys. I love how you just talk to them like they will speak back to you. lol

[@edcasabar]

Gareth, your passion for travel is wonderful. It shows up in your ending comments about making this trip a reality for you, as well as your attention to detail and more cinematographic quality to your travel videos. As the Japanese say, Ganbatte! 頑張って!

[@lucianafr]

Omg! I LOVED this video! I got even emotional! Nature is just fantastic!!! ❤️

[@fmartin3046]

This was one of the best videos I’ve seen. The snow monkeys were amazing! Thank you Gareth. You made my day and uplifted my soul & spirit.

[@GSBundling-iv9cs]

That must of been so amazing to see. Wow are planet is just, I have no words to describe- nature makes me feel!!!!

[@marksaunders7567]

So loved seeing this video!! Brought back so many fantastic memories of doing this exact trip last year. Awesome adventure. Loving your videos of Japan, one of my favourite places in the world.

[@TheKayaklover]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your videos. I have travel extensively myself but have not been to Japan yet. I also gotta be honest with you, watching YOU on the videos is the icing on the cake. You are a beautiful man. CONGRATULATIONS and may the Universe bless you with much health to continue exploring this amazing planet .!

[@alisalauzon6454]

HahaNarnia..awsome!! They are fortunate to have got springs for winter time!Thank you for going to Narnia in the cold to share with us!! Very cool what do they eat in winter time?

[@ziyaadkajie7197]

Loved all your vids on Japan! Stayed in Tokyo for New years period earlier this year, also got to take trip up to see the snow monkey park, one of my top highlights of the trip! Keep up great vids, such inspo for travel!

[@douatchivu6490]

You are too cute and funny! I'm considering a trip to Japan, which is how I stumbled upon your channel. Extremely helpful and entertaining. Thanks for the adventures. Looking forward to tagging along for more!

[@berityoung9307]

You had me captivated with anticipation the moment I started the video! Amazing!

[@lillydejesus9510]

Wow that was unbelievable thank you for sharing that. I like how they protect each other. one off the bucket list good job

[@itsyaboililleo491]

I got to go there in summer but i feel like it would be a totally different experience seeing it in winter so thank you

[@Biklar]

Beautiful and heart-warming video. Highly enjoyed watching!

[@zkai_hobby]

Now this will be on my checklist. Thanks for the video! :)

[@benburns5995]

Gareth, what a great video of the Snow monkey park. You were able to capture some really great footage. It is amazing that the monkeys don't freeze when they leave the hot springs and go out into the snow.

[@ahrulered]

Amazing, man, Just amazing. Keep up dreaming and achieving, dude! You're living the kind of life I aspire to have.

[@GarethLeonard]

Khamarul Ammar BS thank you! If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly.

[@mittsunmitsuo2274]

Ur video is really beautiful. I'm in America now. This video make me miss Japan😭

[@neimarguerra]

Awesome!! It's definitely a place to visit when visiting Japan. Thanks for sharing.

[@issecret1]

Love your attitude about excitement

[@juandealima569]

Just subscribed today! I like your videos and I think I found what to binge watch on weekends! Kudos!

[@valentine806]

So nice, I just added Japan Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to my Bucket List - Thanks !!!

[@HotInTheCity]

This is one of my goals, too. Beautiful video.

[@csaichandra110831]

Awesome video, that slow mo of small fluffy monkey at the beginning was sooo cute!! So sad that this video did not get much likes compared to views

[@Bruce-ip2it]

Just chilling

[@sidneisantos8294]

Japan is amazing!

[@cagnazzo82]

Lol, the music and the sound effects sounded like an JRPG for some reason, haha. This is one of the coolest videos I've ever seen btw. Surprised it was uploaded just today. Thought I just stumbled on something from years ago. Annddd... subscribed.

[@GarethLeonard]

Legendary Saiyajin thank you so much!

