Snow Monkeys of Nagano: Jigokudani Japanese Macaques' 2026 Winter Routine

Zero degrees Celsius. Thick blankets of snow. And a steaming natural hot spring shared by dozens of huddling primates. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Japanese macaques of Nagano Prefecture were spotted performing their iconic winter ritual at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. According to Reuters, these macaques spend long periods resting close together during the coldest days of the season to conserve body heat.

Nagano Jigokudani Japanese Macaques 2026 Winter Ritual

It's not just a tourist attraction; it's a survival mechanism. Nestled in the mountainous region of central Japan, these monkeys have adapted to some of the harshest winter conditions in the country. Their daily routine involves soaking in the thermal waters, often with snow piling up on their heads, creating a scene that has become a viral symbol of Japan's winter natural beauty.

Beyond the Golden Route: Exploring Rural Japan

While Nagano's snow monkeys draw crowds, other regions are also opening their doors to global discovery. Earlier this month, embassy officials from Ecuador, Colombia, Myanmar, and Laos joined a journalist from Taiwan's Global News for a two-day tour of Fukui Prefecture. The tour offered a blueprint for discovering Japan beyond the usual tourist circuits, focusing on authentic regional experiences.