Nagano is a predominantly mountainous prefecture, and it has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. During winter, it is one of the most sought-after locations for winter activities. But apart from winter activities, there is something else Nagano has to offer: snow monkeys. And for Miyagi, another prefecture boasting amazing natural views, it is home to foxes. For this article, I will introduce to you two special places where you can have a closeup view of snow monkeys and Ezo foxes, two animals indigenous to Japan!
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑) is a park where visitors can witness Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. It is located in Yamanouchi in the prefecture of Nagano, and is also part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park (上信越高原国立公園). It is one of the most popular animal parks in the region, and people from all over the world flock here to watch their simian counterparts in the wild.
I have never seen these monkeys before. As a former travel agent, I remember how the park is a regular item in almost every group tour by any travel agency, so, ironically, I have been selling group tours to the place despite never been there myself (on top of never being to Nagano before, either). Back in February this year, I finally got to see the monkeys. My journey started from Nagano Station (長野駅), where I took an express bus heading towards Kanbayashi Onsen (上林温泉), a hot spring resort before the park. Upon reaching the bus stop, it was making my way to the snow park all on foot.
Kanbayashi Onsen. | ©上林ホテル仙壽閣
When I reached the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park bus stop, it was full of local and foreign visitors. I knew how popular the park was, and I liked the idea of many people walking towards the same destination. Little did I know that the walk to the park was more intensive than I anticipated. The walk is estimated to take around 35 minutes, but personally, I think it depends on the walker. Moreover, the path to the park is slippery too so proper winter footwear is a must.
When reaching the park, visitors will witness the Jigokudani Valley. It is worth spending a few minutes here just to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature here, before making their way up to the park. They can even see a few snow monkeys frolicking here, even before reaching the park.
Snow monkeys were everywhere when I entered the park. Freely climbing the stony hills and traversing the river below, they seemed to have a fun time roaming the entire sprawling park. Jigokudani (地獄谷) means hell valley in Japanese, which is a common name for many places in Japan with volcanic activity. And when there is volcanic activity, that means sulphur is plenty and that means hot spring.
One important announcement for visitors, however: they are not allowed to come in contact with any of the monkeys. They can be easily provoked, and they like to take people’s stuff without warning. Taking photos is fine, although not with flash.
I had a fun time at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Getting to see monkeys up close is something I do not get to do very often, and it was fun to see them having fun themselves. This place is a must-visit for anyone planning to visit Nagano, especially in winter.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑)
Address: 6845 Yamanouchi, Shimotakai, Nagano 381-0401
Access: 40-minute bus ride from Nagano Station (長野駅)
Miyagi Zao Fox Village
For visitors who fancy watching foxes in the flesh, they can make a trip to Miyagi Zao Fox Village (宮城蔵王キツネ村) where Ezo red foxes, also known as kita-kitsune (北狐) and indigenous to Hokkaido, roam the compound. The village is located in the city of Shiroishi in Miyagi prefecture, and visitors might be interested to know that there is a train station named JR Shiroishizaō Station (JR白石蔵王駅) that bullet trains stop at, making it quite easy to access from other cities.
First-time visitors to the village, beware: a huge gorilla is waiting for them at the entrance! This gorilla claims to be a guardian deity that oversees the village.
Visitors should also take note of the advisory when entering the Miyagi Zao Fox Village. Like the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the foxes are easy to provoke so visitors are reminded to maintain a safe distance from them at all times. Photo-taking is allowed, as long as it is without flash. And, hand warmers are strictly forbidden inside the compound; they can cause death to the foxes.
Seeing foxes up close is a novel experience for me. Foxes can only be found in regions with temperate climates, so people such as myself from a tropical country like Singapore do not get to see foxes back home. I have only seen them on television, and I can say that seeing them in person (and hearing what they sound like, especially) is an eye-opener.
Of course, Miyagi Zao Fox Village does not have only Ezo red foxes. There are other rare breeds as well, such as silver foxes, blue foxes, platinum foxes, shadow foxes, and cross foxes. There are more than 100 of these six breeds in the village, and it is the only one in the world where an entire compound is dedicated to raising only foxes.
On the way out, visitors can check out the souvenir shop selling everything themed after the foxes. One of the most adorable items on display was the plush toy; I imagine that this is something that would melt the hearts of many visitors!
I did not know that a quiet city such as Shiroishi would have a village of foxes. It is quite a serendipitous find, and just one of the many surprises that Miyagi prefecture holds. The village is definitely for fox fans, or those wanting to make discoveries about Miyagi prefecture. It is a surprise that I am glad to know about.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village (宮城蔵王キツネ村)
Address: Kawarago-11-3 Fukuokayatsumiya, Shiroishi, Miyagi, Japan 989-0733
Nearest station: 30-minute bus ride from Shiroishizaō Station (白石蔵王駅)
JR 東日本鐵路周遊券（東北地區）
The JR 東日本鐵路周遊券（東北地區） is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It’s only ¥30,000, making it a considerable option for rail travellers. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to a month in advance for free on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR東日本鐵路周遊券（長野&新潟地區）
The JR東日本鐵路周遊券（長野&新潟地區） is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It’s only ¥27,000, making it a considerable option for rail travellers. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to a month in advance for free on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
Header image credit: JR East / Nazrul Buang