[@taurusspirit4811]

awwwwh those babies are so cuuute! :3 ♡ what a great experience dude

[@QTJoe]

I just found your channel and have been binge viewing. You deserve many more subscribers! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. :D

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much Christian, I really appreciate it! Hopefully we will increase the subs in due time.

[@FlorenciaE]

Awesome video glad you achieved your goal!

[@dantevelez531dv]

Wow this is amazing.

[@ArielleChristine]

Absolutely priceless. Absolutely beautiful ♥️

[@clintwood6257]

My Partner and I visited that same place in 2014. I didn't know that not all the monkeys are allowed in the water. It's reserved for just select families.

[@Shemz87]

Another reason I want to go to Japan now 😍

[@ahndee]

Great top quality content man

[@darrenfletcher1238]

love your videos B) awesome btw

[@Msbabyblue130]

This video makes me so happy! I'll be in Japan in Nov and will definitely make this a bucket list! Thank you! :)

[@GarethLeonard]

Happy to hear that Jessica! Enjoy your trip!!

[@denisehowse5381]

I’m traveling to Japan for the first time in May and wasn’t sure if the snow monkey trek would be worth it as I figured it would be crammed with tourists. I’m guessing going first thing in the morning is best as I didn’t see anyone else around you.

[@senorgato70]

Do you always travel solo? I love the videos so far. Just found your channel tonight and am doing a marathon-watch of your work!

[@wincarlysramos6548]

Wow is this real? I'm really impressived. It's a magic place. I'm your new subscriber. Greetings from Venezuela.

[@eyeswideopen935]

you're like "what's up, boss" HAHA! 😻🙈

[@user-oc9lz1vy6s]

こういう景色好きだなあ

[@rayshellyohansen4196]

well shot. well edited. I really enjoyed that.

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you so much Rachel!

[@idamelin]

that was great!

[@xAA7]

The ending reminds me of when I went to zoo for the first time and I was shocked by how many animals had sex, even the tortoises haha

[@GarethLeonard]

xAA7 haha, I try to incorporate some of their moves in my love life. 😂

[@Mk1x1]

Very nice! Happy to see that you were able to see the snow monkeys yourself. I hope that I can go to Japan one day as well. I find the scenery in Japan beautiful and calming. If possible, can you answer my question in your previous video? Thanks!

[@abbeystump]

Great experience.....

[@verodc]

love this video !! thanks for sharing

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickandhelmi]

Wow the snow was crazy when you went there gareth :0

[@kentan9475]

Paradise

[@tudoepossivel4332]

Talented, very talanted even ... adding to favs

[@GarethLeonard]

Thank you!! 👍🏼

[@carolbeatricenebit3733]

Hello. Great video! What month was it when you filmed this video? Planning to go there this December too. Hope I might see snow like you did as well

[@korpakukac]

Great video, nice spirit :) You deserve a lot more subs, you got one more at least for now :)

[@GarethLeonard]

I'll take it! Thanks so much for watching.

[@sebatonin]

Beautiful

[@lordvi-leagueoflegendsmont9779]

Hope to see more good videos like that good video

[@joshuabryan319]

hi new subscriber, been watching some of your older videos, do you find that we come back from your travels that food (from that country) that you find in the US doesn't compare to what you had, or do you have tricks that uou use.

[@ducpham88]

I love this place too, can you guys who've been here can tell me what is the best time to visit.. is it winter ?

[@biglick3996]

amazing content!!!!!

[@sparkblessedbe]

I feel your after thoughts bro. I, too, had a wonderful experience meeting the snow monkeys. Did you watch the award winning PBS documentary on them? In your video above, you met Kuro-san (the Alpha male), the main character of the documentary. You had also met Tokkuri 92, the mother of Hiro. Kuro-san left the troop recently 😞 and Tokkuri 92 became the oldest surviving member of the troop. I really enjoyed your video, thank you so much! 👍👏

[@fitzy-jackgeorge2575]

Awesome video Gareth! Love the quality of all your videos. What kind of camera or equipment are you using? The snow monkeys 🐒 are soooo cute!! You have accomplished your goal to see them. Well done!! Wish I could see them too one day!

