Yudanaka

Yudanaka Onsen is home to some of Japan's most famous residents: the onsen-bathing monkeys. For many foreigners, Japan's snow monkeys are right at the top of their travel bucket list � and they are sure to delight children, who will love getting up close to watch them enjoying their bath. Unfortunately you won't be allowed to join them, however cold it is! Be aware that there is a one-hour walk to the monkey's spring, and paths are not suitable for most buggies/strollers.

“Having seen countless pictures of baby monkeys over my first two years at InsideJapan Tours, I couldn't wait to visit them in person on my first ever visit to Japan. I certainly wasn't disappointed! Though there was no snow in September, these monkeys are worth the trip whatever the weather.”

We normally wouldn't recommend visiting a place called Jigokudani (translation: Hell Valley), but we'll make an exception here. The Jigokudani Monkey Reserve, Yudanaka's biggest attraction, is the home of Japan's famous "snow monkeys" - a community of Japanese macaques who have learned to stave off the bitter cold of winter by bathing in the area's natural hot spring waters.

The pool where the monkeys bathe is located about an hour's walk along winding mountain paths snaking through the forest. Be aware that in winter these can be very icy indeed! It is also worth noting that, although the monkeys can be seen all year round, there will only be snow on the ground during wintertime.

Yudanaka itself is a small, sleepy hot spring town with plenty of traditional wooden buildings and a healthy collection of bathhouses (no monkeys allowed!). There's not a huge amount to do in the area - but if you're staying in one of the town's lovely ryokan inns this will be something of a blessing!

Yudanaka makes an excellent extension to a skiing holiday in the popular ski resort of Hakuba, around 2.5 hours' drive from town. Though day trips run frequently from the resort, we recommend spending the night so you can enjoy the experience of staying at a traditional inn. And if you get up early, you'll be able to reach the monkeys before the tour buses arrive! Yudanaka is also an excellent base from which to explore the Shiga Kogen ski resort, which is located just 30 minutes away by road.

Accommodation
Weather & Climate

Recommended Accommodation in Yudanaka

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Yudanaka.

Weather in Yudanaka

The Climate Guide for Yudanaka, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	0	1	5	13	18	20	24	26	21	15	9	3
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	-8	-8	-5	1	6	11	15	17	13	5	-1	-5
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	4	5	6	6	6	5	5	6	4	4	4	4
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	15	14	14	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	None	None	Low	None	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	25	22	21	17	17	20	22	20	20	16	17	22
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	54	56	72	93	116	195	197	168	195	103	73	49
UV Index (Maximum)	2	3	5	7	9	10	10	10	8	5	3	2