Jigokudani

Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a canyon containing numerous hydrothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs, most famously the outdoor hot pools where the snow monkeys bathe. Although the monkeys most often bathe in the winter to escape the cold, they enjoy the pools in summer too, just not as often. These riverside pools were originally built for humans, but then the monkeys took over! Nearby Shiga Heights has excellent skiing and more hot springs including outdoor ones that are free of monkeys.