[@IanValeroMartz]

Great video! I’m wich month did you go? It was really snowy

[@jodylake4498]

Awesome video! Just wondering what month did you go in?

[@RiniWijaya]

Of all your videos about animals, this one is the cutest one. May I know when did you visit Jigokudani? Is it Dec or Jan?

[@familyfunfactory01]

AWESOME!!!! That's all i can say!! :-) Thanks for taking me there..xo

[@michaelmccauley14]

Raise the cats to bbq them later

[@tinatorres9973]

B) loved it

[@misguidedghosts2812]

The ending tho lol anyway, subscribed!

[@GarethLeonard]

Haha, thank you!!

[@alisalauzon6454]

I just did,it's 2018 tho.

[@cowok1979]

Dear leonard It's a very good vlog!, I just wondering when did you take this video? And Also how many pools inside this park? only 1?

[@annahsmith913]

Omg cute

[@Chr.1995]

Amazing video by the way Would love to see them in the wild

[@GarethLeonard]

Christopher 95 thank you! It was truly incredible to see!

[@usmclongrangebrainsurgeon]

Hey Gareth, I am going to Tokyo in 2 weeks and plan to be there for 3 weeks, would you recommend taking a bus to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or should I hire a car? I am a solo traveller so any tips are appreciated. Kind regards

[@luuchoo93]

Great video. Do you think it’s still worth exploring in the Spring?

[@laquan7678]

Love you.

[@codesertik890m]

Omg this is awesome & #nice job

[@GarethLeonard]

Cheers!

[@maonaconsciencia2504]

at a loss B) top quality

[@goldrum27]

My husband and I are going to visit my son in Japan in Sept. I do not know anything about Japan and have been trying to learn as much as I can so we can make the most of our 3 week trip. We are thinking going to Tokyo, Osaka, Hokane, Hiroshima, Matsumoto, Kyoto. My son lives in Mineyama so we will go to Osaka first. Do you have any recommendations? There is a waterfall I want to see but I still need to find where it is. Great video. So glad to hear it was well worth it. Thank you

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for the comment, and I'm happy to hear of your trip. I only had three days in Kyoto and one full day in Osaka, so I wouldn't be much help (other than the Osaka street food video I will publish in two weeks and all of the Kyoto content). I spent almost two months in Tokyo alone, so if you need any advice there, please don't hesitate to email me directly.

[@goldrum27]

+Gareth Leonard thank you

[@bajlandia2025]

Wow ! So nice monkeys! I love such kind of video:) animals are fine really, do they bite ?

[@GarethLeonard]

No, they mind their business. I think they are used to people around, as long as you keep your distance and show respect.

[@MRStechno7979]

Nice

[@maiarg2483]

Love it dude. Even the.music was perfect..in the.midst. of it..it seemed like a bbc earth program great editing. More power

[@komsornsriyupoom7934]

Good Video

[@missrandomreads]

What month was this taken?

[@aliabdollahi1640]

GOOD VEDIO

[@Nic_Aster]

What the hell happened on the bus? :-) Damn! I keept thinking about that!

[@n123nk]

come to Laos next time :)

[@langmac3811]

Omg.

[@monkeytv2651]

woo!!!!!!!!! very cool here why all them to live here? I don't understance a bout them

[@edwinmiao3383]

Isn't it summer in Japan right now?

[@hanyhany5906]

:P awesome btw

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks Hany!

[@LosAnggraito]

Dude I feel like your channel is gonna blow up soon, your editing and artistic vision is top notch 👍 have you heard of Exploring With Josh? He's a travel KZbinr but he's home in New England right now. Maybe yall can collab

[@nenisyahrir4510]

Snow monkey👍👌😎💪