Snow monkeys
Don't miss the famous snow monkeys enjoying bath time at Yudanaka Onsen.
Japan's most famous primates are the 'snow monkeys' of the Jigokudani hot springs near Yudanaka Onsen. To escape the chill of winter, the monkeys love to play in the natural hot spring baths. It's a fantastic spectacle; unperturbed by humans and their cameras, whole families of monkeys eat, wash, splash around and even have snowball fights.
When to go: While there's only snow on the ground at Yudanaka Onsen in winter (December to March), helped by the lure of food the monkeys play around the hot springs all year round.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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Japan in the winter is a magical destination, blanketed in snow and free from the crowds that throng the cultural hotspots in summer.
Winter Highlights
From incredible snowy landscapes and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the myriad attractions of the winter season on Japan's two largest islands.
Tour Gallery
Other Winter activities experiences
View more >Igloo building
Take a break from the Niseko slopes and learn how to build your very own igloo.

Snow rafting
Fly across the slopes in an inflatable raft attached to a snowmobile. Sound like fun?

Backcountry guide
Detach yourself from civilisation for the day with your own expert private backcountry guide.

Snowmobiling
Give your legs a rest and let the snowmobile do all the work, providing full throttle fun through Niseko backcountry and woodlands.