Jigokudani

Jigokudani is a scenic valley located in the Yamanouchi District of the Nagano Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan. The name "Jigokudani" is derived from the Japanese words "Jigoku," meaning "hell," and "dani," meaning "valley." This refers to the valley's appearance, with hot springs and geothermal activity creating a landscape reminiscent of volcanic regions.

The main attraction of Jigokudani is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, also known as the Hot Spring Monkey Park, which is home to over 100 Japanese macaques, including their offspring. These macaques are born in the park and have become a popular tourist attraction, as visitors can observe them bathing in the hot springs and engaging in various behaviors.

Visitors can hike to the park through a variety of trails, including a 2 km path leading to the monkey park. The site also features several other attractions, including the Jigokudani Valley, Hells Valley, a scenic viewing platform, and a few walking trails.

The Yamanouchi District and the town of Yamanouchi have many traditional Japanese inns and pensions. Many of these offer accommodations and support the local economy. The area is also known for its rich natural environment, offering many outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Jigokudani is a conservation area, protecting both the natural landscape and the resident monkey population. It is also an important cultural and historical site, as Japanese macaques have been the subjects of scientific research and anecdotally observed social behavior. In 2010, the area was one of Japan's leading monkey managors where conservationists kept an eye on the fixing activities.